Rave Gospel

A new movement is growing across the North West: one that brings together Christian Electronic Dance Music (EDM)Worship with the energy of electronic dance music. Rave Gospel, a network led by Revd Aaron Dunne (Liverpool Diocese) and Revd Simon Stride (Chester Diocese), is pioneering Spirit‑filled worship events that blend house, trance, techno, and other EDM genres with prayer, community, and an open invitation to encounter God.

Rave Gospel’s vision is bold:

“To spark a movement of Christian rave worship music across the UK and beyond hosting Electronic Dance music events led by the Holy Spirit, building community through music and encounter, raising up a new wave of creatives, and connecting the clubber to the local Church and to Jesus.”

Their mission is equally clear: to bring the love and power of Jesus Christ to the dancefloor, uniting beats, bodies, and believers in worship that reaches a generation often lost to club culture but found in Christ.

Every two to three months, Rave Gospel hosts high‑energy worship events in Liverpool, Chester, and surrounding regions. These gatherings feature DJ‑led worship sets curated prayerfully and prophetically, immersive visuals, and the chance to take communion in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The dancefloor becomes a place of worship. The visuals become a canvas of hope. The music becomes a pathway to encounter.

These events attract a wide mix of people, from those seasoned in faith to those simply curious, from EDM fans to people exploring spiritual questions for the first time.

The growing Rave Gospel network is a vibrant community that includes DJs, producers, singers, dancers, church leaders, and supporters of all ages and backgrounds. It creates a space for authentic connection and spiritual renewal, offering an alternative or complementary form of worship for those who may feel disconnected from traditional church settings.

Revd Simon Stride describes it like this:

“Rave Gospel is giving people permission to meet God in a way that feels natural to them - through rhythm, movement, and joy. It’s church, but not as many have experienced it before. We’re seeing walls come down and hearts open in extraordinary ways.”

As Rave Gospel grows, so too does the need for people to connect with local Christian communities. Many will encounter God powerfully at a rave event, but long‑term discipleship, support, and worship happen best at the local level.

The network works closely with churches across the region to ensure that those seeking deeper belonging, pastoral support, or discipleship can find it. Local parishes become natural homes for those whose spiritual journeys begin on the dancefloor.

A key part of Rave Gospel’s mission is to equip believers to host their own Christian rave events in their communities. This includes:

• DJ workshops

• Resources and “how‑to” guides for hosting local Christian rave events

• Mentoring for aspiring Christian EDM artists

• Support for churches wanting to experiment with creative forms of worship

The long‑term hope is to see a local‑to‑regional network of worshipping communities shaped by EDM, creativity, and Spirit‑led expression.

Upcoming Event: Sanctuary – Easter Saturday

Rave Gospel presents Sanctuary

Easter Saturday, 4th April – 8pm

The Mount, St Andrew’s Church, St Helens

Sanctuary is an evening of DJ‑led worship, prayer, and creative encounter. With a full dancefloor, chill‑out space, immersive visuals, and an open invitation to “come as you are,” Sanctuary offers a unique way to enter the story of Holy Week.

Free entry. Alcohol‑free. Open to all (14+ with a responsible adult).

Whether you’re drawn by the music, the atmosphere, or the chance to try something new, you are warmly invited to join this growing movement ... and perhaps meet God on the dancefloor this Easter.