Norfolk men invited to Christian festival
In June each year, men from across the UK flock to Swindon for annual Christian festival The Gathering. Matthew Hodder from Martham near Great Yarmouth attended this year and feels that more Norfolk men should go along. Here he explains why.
“When looking around our congregations I see that working aged men are underrepresented, or just plain missing. Christian Vision for Men give some statistics; Over the last 20 years 38% of believing men left the church. For men aged under 30, nearly 50% left in the same period of time. We need to encourage men back to faith or into faith for the first time.
The Gathering, in a field near Swindon, is a men's weekend festival like no other! It is fun, it is life ... #TG25 will be taking place on 20-22 June 2025. The festival is run by Christian Vision for Men. There is an emphasis on not taking yourself too seriously but a greater emphasis on reaching men and giving them the good news of salvation.
This year, 1800 men, believers, some just looking and non-believers gathered to be entertained, taught and encouraged. During the event approximately 120 men made a choice to follow Jesus or to rededicate themselves to Him. The fellowship was very good and teaching ranged from heart rendering testimonies of redemption and reform, via Bible studies on the whole armour of God, the fight against powers and principalities, holding fast to the word of God etc.
The worship band was none other than Graham Kendrick and his band, playing songs as varied as Chainbreaker (Zach Williams), More than conquerors (Rend Collective) and, of course Shine Jesus Shine.
Amongst the Saturday afternoon seminars was one given by two ladies, Bekah Legg, of Restored UK and Tarn Bright, of Home for Good. It was an engaging and informative seminar about what women need men to know; there was much to be learnt.
Many men in Norfolk would benefit by attending the festival where they can enjoy being a bloke without the expected conformity of a church setting. They should expect to laugh, be surprised and to be challenged. Of course they might also enjoy, wall climbing, axe throwing, archery, crossbows, sword fighting, wrestling, chess, darts, all day free tea and coffee and a bar.
I hope to see you there?”
To find out more about The Gathering visit their website: https://thegatheringformen.com
Photo of Matthew Hodder and friends at The Gathering, courtesy of Matthew.