News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

St-Matthias-Church-in-Plymouth-main_article_image.jpg
St Matthias Church
UK News

'Party vibe of heaven' to inspire anniversary celebration at Plymouth's 'nightclub church'

Leaders at St Matthias Church on North Hill admit their approach to worship "is not everyone's cup of tea" but they want to create a "fun" and "warm" environment appropriate for modern times.

Vicar, Rev Olly Ryder told Premier: "It's not everyone's cup of tea but I think there are different ways to express one's faith and I'm trying to be who I am.

"We're trying to create a community of people who are just trying to follow Jesus in their way, in the 21st century."

Planted by Holy Trinity Brompton church, St Matthias had 50 regular worships when its doors first opened on 25th September 2018. Since then, the number has grown to 400 - an increase of 800 per cent.

Asked whether the church was trying to recreate a nightclub atmosphere, Rev Ryder answered: "Yes, I think so.

"But, rather than people getting hammered on drugs or alcohol, they're getting filled with the Holy Spirit which is a bit more of a lasting high and creates genuine relationships between people."

The weekend's celebrations shall see a rapper perform and guests are being promised hot dogs - as well as a trail mix bar, a soda bar and a sweets bar.

Explaining his vision for the church, Rev Ryder added: "I've got two little daughters - aged five and six - and don't know what their faith will be when they get older but I always want them to think of church fondly; that it's a fun, warm, loving, normal and life-giving environment."

Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams and Rick Easter speaking with Rev Olly Ryder:

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate