Religion and spirituality in London is an extraordinarily diverse topic and as multicultural city, every believer has a church for themselves.
The Borough of Hounslow in the south west of the city is extremely ethnically diverse, with more than half of the residents identifying as having non-British heritage.
Hounslow itself has a high proportion of people who identify themselves as BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic), and it is the borough’s most diverse town.
The proportion of BAME residents is above 70% seven of the town’s eight electoral wards and the town has a large British Asian and Somali community, with Hounslow Evangelical Church is seeing a steady rise in numbers from all walks of life.
The church’s Pastor Alan Dodd said: “Church attendance has increased from about 60-70 in 2011 to about 100 today.
“Just before the pandemic it was around 80, it then dropped when we first came back, but quickly covered to 80, but has since increased to 100 or so.”
Places of worship are abundant throughout all the London boroughs with all religious groups represented, be they Christian, Muslim, Jewish or non-denominational.
Hounslow Evangelical Church has taken numerous to encourage people to return to in-person worship, placing immense value on bringing people together.
Dodd said: “Our services are in person, we encourage people to come.
“We don’t do services online, but do video the sermon so those who miss the service can watch it later.
“The only online elements are videos from the Sunday talks and occasional video messages from me.”
Added to that are the initiatives which have been most effective in engaging children, youth, and families.
They include regular Sunday School sessions and enabling youth members of the congregation to participate in serving in the church, plus all ageoservices several times a year which children participate in.
Dodd is in no doubt as to the importance of regular church attendance for individuals and the community.
He said: “Regular church attendance is the best way for believers in Christ to connect with each other, to live out their lives as disciples together and to worship God together.
“It is not necessary for salvation, but is vital for a believer to mature in their faith as it means they are accountable to others in the church and vice versa.
“For the community, I believe that when the church flourishes this benefits society as a whole.”
“Christians are encouraged to live lives modelled on that of Jesus Christ, which will encapsulate qualities which are for the common good, and church attendance is a help in understanding how to outwork the Christian life through the teaching from the Bible.”
Among the regular members of the congregation is Anthony Elwell, who explained why he was drawn to the church.
Elwell said: “I was raised and baptised Catholic and discovered the evangelical church later in life, being baptised into it of my own volition.”
“I became closer to the church after a cancer scare, my health problems determining me to seek God and establish a closer personal connection with Him”.
Even for those not from a religious background, like Sharon Elwell, the church has made an impact on their personal life, relationships and spiritual growth.
She said: “Growing up, my family was not religious at all.
“Even though I discovered religion later, I would like to instill those values in my children and granchildren, and attend church regularly with my husband.”
Rose Freeman takes an active role in various areas of work the church does, and is keen to reach all areas of Hounslow’s commnity.
Freeman said: “I actively run the toddler’s group within the church, so I could say I am very involved in the life of the church community.
“New members are always welcome to attend the sermon, youth and prayer groups and Bible study.”
Pastor Dodd is eager to encourage those who are hesitant or have stopped attending church to join their congregation as well.
He said: “Try out a local church and be open minded.
“Look for a good loving community where the Bible is preached faithfully.”
“I am aware that many don’t attend church due to bad experiences or even, tragically, abuse.
“My message would be to not let that bad experience further damage you by missing out on the joy and support of being part of a fellowship of believers.”
Dodd also encourages his congregation to do their bit to help secure the future of church attendance in the parish, too.
He said: “We continue to strive to ensure newcomers feel welcomed into the church.
“We engage in weekly High Street outreach, we encourage our congregants to witness to their friends, family and others, and to invite people to join them at church.
“We are hoping to, shortly, begin an after-school club for secondary age youth, and hope that will also be effective at reaching the local community.
“I would measure the vitality of the church on the willingness of people to serve in the church, their attendance of other activities beyond the main Sunday service and above all their spiritual maturity when making life decisions and responses.”
Feature image credit: Hounslow Evangelical Church
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