In 2020, Revd Nick Webb, curate of the Purbeck Hills Benefice, pioneered 'Walking Church,' an initiative that encouraged the congregation to explore their spirituality by hiking through the Dorset countryside.
Although the initial vision for the initiative had been held prior to 2020, it wasn't until Covid that the church realised it made sense to begin a fresh expression meeting as a church community both outside and while enjoying a walk.
Walking church is an outdoor activity that gives adults and children alike a chance to meet together. On these walks, they enjoy conversation, fresh air and exercise while giving them a chance to reflect on God's creation and pray together. Each walk offers a different theme - whatever the weather!
The concept came from one of the benefices family activities - family walks. It was noted by Nick that they had the "best moments of conversation, fun and least arguments!".
"The children were easily entertained by the natural environment around us and I thought – surely this would be a great way of meeting as church community too," Nick added.
The worshipping community takes advantage of being positioned on the Purbeck Hills and Jurassic coastline, but above all, they always begin their walks from a church building within the benefice as a point to focus their act of worship.
Nick explained: "Our community has grown from a handful of people to well over 60 (though rarely all at once!) and we continue to welcome all (including dogs!) who want to join us. We have even had special celebrations at Easter and Christmas when we’ve enjoyed a treasure hunt, toasting marshmallows and teacakes over a firepit and time to reflect on our faith together.
"The joy of meeting outside is that it allows a variety of different people to come together, build community and share an act of informal reflective worship.
"It is a very simple concept, but one which easily accommodates an eclectic mix of ages and characters whilst being as deliberately inclusive as possible. We enjoy the walk and enjoy a picnic lunch together afterwards, and it is a genuinely wonderful time."
More information can be found on the benefices newly established ‘Walking Church’ website where they hope that as others pick up this idea, they can be listed so that as people look for a 'Walking Church' near them. You can find further information on the initiative here: https://walkingchurch.co.uk/