Belong Before You Believe: Alex’s Everyday Faith

From leading workouts to playing hymns, Alex has found creative ways to share her faith beyond the Sunday services at St Michael and All Angels, Bramhall.

Alex's journey began when Alex’s youngest son, Abel came home from school asking questions about Jesus. “He said, ‘I want to learn about Jesus. Will you take me to church?’” Alex recalls. “I thought he’ll soon be bored and get over it—but that simple request brought me back to church for the first time in years.”

Walking into St Michael and All Angels in Bramhall on a Monday morning, Alex found a group of people gardening in the car park. “They greeted me with such warmth,” she says. “I asked about the children’s group, and before I knew it, I was offering to play the organ—even though I hadn’t touched one in 20 years!” That first Easter Sunday in 2023 was nerve-wracking, but it marked the start of a new chapter. “I’ve not missed a Sunday since.”

For Alex, faith grew gradually. “At first, I’d say, ‘I’m the organist, but I’m not religious.’

Over time, that changed. Now, if someone asks, I say, ‘Oh yes, I am.’ I’ve found a peace I never knew before—and I want others to know they can belong before they believe.”

Today, Alex shares her faith in unexpected places: in her gym, through her podcast, and in conversations that start with everyday life. She's even going to be hosting an Alpha course in her new fitness studio with Revd Calum Piper in the new year.

“Churches can feel daunting, but faith isn’t confined to a building. It’s about meeting people where they are.”

On Wednesday, 26 November at 7:00 PM, Alex will join Ruth Bull and two other speakers at St Michael and All Angels, Bramhall for an evening of conversation about sharing faith beyond Sundays. Everyone is welcome to come and hear stories that inspire and challenge us to live out faith in the ordinary moments of life.