Following the lead of secular communities, Citizen Church is taking faith online and engaging digital natives with its new awareness initiative
Alpha Online is a digital community created to encourage friendly and open discussion about faith that claims to change some of the perceptions, misconceptions and stereotypes of church.
The Citizen Church runs the Alpha initiative in Cardiff, but the idea ties back to their parent church – the Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB). Their aim is simple – to reach the unchurched and dechurched members of the Welsh community.
“Personally, I’m just keen for us to change some of the … misconceptions and stereotypes of church,” shares Ryan Forey, the Vicar of Citizen Church.
We want Alpha to be a place where people can feel free to really explore their questions together
Alpha online is just the beginning
The plan was always to provide Alpha online, according to Ryan, but originally it was set to run alongside gatherings in person. Luckily, despite the shift to virtual meetings only, over 60 people have signed up for Alpha this term.
“It is difficult running it online,” the Vicar admits. “But we find people are at least more comfortable partaking in things from the comfort of their own homes.”
The folks at Citizen Church know that one size doesn’t fit all. They group Alpha attendees based on the faith they identify with to avoid religious novices being banded with long-time Christians. As Ryan puts it, “We want Alpha to be a place where people can feel free to really explore their questions together!”
Connecting the Cardiff community
on Woodville road, with refreshments supplied by the Citizen coffee van, which doubles as a gin and cocktail bar.
Since the Citizen Church launched in Cardiff this September, its community has grown to 130 members, and that’s excluding the Alpha guests.
This digital format of faith is rather popular with younger generations. “We definitely seem to be engaging most with Millennials and Gen Z,” says the Vicar. “Currently half of our congregation are students.”
He attributes the interest in the Citizen Church to the widespread loneliness among people from all paths of life.
Christmas Church
Over Christmas, the Citizen Church will host “Jingle Mingle” events for students, young adults and professionals, and families. People can stop by for free mulled wine, hot apple cider, minced pies, and some Mariah Carey!
Far-reaching faith
The Citizen Church is also planning to run Alpha courses in Cardiff prison, and partner up with Oasis to reach asylum seekers and refugees.
Virtual gatherings
Online gatherings will continue after the pandemic, but since people are “desperate” to gather in person again, the Citizen Church is planning to blend this with more traditional Sunday sessions and pub socials for younger members.