There's a well-known saying: 'If you ever find a perfect church, don't join it – you’ll spoil it!' As a theology student in the 1990’s I had a pretty good idea of what my ideal church would be like in terms of architecture, membership, worship-style, leadership, Bible teaching. The trouble was, I couldn't find it anywhere. All the churches I tried seemed flawed in one way or another. At some churches, where the worship was wonderful, the teaching seemed shallow. At others, the welcome was warm but the building or style of worship uninspiring. In the end, I gave up 'floating' and plumped for the first local church I had visited. I'd realised that churches are only as good as the people who attend – and if we want church to improve we have to get stuck in and make it better…

In fact the New Testament word for ‘church’ does not describe a building – or an institution – at all: ‘ekklesia’ means a gathered people.  And, where there are people, we necessarily do not find perfection! However, with a bit of effort and commitment to that group, we may discover a real sense of community and belonging as we journey together as disciples (followers) of Jesus. A year and a half after launching our Messy Church congregation, I’m realising afresh that all church life is messy – but the shared experience can be wonderful! Over the past six months, members and friends of Bovingdon Baptist Church have met for worship, food, art & craft, prayer, picnics, films, Bible study, table tennis – and a weekend in a country house which combined all of the above!

If you live in the village and are looking for the perfect church, please don’t look here! However, if you’re happy to muck in and get messy in the midst of church family life, come along to any Sunday service and you will be made most welcome.