15 minute church has its place. But if that’s all Christians can manage, we’re in trouble

Is a bite-sized church service a helpful introduction for those who are new to faith, or simply an easy way for too-busy Christians to tick ‘church’ off their to-do-lists?

When I heard that St David’s Church in Penllergaer, near Swansea, is set to offer a 15 minute ‘microchurch’ service to accommodate people’s “busy, working lives”, I immediately felt torn.

As someone with ADHD, I find that if a Sunday sermon stretches beyond the 30-minute mark, I’m rarely able to remain focussed, even if I’m enjoying the message. The “little and often” approach to my walk with Jesus is the most effective way for me to remain close to God.

On this basis, 15 minute church could be a helpful addition for some people. Christians have often been described as “leaky buckets”, starting the week feeling full from our time together on the Sabbath but, over time, gradually starting to feel empty. This could be an excellent opportunity to top up during the week, pointing us back to Jesus and filling us afresh with his Spirit, grace, patience, discipline and love for others.