It’s a tough world out there at present – and a lot of people are asking questions. “We want to be a church for the community,” says Dave Solt, pastor of the Wycliffe church.
“We want to reach out and help people in all walks of life. We will provide a listening ear to start. But we also believe people need spiritual help – the Bible has the answers to every situation.”
Sunday morning services have thrived in recent years, with numbers growing; Thursday coffee mornings have resumed, with evening services back too. Pastor Dave says the church encourages visitors.“ When people walk past, we want the church to smile back and for people to feel welcome. We want the Bible’s truths to be the main course, and our worship the garnish leading to the main course.”
Wycliffe offers a distinctively Baptist, traditional Christianity, which is Christ centred and based on the Bible’s teaching. Sunday morning services are also livestreamed on Facebook, and past services can be seen on YouTube. There is also a Wednesday Bible study, both in-person and on Zoom using PowerPoint presentations.
The American minister, 60, who is on the Royal Preston Hospital Chaplaincy team, speaks about the benefits of faith in God from personal experience. As a young man of 20, he felt trapped in a life of alcohol and drugs until a fellow US airman handed him a sermon tape. “I realised my need and that I needed Jesus and I called out to Him and accepted Him into my life. I knew immediately something had happened and my life had changed. I’d been in trouble and now was safe. I want people who are looking for answers in life to come to know Jesus personally, to follow Him and love the Bible.” His approach is gentle and respectful of others’ opinions.
Pop by to see for yourself.
What the Church Offers Around 80 people, including young families, attend Wycliffe as the church rebuilds.
They meet every Sunday in a friendly and informal setting – with ‘junior church’ and creche also offered alongside. The pastor is David Solt, an ex USAF mechanic from Arizona, ordained a Baptist minister 30 years ago, living many years in England.
He and his wife live in Clifton and have three sons and a granddaughter. One son is moving over in November to work alongside Dave. He says: “We have a loving approach and help people to grow spiritually. If people want to understand how to become a Christian, we explain that.”
Sunday services are at 10.30am and 6.30pm. Mid-week meetings include a bible Study on Wednesdays, 7pm, and a friendly coffee morning, Thursdays 10am noon. A minibus service is available with a wheelchair lift.
Ring Pastor Dave for more information.
