Grimsby youth project at the centre of Church Army’s spring appeal

Church Army’s innovative Grimsby based 3:16 Youth project is the main thrust of the society’s national spring appeal to supporters across the UK.

The project involves transforming a double-decker bus, donated by Stagecoach boss Brian Souter into a new style church for young people. When complete, the bus will include Playstation consoles, computers, DVDs and mixing decks to ensure a creative and lively atmosphere and it has already attracted attention nationally as a fresh expression of church.
Local press, radio and TV have helped in the appeal to find a suitable garage space for the bus while it is being re-furbished.

Philip Johanson, Church Army’s Chief Secretary, is confident about the impact the project will have, describing it as; “radical and imaginative in showing how we can be more effective in reaching out to young people of all backgrounds.”

Paul Jones of Church Army and Mark Laughton, a youth leader at Grimsby Baptist Church, head up 3:16, which is one of four Church Army projects receiving special funding and focus over the next few years. Paul comments; “Young people need new expressions of church and worship they can relate to and with which they feel comfortable .This project aims to change hearts and attitudes by bringing people to a living faith where they are.”

Canon Peter Mullins of the Diocese of Lincoln and West Grimsby added; “Paul has brought a strong sense of commitment and purpose to the work with young people in this area and has a high profile within local schools and the estates of West Grimsby.”

This is just one example of where Church Army projects are making a difference to the lives of individuals and communities on the cutting edge of evangelism and responding to the challenge of Mission-shaped Church which affirms Church Army’s approach to effective and relevant work within communities.

For more information on the project log onto www.316.org.uk or call Paul Jones on 01472 280308