City Church, Kensington, Liverpool, England

Mystery Worshipper: Seoirse
Church: City Church, Kensington
Location: Liverpool, England
Date of visit: Sunday, 17 August 2025, 11:00am

What was the name of the service?

Family Worship.

How full was the building?

In a building that could seat around 100, there were probably around 70-80.

Did anyone welcome you personally?

A woman on the door greeted me as I came in. I was given a cup of coffee by someone just inside the main room. Several people caught my eye and greeted me as I took my seat.

Was your pew comfortable?

I was in one of the old-fashioned (likely original) pews on the side. It was quite narrow and had little leg room – slightly more than you’d get on a Ryanair flight. It was, however, generously cushioned! I think the free-standing seats in the centre would have been a lot more comfy.

How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?

There were lots of people chatting and catching up, kids running about, and the ministry team getting things set up. Loud and friendly.

What were the exact opening words of the service?

‘Good morning! Good morning, church!’

What books did the congregation use during the service?

There were paperback copies of the New Living Translation to borrow, sheets of paper with space for notes on the sermon, and a little leaflet with the pastor’s advice on how to grow in faith during the summer. All these were available at the back on the way in. The song lyrics and the scriptures read were projected overhead.

What musical instruments were played?

A three-strong worship band, all young and enthusiastic. A woman on electric-acoustic guitar led the singing, accompanied by a woman on keys and a man on drums, safely ensconced behind the obligatory plexiglass!

Did anything distract you?

The building was an old one and smelt slightly damp. The worship leader must have forgotten to turn off her metronome during the sermon because it was clicking most of the way through. It was also quite warm in Liverpool at the time of writing, and the ceiling fans were no match.

Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?

Happy and very clappy! (More educated readers may tell me if clapping loudly is an Elim peculiarity, as I haven’t heard quite as much in other Pentecostal or charismatic churches.) There was an extended time of singing interspersed with a brief prayer, followed by the offering, then notices, then a long sermon, preceded by prayer for the preacher. We were exhorted to stretch our arms out, and I felt a bit like Kate Bush in the ‘Wuthering Heights’ video. The sermon ended with another song and an open time of prayer ministry and further worship.

Exactly how long was the sermon?

46 minutes.

On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?

5 — This was an old-fashioned Pentecostal sermon. Lots of yelling, the sermon was mostly extemporaneous, there was the apparent inclusion of words of knowledge, and the dread ‘turn to your neighbour and say…’

In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?

The preacher used Mark 2:1-12 (the healing of the paralytic) as his text, but went quite off-piste. Our churches should look like places where people will meet Jesus. Jesus wants to be the occupant of our life, not our guest. We need to invite the Holy Ghost in to remodel our houses in his image. We cannot be shaped by public approval.

Which part of the service was like being in heaven?

Most of the people around me were singing off-key, and with enough passion to take the roof off. It made a delightful change from Episcopalian muttering into the hymnal, and was a lovely witness of the congregation’s passion.

And which part was like being in... er... the other place?

The sermon went on and on and on without (seemingly) much planning or thread. It was a bit difficult to concentrate on it and to pick up what was trying to be taught.

What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?

I didn’t have to. I was offered prayer ministry, which I took them up on. They were a friendly bunch. I was also given a fond farewell at the door.

How would you describe the after-service coffee?

I had my coffee pre-service, and it was perfectly fine. They were also offering brioches, but I wasn’t hungry, and so can’t comment on them.

How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?

6 — It was certainly a lively place and a friendly bunch of people. I don’t think Elim is my crowd, but I had a nice morning with them.

Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?

Yes! These people clearly care a lot, are very passionate and welcoming.

What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?

The diversity of the crowd. It was heartening to see.