Anna Kettle explores what church really means beyond buildings and Sunday services. Discover why gathering together matters, how to shift from a consumer mindset to being an active contributor, and the exciting changes coming to Crowd Church with a new hybrid model. Whether you're a seasoned believer or just curious about faith, learn why community is essential and how you can be part of something bigger.
01Why Gathering Together Actually Matters
What comes to mind when you hear the word "church"? A building with stained glass windows? A Sunday morning obligation? Or something your gran used to drag you to.
This week at Crowd Church, Anna Kettle opened up about what church really means and why it's more than just attending a service. She shared some exciting changes coming to Crowd Church, but more importantly, she reminded us why gathering together matters in the first place. Whether you've been in church your whole life or you're just curious about what all the fuss is about, this one's for you.
02When Church Becomes About Something More
For Anna, church wasn't always about community. Growing up, it was something she did because her family did it. But somewhere along the way, that changed. She discovered that faith wasn't just about following the rules she'd been taught as a child—it was about having a personal relationship with God.
That shift changed everything. Suddenly, church wasn't just a place she went—it was where she connected with others who were on the same journey. It became about building each other up, sharing life, and finding support when things got tough.
Dan echoed this, remembering how he'd seen people at church who genuinely loved being there. Not because they felt obligated, but because they found joy in learning and connecting with others. That's the difference between religious obligation and authentic community.
03What The Bible Actually Says About Gathering
Hebrews 10:24-25 puts it brilliantly: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
Notice what it doesn't say. It doesn't say "show up because God demands it" or "attend every Sunday or face consequences." Instead, it encourages spurring one another on, promoting mutual support, and working together towards love and good deeds.
When we gather, we create space for encouragement and accountability. It's easy to drift when we're on our own. But together, we find strength and purpose. Anna emphasised the importance of this during challenging times. When life gets hard, having others who will stand with you, pray for you, and speak truth into your life isn't just lovely—it's invaluable.
04The Consumer Mindset Trap
Here's where things get uncomfortable. It's really easy to approach church with a consumer mindset. We scroll through church websites like we're browsing Netflix: "What's in it for me? Will I like the music? Are the sermons engaging enough? Do they have good coffee?"
But that completely misses the point.
The real question isn't "What can I get from this?" It's "What can I give?" Church isn't just about receiving—it's about contributing to the community and using your gifts to bless others.
Dan reminded us that every part of the body is essential. Whether you're a hand or a foot, your role is vital. If you don't show up, the body suffers. That's not guilt-tripping—it's just reality. When you're absent, something is missing. When you're present and engaged, something beautiful happens.
05What's Changing at Crowd Church
Starting in October, Crowd Church is embracing a hybrid model. We'll gather in a physical location with a live audience whilst continuing to engage with our online community. This isn't about choosing one over the other—it's about creating more ways for people to connect.
Anna explained that this new format will enable us to do more in the moment. Physical small groups, fellowship opportunities, the chance to break bread together—all whilst maintaining the online accessibility that's been so crucial to many in our community.
This approach enables us to reach a wider audience and foster more meaningful connections. If you're in Liverpool, you're welcome to join us in person. If you're connecting from anywhere else in the world, you're still very much part of the community.
06Keeping Conversation Alive
One thing that's not changing? Conversation Street.
This segment has become a defining part of Crowd Church—a time for open discussions and questions that enable us to explore faith dynamically. It's not about having all the answers handed down from a stage. It's about wrestling with questions together, sharing insights, and growing in understanding.
As we move forward with the hybrid model, we'll maintain this interactive approach. Whether you're joining us in person or online, you'll have the opportunity to join the conversation, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion.
07Small Groups: Where Community Gets Real
Community is at the heart of the church, and our new hybrid model will include small groups to facilitate deeper connections. These aren't just Bible studies (though there's nothing wrong with those). They're spaces to share life, pray together, and explore faith in a supportive environment.
Whether you're joining us in person or online, you'll have opportunities to participate in small group discussions. This is where relationships are built and spiritual growth happens—not just in the big Sunday gathering, but in the smaller, more intimate settings throughout the week.
08You're Invited on the Journey
As we step into this new chapter, there's a place for you at Crowd Church. Whether you're in Liverpool or connecting from across the globe, whether you've been following Jesus for decades or you're just starting to ask questions about faith, you're welcome here.
We value your feedback and input as we navigate these changes. This isn't about us creating something and handing it down. It's about building a community together, ensuring it remains welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
In the coming weeks, we'll continue exploring essential topics—including a biblical response to politics. We believe that open, honest conversations are imperative as we navigate the complexities of faith in today's world.
09What Will You Bring?
Here's the question to sit with: What will you bring to the community?
Church isn't a spectator sport. It's not about finding the perfect service that ticks all your boxes. It's about being part of something bigger than yourself, contributing your unique gifts, and helping build a community that points people towards Jesus.
Whether you're joining us in person starting in October or continuing to connect online, we look forward to seeing you at Crowd Church. Not because we need your attendance numbers, but because we genuinely believe the body is better when you're part of it.
Thank you for being part of this community. We're excited to see what God has in store as we grow together.
Topics in this talk
View Full Transcript
0:00 Intro 19:33 Building Community Through Church 25:00 The Imperfect Nature of Church Communities 30:22 Transition to Hybrid Church Services 32:20 Challenges of Live Streaming Worship 41:14 The Birth of Conversation Street 45:50 Shifting Mindsets in Church Participation What does church mean to you? Is it a building, a community, or something more? This week, we explored these questions and shared some exciting changes coming to Crowd Church. We chat about the heart of what makes church special and how we're evolving to meet the needs of our community. For many, church is more than a Sunday ritual. It's a place of connection, growth, and support. Anna shares her journey of finding faith for herself, moving beyond childhood teachings to a personal relationship with God. For her, church is about community—connecting with others who share her faith and building each other up. Dan echoed this sentiment, recalling how he saw people at church who genuinely loved being there. It's not about obligation; it's about joy and learning. Church is a place where stories are shared, and lives are enriched. It's about coming together to worship and inspire one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of meeting together. It's about stirring one another up to love and good works. When we gather, we create a space for encouragement and accountability. It's easy to drift when we're alone, but together, we find strength and purpose. Anna highlighted how crucial this community becomes during tough times. When life gets hard, having others to stand with you, pray for you, and speak truth into your life is invaluable. It's about more than just attending; it's about being part of something bigger than yourself. In today's world, it's easy to approach church with a consumer mindset. We ask, "What can I get from this?" But the real question is, "What can I give?" Church isn't just about receiving; it's about contributing to the community and using our gifts to bless others. Dan reminded us that every part of the body is essential. Whether you're a hand or a foot, your role is vital. If you don't show up, the body suffers. It's a powerful reminder that we're all in this together. Exciting changes are coming to Crowd Church. Starting in October, we're embracing a hybrid model. We'll gather in a physical location with a live audience while continuing to engage with our online community. This approach allows us to reach more people and foster deeper connections. Anna explained that this new format will enable us to do more in the moment. We'll have physical small groups, opportunities for fellowship, and the chance to break bread together. It's about creating a dynamic community that values connection and growth. One of the unique aspects of Crowd Church is our Conversation Street segment. It's a time for open discussions and questions, allowing us to explore faith in a dynamic way. This interactive approach fosters deeper understanding and connection. As we move forward, we'll maintain this element of our service, encouraging both in-person and online participants to join the conversation. It's an opportunity to share insights, ask questions, and grow together in faith. Community is at the heart of church, and our new hybrid model will include small groups to facilitate deeper connections. Whether you're joining us in person or online, you'll have the opportunity to participate in small group discussions, fostering relationships and spiritual growth. These groups provide a space to share life, pray together, and explore faith in a supportive environment. They're an integral part of our vision for a vibrant, connected church community. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us on the journey. Whether you're in Liverpool or connecting from afar, there's a place for you at Crowd Church. We value your feedback and input as we navigate these changes, ensuring that our community remains welcoming and inclusive. In the coming weeks, we'll continue to explore important topics, including a biblical response to politics. We believe that open, honest conversations are essential as we navigate the complexities of faith in today's world. Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to growing together and discovering all that God has in store for us. Whether you're joining us in person or online, we can't wait to see you at Crowd Church. Dan and Ruth Orange, alongside guest Dave Connolly, explore the profound concept of rest from a biblical perspective. They delve into the significance of rest as a divine commandment, reflecting on its importance in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. The discussion highlights the need to stop and reflect, drawing from Genesis and the teachings of Jesus to emphasise rest as a spiritual practice rather than mere physical inactivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern life, such as digital distractions and the pressure to be constantly busy, advocating for a more mindful approach to time management. In this episode of Crowd Online Church, host Matt is joined by Will Sopwith and Jeff Beynon for a lively discussion on politics from a Christian perspective. The panel explores the intersection of faith and politics, emphasising the importance of understanding God's sovereignty in governance. They delve into biblical teachings, such as respecting authority and the role of prayer for leaders, while addressing the challenges of aligning political engagement with Christian values. The conversation touches on the complexities of voting, the influence of personality in politics, and the need for Christians to be active in political parties to effect change. With a focus on scripture, the episode encourages listeners to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in political discourse, prioritising service and love over division and anger. Join Matt Edmundson and guests Anna Kettle and Dan Orange for an engaging episode of Crowd Online Church. This week, they delve into the essence of church community, discussing the importance of gathering together, both online and in person, to encourage and support one another in faith. The conversation touches on the upcoming changes to Crowd Church, including the introduction of a hybrid service format starting in October, which will combine live in-person gatherings with online streaming. The hosts also explore the significance of small groups and community in fostering a deeper connection among believers. Whether you're a regular churchgoer or exploring faith, this episode offers insights into the evolving landscape of church life and the role of community in spiritual growth. Welcome to CROWD Church! This week Matt Edmundson and co-hosts Sharon Edmundson and Ellie Light discuss the topic of work from a Christian perspective. They explore the modern workspace and discuss how work was ordained by god and its vital importance to Christians. Welcome to CROWD Church! This week Matt Edmundson and co-hosts Anna Kettle and Dave Connolly discuss the topic of family from a Christian perspective. They explore the complexities of family life, including the different family structures, the challenges of marriage, and the financial issues that families can face. At Crowd Church, we are committed to creating a space for you to explore the Christian faith, regardless of where you are on your faith journey. Every week we livestream our online church service and release a new story on What’s The Story Podcast. We have weekly online community groups that meet up and all of that good stuff. You can find out more about everything that goes on at Crowd by browsing through this site, and you can reach out to us via our contact page. Are you interested in joining in with what is happening here at Crowd? We would love to meet you! Join in with the Church Livestream Subscribe to Crowd Church Podcast What’s the Story Podcast Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to the YouTube Channel New to church? If so - check out the New Here link. Any questions? Please connect with us via our Contact Page, or via WhatsApp: +44 7984 530 429
