Church Without Walls
Stoke on Trent
Stoke on Trent
About us
Our Story
Church Without Walls started in September 2003 when Gordon Crowther came to Stoke on Trent. He came with the job of finding a new way of being church that would make more sense to our generation that church sometimes does.
Over the last 6 years, we have met in many different places. We began meeting in Gordon’s home. Then we met in a couple of different bars in Hanley, in the local racial equality centre, sometimes in the park and sometimes as guests of the YMCA. We now meet in a shop unit in the city centre, which is a perfect place for reaching out to clubbers at night time.
Our focus has been on building friendships and community with one another, deepening our relationships with God and supporting each other in the work that He has called us each to.
What sort of church are we?
Church Without Walls is part of the Church of England, though you probably wouldn’t guess that if you came to one of our gatherings. We can be identifed with a movement known as ‘Fresh Expressions’ which basically just means that we are trying out different ways of being church.
What would make someone choose Church Without Walls?
Lots of different sorts of people have come to Church Without Walls and enjoyed our style of meeting and our emphasis on hospitality. Many have grown greatly in their faith and their relationship with God through being part of our community. There are many different churches in Stoke on Trent. Church Without Walls is not the place for everyone. Here are some reasons for trying us:
Church Without Walls started in September 2003 when Gordon Crowther came to Stoke on Trent. He came with the job of finding a new way of being church that would make more sense to our generation that church sometimes does.
Over the last 6 years, we have met in many different places. We began meeting in Gordon’s home. Then we met in a couple of different bars in Hanley, in the local racial equality centre, sometimes in the park and sometimes as guests of the YMCA. We now meet in a shop unit in the city centre, which is a perfect place for reaching out to clubbers at night time.
Our focus has been on building friendships and community with one another, deepening our relationships with God and supporting each other in the work that He has called us each to.
What sort of church are we?
Church Without Walls is part of the Church of England, though you probably wouldn’t guess that if you came to one of our gatherings. We can be identifed with a movement known as ‘Fresh Expressions’ which basically just means that we are trying out different ways of being church.
What would make someone choose Church Without Walls?
Lots of different sorts of people have come to Church Without Walls and enjoyed our style of meeting and our emphasis on hospitality. Many have grown greatly in their faith and their relationship with God through being part of our community. There are many different churches in Stoke on Trent. Church Without Walls is not the place for everyone. Here are some reasons for trying us:
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You’re not a Christian and want to explore in a place where it is safe to ask questions, express doubts and be yourself.
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You are a Christian and want somewhere where it is safe to ask questions, express doubts and be yourself.
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You’re interested in Jesus but you’re not sure you’re the kind of person who would be welcome in church.
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You see your mission as your work or what you do in the community and you want to be part of a community that will support you and not demand that you attend lots of meetings and get involved in church activities.
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You find it difficult to fit into a structured church setting. Perhaps you’re a bit of a rebel.
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You want to be part of a community where it is safe to be real and vulnerable and to not always have all the answers.
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You don’t want to wait until the end of the service for a cup of tea.
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You would like to worship in a committee free zone.
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You have a vision, or even just an idea, for doing something for God and want support to explore your vision and try things out in a community where taking risks is seen as a good thing. Even if it doesn’t turn out quite how you expected in the end.
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You want to grow in faith, and support others to grow in faith, not be spoon fed.
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Life (or church) has been difficult lately and you need somewhere to just come and be and chill for a while without any pressure.
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