A VICAR is ditching his Sunday evening service in favour of the local pub in a bid to make Christianity more accessible.
Andy Griffiths, 45, who has been the vicar of St Michael's church in Galleywood for the past nine years, first stumbled upon the idea when he was at the pub with friends just over a week ago.
"There were a group of us and one of the bar staff said 'why don't you do church right here?' He was joking but we said 'well, yes, why not do that?'," Andy told the Chronicle.
"Churches put a lot of effort into getting people into church and that's understandable.
"But it's also important that we get the church out in the community so that those that have no particular wish to walk through the doors of a 19th century building still have the chance to access what the church can offer and start a conversation in the community.
"Pubs are often the best community centres. I'm sure often enough that a good landlord or their staff fulfil a vicar role for that part of the town.
"People come through, know they have a listening ear, they know they will be with other people, they will be given time and space."
The first event will be held at the Eagle pub in Stock Road, Galleywood, this Sunday at 5.30pm.
And while he is a vicar, the 45-year-old will not be preaching sermons from a bar stool – rather offering a space for discussion and anybody to ask questions.
"We are not having our regular Sunday service – it's replacing it," said Andy.
"I'm certainly not going to come in and say 'before we ask questions, here are three things from the Bible that I want you to hear'. It will be replying to people's questions.
"Anyone can ask absolutely anything.
"The first thing that came up on the pub's Facebook page was 'is God a bit like a dog'?
"You get unconditional love from a dog and they are always there for you, but you can't neglect them and you have to be aware that we have a relationship with a dog and it's not just for Christmas.
"I had never considered that but I guess God is a bit like a dog."
The pub event is currently an "experiment" – but "in time it will be quite good to have some sort of special guest each time".
The landlord of the Eagle, Philip Jensen, told the Chronicle: "I think it's great. It's to get people out, it's not been done before. It'll be held in a room, but it's just behind the main section. Anyone can wander in freely.
"We'd love to have him back once he's done this first event. He's a nice chap and we have a good rapport."
