1 week Ago By [email protected] (Lauren Davidson)
A Grimsby church "for those who don't do church" putting the needs of the community first and welcoming people from all walks of life has grown its congregation from just five people to 250 people in three years. St Mark's Church on Laceby Road had declined so much within the last 20 years that it had just five people who attended its Sunday service - but thanks to one vicar with a vision, there are now 250 people who attend services and groups at the church, including many young people. Matt Rodgers took over the building three-and-a-half years ago and has helped to build a vibrant and thriving network of people of all ages and backgrounds who use the church.
Every week, the building hosts a baby and toddler group, youth group and a variety of church services to suit a range of preferences. Speaking to Grimsby Live, Matt said it has been "so encouraging" to see St Mark's Church come to life again. "We relaunched it three-and-a-half years ago and have seen a huge amount of growth," he said.
Reverend Matt Rodgers at St Mark's Church, Grimsby (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) "St Mark's has been there for 75 years and it's got a history of being a very vibrant, alive and active church, but it hit a bit of a low point in the last 20 years. There was a very small congregation of five people that met here on a Sunday, but we've been able to grow that to 250. "We do church for those who don't do church and we've really been able to reconnect with the community.
One of the key factors of the growth is people inviting other people. People have felt almost embarrassed in the past to have a faith, but now people are more open to talking about faith and are not embarrassed to say to someone, 'come with me to church'. I really like that.
"It doesn't matter what they believe or whether they've been to church before or not, people feel very free. I've been amazed at how many people come in who don't necessarily call themselves Christian but they find the experience rewarding. I've heard from people that it feels like family and coming home.
" There are a variety of services and groups at the church (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) Matt said there has been a surge nationwide in young people attending church services. According to statistics , just 4% of 18-24 year-olds said they attended church at least monthly. This figure has risen to 16%, with young men increasing from 4% to 21%, and young women from 3 to 12%.
"Our reach is really wide and we cater for people aged from 0 to 90. We're making sure we're accessible to young adults because of the tide turning nationally, which has been so good to see," Matt said. "When we reach younger generations, older people have followed, so we haven't excluded anyone.
What it's created is a really cross-generational church. We have new people every week. People seem to be more open again spiritually and open to what the Christian faith offers.
" Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter When asked how it feels to step back and see how far the church has come, Matt said: "There are times we stop and look back and think, 'wow'. We realise we're actually having a real, genuine impact. Sometimes I stop during a service and see all these faces and see how far people have come, and I see so much growth in them as a person and their journey and faith.
"I stop and think, 'this is absolutely worth it'. It's a real joy. Even if the church had grown by a third of what it has, it would still be worth it.
"Everyone is welcome. No matter who you are, we want the church to be accessible and open to all." To see what's on at St Mark's Church, click here .
.
