Did you know that the recent trend of ‘flash mob ministry’ has started in Cornwall? Various ministries are taking this idea to the 2012 Olympics for outreach and, from experience, we can tell you that it’s a FANTASTIC idea because we’ve seen it in action right here! (Video & photos are at the bottom of this article.)
On 2 July 2012, we welcomed a group of 20 Americans (15 students plus their leaders) to Souls Harbour Church in Camelford, Cornwall. We lined up a week full of activities that included practical service to the church and community and evangelistic outreach events. At our Saturday ‘beach reach’ at Polzeath Beach on 7 July and again on Sunday 8 July at a baptism service at Trebarwith Beach, our large group of teens used the ‘flash mob’ method to draw in an instant crowd of spectators from the surrounding area. It was brilliant!
With a powerful, battery-powered PA inconspicuously waiting in a trolly, the kids would spread out to explore and play around Polzeath Beach, then at a predetermined time and location, music suddenly filled the air and within seconds the beach came to life with choreographed dance! Everyone nearby would stop to watch and listen. As soon as the music stopped, the microphone was in the hand of one of the students sharing their testimony (their personal story of coming to know Jesus) before the crowd had a chance to disperse. Then as soon as that finished, the music started up and the team performed a brief but powerful evangelistic drama, then another testimony, then another group ‘flash mob’ style dance. It was the perfect style of ministry for a location like that. We did this three different places and times on the beach that day, and each time people stopped to ask what was happening and why. In fact, news reports and photographs show Prince William and Prince Harry hanging out and surfing on that very beach at the very time we were there! Who knows?! Perhaps they heard or saw some of the ministry that took place!
The next day we utilized the same method to draw attention to our baptisms at Trebarwith Beach when six teens were baptised. Throughout the summer as weather permits, we are continuing to take ‘beach reach’ events to local beaches to share the love of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation through Him.
It’s exciting to see how cultural trends can be incorporated into Christian outreach to create ministry that is fresh, relevant and effective. We hope that the story of our experiences will inspire your church or ministry to reach out to your community in new and creative ways! Contact us or visit us online at www.soulsharbour.com. If you like the song used for the flash mob dance, click here for this and more music by Trevor & Connie (founders of UK for Jesus and worship leaders at Souls Harbour Church).
The outreach team hosted by Souls Harbour Church performing their ‘flash mob’ dance to draw a crowd at Polzeath Beach.
Six local teenagers being baptised at Trebarwith Beach by David Flanders, Pastor of Souls Harbour Church in Camelford
Trevor Smith, worship leader at Souls Harbour Church, sharing his testimony during a Beach Reach event at Crackington Haven
