The days of traditional churchgoing are a thing of the past for most millennials, many of whom grew up without the reality of Sunday school (or who can identify as “Sunday school dropouts).
But, as CBC reports, there’s one Toronto church that’s attracting millennials in droves to its two Sunday services.
Drake-inspired graphics, rock bands, a flashy Instagram account and a dress code (or lack thereof) that encourages wearing hoodies and skinny jeans are all part of the C3 experience.
It’s part of a movement called The Pentecostal Christian City Church – or C3 – that aims to redefine the churchgoing experience. C3 started in Australia and has grown to include 450 churches around the world, including 11 in Canada.
Lead pastor, 32-year-old Sam Picken, started the Toronto branch in 2012 with his wife and a group of friends.
Now, over 800 people find comfort in the church each Sunday. The congregation is far from the typical demure church crowd and is predominantly comprised of trendy, forward-thinking twenty-somethings. According to CBC, many grew up going to church but stopped because they could no longer relate. “I think if Jesus were alive today, he would’ve had an Instagram account,” said Picken (in the best quote ever) to the CBC. “When we preach the bible, we try to preach it in a way that’s going to be relevant to the audience.”
WHOSE EXCITED FOR #LOVETORONTO TOMORROW? — It’s a break from the regular Sunday services – that’s right, there’s NO SERVICE tomorrow – BUT – we’re gathering instead in different areas in our city to serve & love our city! — Check out our website / www.c3toronto.com / for more details & to sign up! — #C3Toronto #TORONTO #WELOVEOURCITY #C3TOmisfits #jointheTABLE #ALLIN #C3TOconnect #TiltYourMirror #ABOVEALL A photo posted by C3 Church Toronto (@c3toronto) on
At a time when the world seems more daunting, chaotic and uncertain than ever before, it’s not uncommon to want to seek more meaning and solace in our lives.
While some young people may turn to yoga and meditation, others find this peace in rediscovering their religious roots.
@C3CANADA Conference has gone off this week! We’re so excited to come back with fresh vision & dreams, feeling empowered & equipped, AND ready for the next season! Don’t worry if you missed out this year, just make sure you’re at #C3CanadaConference next year – 2017! — #weloveourC3FAMILY — #C3Family #UNITY #CANADA #C3CANmisfits #jointheTABLE #ALLIN #C3Equip2016 #dontdochurchalone #COMMUNITY A photo posted by C3 Church Toronto (@c3toronto) on
You don’t have to know a ton about religion to be a part of the church, and it prides itself as a space where people are free to explore their own spirituality and relationship with god as they define it. According to CBC, churchgoers include the die-hard that take the plunge with full water baptisms, while others are there for the social aspects and sense of community.
With its high-energy services, sleek and modern website, energetic gatherings and stylized videos, C3 changes the way in which the message is conveyed – from boring and traditional to forward-thinking and engaging.
Case-in-point: this promotional video:
Services are held each Sunday at 9:30am and 11:30am at Central Technical School (725 Bathurst St.)
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