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TECH-savvy . . . the Rev Neil Chappell

Vicar Neil’s internet inspiration
A TECHNOLOGY savvy vicar has taken to the internet to get ideas for his inspirational sermons.

Neil Chappell, from Greenacres Congregational Church in Galland Street, set up a blog to document his ideas and shape his weekly services.

Before long, the blog was being read by hundreds of visitors a day encouraging Rev Chappell to expand it.

He said: “It’s initially a tool for me to prepare for Sunday, to think through the Bible. This approach is often quite off the wall — or aweirdthing — to quote the blog title. But it shapes my thoughts, and is not necessarily what I will say on a Sunday.

“Then I thought, if I find it useful, how about sharing it with a wider audience. So I now share it via Facebook, Twitter, and my email contacts. In just over three weeks I’ve had almost 7,000 hits — an average of 300 visitors a day.

“As well as writing a weekly blog, I also have a monthly podcast, playing some good music and thinking over different topics.”

Congregation member Stuart Paulley said: “One of the things that visitors and church members comment on very frequently is the quality of Neil’s sermons. I’ve often wondered how he produces such interesting talks each week — there’s no way I could do it.

“Neil has now let us into a little secret — he puts his initial thoughts down on a blog. Some end up in the sermon, while others seem to have no connection at all.

“The blog has been live for only a few weeks, but is being picked up by a lot of people.

“I think that Oldhamers of any background would appreciate reading the blogs and contemplating the issues which Neil raises.

“It might even be that after reading a blog people will want to come and hear the man himself in action.

“It’s well worth it and there’s no chance of anyone being bored when Neil’s speaking.”

The full address is http://aweirdthing.wordpress.com/