The number of Messy Churches being run in the Llandaff Diocese has more than doubled in the last eighteen months – with many more on the way.

Messy Church, which celebrates its tenth birthday this year, has many variations but basically centres on adults and children gathering together to do arts and crafts, enjoy a short story, song or prayer and then eating together. Each session follows a theme which is reflected in the arts and crafts and the story, song or prayer.

“Messy Churches are rapidly spreading across the UK and the world and here in the Llandaff Diocese there has been a phenomenal growth in the last 18 months. There were eight Messy Churches in January 2013 and now there are 20 with another seven being planned,” said Mrs Lesley Cox, the Regional Co-ordinator for Messy Church and Children’s Adviser to the Diocese.

“The Messy Church format is flexible and can be used to reflect the tradition and needs of any group of Christians. Churches already have the skills to run Messy Church – there is nothing complicated about it and it really makes a difference.

“Existing Messy churches are attracting many people who do not attend our traditional church services. I’ve been told about one lady who took her son along to one session, but watched from the entrance saying she didn’t ‘do church’. The following month she also took her daughter, but again watched from the distance but in the third month joined in herself, which involved listening to the Easter story for the first time,” said Lesley.

“The essential thing with Messy Church is that it is a ‘Fresh Expression’ of church, meaning that it is Church in its own right. It is not intended as a bridge into traditional church. It is mission, as it is intended for those currently on the fringe of the church or for people who never come to traditional church at all.

“It is for all ages – mums and dad, grans and carers – never just children on their own. Messy Church is certainly different. It is often noisy and frequently messy. There is a tremendous excitement and enthusiasm pulsing through Messy Churches as they witness God at work in our diocese.”

Messy Church now has an official Welsh translation 'Llan Llanast', and two Messy Church books are to be translated into Welsh.

If you would like some advice or help about Messy Church please contact Lesley Cox,  on 07800902943 or email lesleyjcox1@hotmail.com

Editor’s note: Read an article about Messy Church in the latest edition of Anglican World magazine]