Mystery Worshipper: The son of Rod
Church: Cafe Nero
Address: High Street, Poole
Date: 29th March 2009
Time: 4.45pm
An interesting pilot project to test the appeal of a different style of church service in a cafe. This was apparently the last of three sessions, which we were told would be followed by a period of review then probably a formal launch in June.
Coffee-wise it gets two thumbs way up. I even broke my lent fast of all things nice for a grande latte (it was fair trade at least!)
The service was introduced and led by Paul Bradbury (a 'Fresh Expressions' (CofE)minister, recently appointed to the regeneration areas of Poole) and accompanied by Mark Kimber (a local Methodist minister and David Hodson (a former local Baptsist minister) so a good mix of denominations. General style was more akin to a house group, with guided discussions around some topical, provocative issues, but with a short drama skit and a brief meditation at the end. In all a I found it relaxed but enguaging - a great introduction for non-church-goers (although I think that any that were there at the start had cleared off by the time we had finished!).
It wasn't clear quite what the long term aspirations are - to plant another church among the many already established in the town centre, or as a first base. It will be interesting to see how this developes. Watch this space for more details of it's re-launch.
Date: 30-03-2009