Anyone with a surfboard – or simply a love of the beach – can now get involved in a new type of church plant, as “surf church” makes waves on the Norfolk coast.
Wavestation, a Methodist church initiative and part of the New Places for New People movement, is the latest attempt to reach people through creative, missional projects. The nationwide scheme aims to support new types of ministry and community outreach.
The idea has been championed by Trish Ellse, originally from South Africa, who is a surfer herself and involved with Christian Surfers.
She told Premier Christian News she grew up with beach culture in her blood and explained the hope behind the new ministry: “Our vision is really to see people be able to come into church and not see it as a church. We hope that people just come in their flip-flops, with sea and sand on their feet.
“Bring your dog with you to church – absolutely fine. And just do life together, learning about Jesus.”
Wavestation has been advertising for a Surf Church Planter and Missional Pioneer to launch and lead the new church. The aim is to combine a more traditional form of worship with something out of the ordinary.
“There will obviously be your more traditional church teachings, but then also to have the second location, which is the beach. The chapel is just a short walk from Mundesley Beach, so you can have church on the beach, communion on the beach, fellowship on the beach – which is perfect," she said.
“It’s so good to be in God’s creation."
For those wanting to immerse themselves further in surf culture, there’s even a surfers Bible available.
“It’s the NLT translation and has some incredible stories of surfers around the world who share their faith and how their lives have been transformed by Jesus," Ellse said.
There are hopes the ministry will attract a younger crowd too, which is already happening through a Friday night youth group.
“They come back up, have a cup of hot chocolate. We get to talk to the parents, and then they get a great little Gospel message," Ellse added.
Wavestation officially launches on Saturday 5th July with a surfing taster session in partnership with Glide Surf School in Cromer. The session begins at 10.45am and tickets are £5. Anyone aged eight and over can take part, including beginners, but places are limited.
All are invited the same day to Surf Church Soul Session at 2.30pm at Mundesley Methodist Church.