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.

Throwback to #TryChurch 2017! Who could you invite to #TryChurch 2018? It's not too late! See you Sunday! pic.twitter.com/BZ9XdCLWcu

St Matthias Plymouth (@StMPlymouth) September 21, 2018

 

"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:

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