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17 July 2009
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Faith


The Jesus Centre, Northampton
The Jesus Centre opens until 4am

Church opens doors to clubbers

Would you stagger into a church after clubbing or pubbing? In Northampton, you can.


Churches are often accused of being old fashioned and offering nothing for young people. That accusation can't be made about the Jesus Army.  They're a magnate for some young people who are not just attracted by the combat jackets and the Jesus Army's macho approach to religion.

Every Friday night, The Jesus Army Centre in Abington Square, Northampton, opens up until about 4 O'clock the following morning.

Young Jesus Army members get together to chat over tea and coffee. They play keyboards, sing, dance and generally let their hair down.

Nathan Whites
Nathan Whites

The event, called Fluid, is a far cry from a disco in the church hall. They also open their doors to any passing clubbers or pub goers.

Fluid is the brainchild of Nathan Whites: "How many times have you got to the end of your night and you're not ready to go home yet?  You just want to go and chill out somewhere. Then Fluid is there.  Everyone's welcome.  It doesn't matter what condition, what state you're in or what sort of person you are."

It's also a good opportunity for Nathan and his mates to try to convert people to the Jesus Army's beliefs. "Definitely," Nathan admits. "We're here to promote Jesus".

video Watch a video about Fluid >
Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer

last updated: 10/02/06
Have Your Say
Is this something all town centre churches should offer?
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Richard 'Daring'
If anyone stumbles accross this website link, please rememeber fluid is still running. So if you want to vist to say hi or to chill out.The new times are between 9-12, so why not visit us?

Anon
Haha you funny lot if there's really nothing to the Jesus Army and what they're doing why are some of you having such big reactions to it?! Proves there must be... Jesus promised persecution to his church.

Lizzie
Why is everyone so against the Jesus Army? Who of you moody people have ever actually been to any of the meetings? They're well good! It's not like you have to go, people who join the church do it because they want to! Sorry but it just makes me so angry to see people dissing something they would never have the guts to do themselves! What are you living for that's so much better?!

Rags
I went to Fluid after reading some of the mixed comments, In all fairness i had a good time. at 1st i was a little freaked out but after a few mins i felt at home, some 1 came to chat to me and he had a big red cross on his T-shirt, i though he was guna start preaching at me but insted we had a good chat about football and other things. I felt that the night was good and not to bible bashing, and i did meat a variaty of nice people.

mole
yeah theres nothin wrong wid that

Elaine Smith
Of course.Jesus doesn`t care what state you`re in when you arrive - He`s the only one who can bring you to a "state of grace".

james keech
Mike,sounds like you've be brainwashed mate!

Andris
We don't please ourselves, but We do God's job, We help people to find Jesus, Friendship, Love and so on....

elaine johnson
its bad enough with all the wasters and acholics loitering out side the centre during the day,bringing down the tone of the town, without it attracting them at night too!

mike riverside
It sounds like a good idea, but I would not waste time in the boring pubs and clubs. I would go straight to the church.

Adam
What a big waste of time, let them suffer, but dont try to make us to. Stop bugging people as they walk past we are not interested! Religion and clubbing do not mix - get it right!

Elisabeth Townsend
Of course not. But it is good that Jesus Army does it on Fridays. Maybe extend it to Saturday nights too?

James Fletcher
I am a member of the Jesus Army and as an a 18 year old I think this is one of the ways the attract teenages and young people into a 21st Century Church.

Chris
I think this is a fantastic idea. Looking through these comments, its hurtful that people can be so negative towards someone's faith. Christians have done such fantastic things that other faith groups wouldnt dream of doing!

mick
Liverpool did the same thing years ago with a Christian cafe called Gladstones. It stayed open in clubland and had all churches in Liverpool volunteering. Some ran the cafe others evangelised.

neil price
It will be interesting to see how many'NORMAL'people would even think about going to the jesus army to chill out after the clubs.

laurence
sounds a gd idea..helpin drunk people ..i sure they dont ram jesus down ur throats sounds gd ..

Jake
its a great idea Jesus preached to everybody so that includes clubbers. the fluid event offers a place to relax and talk to someone who will actually listen to what you are saying!

Pat
This is not a suitable use of BBC web space. The sinister Jesus Army should not get free publicity from reputable broadcasters.

Joan
Stuff religion and all its rights and wrongs. Jesus would have been there with the people... and probably the p****d people

kev
so when i,m drunk these weak fools can brainwash me when most vunrable. how much did they pay the BBC to promote this nonsense.

Stuart Coote
No, I dont think it is, what a ridiculous idea, the last thing you need is to convince p****d people that Jesus lives. However if you are dishing out free vodka and kebabs then mabye you would win a few over... Just a thought. God Bless.

Richard
No, they keep the doors open till 4am. Often with the PA system outside creating large amounts of unwanted and unneeded noice. How come the Jesus Army are allowed to do as they please?

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