IS IT A cinema? Is it a church? Well, you won't find a pulpit or pews in the large building that stands at the top of Northampton's main shopping street.
This 1930s art deco cinema, now the Jesus Army's largest Jesus Centre (there are others in Coventry and London), has become a focal point of the town since it opened in 2004.
The Jesus Centre is billed as "a place of worship, friendship and help". As well as being a venue for many of the Jesus Fellowship's national meetings, it is a chill-out zone for the local youth on Friday nights, a space where the gospel is put into action for the poor on a daily basis and a place for anyone to come and find Jesus.
The Jesus Centre is a busy place. All sorts of activities take place there during the week, from creative and support groups, to a drop-in for the homeless and vulnerably housed, to youth and community events.
Eight centuries ago Saint Francis of Assisi was reported to have said: "Preach the gospel at all times; use words if necessary." This is something of the heart behind the Jesus Centre vision.
In an age of advanced communication technology, Christian actions must speak loud and clear to demonstrate the reality of who Jesus is - and impact and win people for Him in Northampton.
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JESUS IN THE CENTRE
