An Evangelical festival held at Butlins’ across the country.
Through my husband, it’s something I’ve heard a lot about over the years. He grew up in a Christian household (his mum in particular) and went to Spring Harvest many times as a child and young adult.
Now; despite being christened, going to a C of E primary, and attending Sunday school as a child. My parents are not religious. My dad in particular is very anti religion, and has made some horrible comments about my husband and his family over the years (thankfully I have minimal contact with him). Over the years, I’ve been conflicted with my belief, but always thought myself a Christian.
But, when I met my MIL, she told my husband I wasn’t a Christian. Wouldn’t let me sleep over at their house, and didn’t want us to move in together before marriage. I’ve struggled over the years with their more evangelical beliefs, whereas mine are a bit more your Protestant/CofE/traditional. Whenever I’ve gone to services of any kind at their Baptist church, I haven’t enjoyed them.
This year, we have been invited along to Spring Harvest… I would love to hear if anyone has any experience of going. The good, the bad; anything!
I’m really unsure about what I’m going to get from it. Other than it probably cementing my own beliefs.
Really interested to hear others experiences
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Has anyone ever gone to Spring Harvest?
minitigs · 03/03/2024 08:23
Borris · 03/03/2024 08:24
I went as a teenager- I'm 45 now!
unstablefeeling · 03/03/2024 08:36
I also went as a teenager in the 90s but I can't imagine it's changed much. If you didn't enjoy the services at their baptist church, I imagine you would hate Spring Harvest! It's pretty much just enormous evangelical church services twice a day. Speakers who have exactly the kind of views that your MIL does, preaching about being a good Christian to hundreds of people waving their arms in the air to the cheesy worship songs. I can only imagine that your MIL has invited you with the hope that the services will result in you being converted into a "proper" Christian.
Plus you have to stay in the pretty rubbish Butlins accomodation. I can't remember ever doing anything else other than going to endless services and workshops about how to be a better Christian, other than just hanging around with my teenage mates, which was great at the time! I don't know what adult people did as I only ever mixed with other teenagers there, but I can't imagine there's much else to do there.
Reallybadidea · 03/03/2024 08:38
You've been invited because they're hoping that you will become a born again Christian like them. Are you ok with that? People who are evangelical Christians love Spring Harvest; it feels like a little cocoon full of people who all agree with your beliefs and reinforce them.
If you don't believe in the same way then it can be difficult to feel like the odd one out.
minitigs · 03/03/2024 08:59
Thank you to everyone for their responses -
So is it all just services? Is there any talks?
I feel at this rate, I'm going to be spending my time at the bar!
Or walking into Minehead to see what delights they have there...
minitigs · 03/03/2024 08:58
Yep, it's exactly what they're doing.
But I won't be converting.
I'm fully aware that all this will do is solidify what I already know.
It's not going to be an enjoyable experience, I know that.
Reallybadidea · 03/03/2024 08:38
You've been invited because they're hoping that you will become a born again Christian like them. Are you ok with that? People who are evangelical Christians love Spring Harvest; it feels like a little cocoon full of people who all agree with your beliefs and reinforce them.
If you don't believe in the same way then it can be difficult to feel like the odd one out.
Cheville · 03/03/2024 08:43
Why would you even contemplate attending a giant evangelical jamboree at the behest of people who don’t appear to have much respect for you and your beliefs, but who hope you’ll ‘covert’ to their particular brand of religion?
AppleKatie · 03/03/2024 09:16
CoE families go to spring harvest as well as the more born again evangelical type. You can watch the main services on tv in the chalet if you want to see what you’re getting into before going to those.
there are loads of different workshops/talks etc… and lots that are more focussed on entertainment than anything else. Get a programme and choose what you go to carefully. Also take the kids swimming/to the beach/to the fair and enjoy a relaxed break.
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ItMustBeBedtimeSurely · 03/03/2024 09:16
Got taken as a child/teenager. I loved the funfair… the rest, not so much. Honestly it was weird, really pushy and cult like. As an adult, I have an absolute aversion to evangelical Christianity so it’s safe to say they did a terrible job of brainwashing me. They tried though…
Puddlet · 03/03/2024 09:11
Hi, I went many years ago and had a good time.... it's great that you're going with kids as all the fairground rides and swimming pool should be available so you can volunteer to take them swimming when everyone else is doing bible study! Even when I went (20 years ago!) it wasn't just one perspective - there were different activities available e.g. running club, workshops on various themes. There were also different styles of worship on offer - one venue was guitars and drums and arm waving- another was more celtic style music and much more laidback. As a more liturgical christian one thing which I did find very odd was the way they almost ignored Good Friday - it's Good Friday - but come on let's celebrate!
I think that the evangelical world has become less arrogant and more reflective over the last few years - not least because of some of the scandals around e.g. Mike Pilavachi, Crowded house and others. I wonder if these days they might realise that there's a need for lament alongside relentless celebration... anyway I hope it's better than you expect!!
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