The new seems to rest on the old

I've been thinking a bit about how Ocean Church isn't really a new concept; it's actually an old idea. The statue on the quay of Baden Powell (the guy who started the scout’s movement on Brownsea Island) reminds me that we didn't get here first but stand on a lot of history. Back in the day, before church buildings became the norm, early Christians in Britain gathered wherever they could—homes, open fields, by riversides. The natural world was their cathedral.

The Celtic Christians took this to heart, seeing the divine in the rugged landscapes of the British Isles. They held outdoor services, embracing nature as a testament to God's handiwork. Sacred groves, hilltops, stone circles—these were their places of worship, blending the spiritual with the natural. They often composed and recited prayers that celebrated the elements of nature, such as the sea, wind, and land, reflecting their belief in the sacredness of the natural world. This practice fostered a deep sense of connection between their faith and the environment, embodying a spirituality that was both earthed and transcendent.

As time went on, grand cathedrals and parish churches sprang up during the medieval period. But even then, outdoor worship didn't disappear. Open-air sermons, processions, and mystery plays in town squares kept the tradition alive, making faith accessible to all, beyond the walls.

In the 18th century, figures like John Wesley and George Whitefield ignited the Methodist movement by preaching in fields to thousands. Facing resistance from established churches, they took to the open air, breaking down social barriers and bringing messages of hope to miners, farmers, and anyone willing to listen.

And today, there's a resurgence of outdoor worship. Movements like Forest Church, Muddy Church and, closer to home, what we are doing is about reconnecting faith with the environment. By meeting in parks, on beaches, and even out on the water, we're tapping into practices that people hundreds of years ago may have done. The thing is though, many of us are starting from scratch. In a world where our food is wrapped up in packaging and our attention is held by many indoor pursuits, it’s difficult to gain knowledge of the natural world which might stir our imaginations and help our jaws drop at the world around us.

Here in Poole, Ocean Church embodies this age-old tradition. By gathering outdoors, we're not just embracing a modern trend but joining a lineage of believers who've found God in the midst of creation. Our open-air services are a testament to the enduring power of worship without walls, connecting us to both our spiritual ancestors and nature.

There’s something deeply grounding about being part of something that’s stood the test of time. It reminds us that faith isn’t just about innovation; it’s about connection—to each other, to creation, and to a God who has been present throughout it all. By joining with something old, we tap into a wisdom and rhythm that has carried countless others, and that same rhythm can carry us too.