Popular songwriter Dave Bilbrough - who penned classic modem hymns like Abba Father - has launched a new initiative to take worship to the West End, reports Clive Price.
Dave has been making inroads into the wider world with his praise material, by presenting two live and acoustic' shows at the Jermyn Street Theatre near the bright lights of London's Piccadilly.
Using songs and stories in the intimate, informal setting of this 70-seat venue, Bilbrough's aim was to share something of his spiritual journey - 'in a way that's accessible and non-threatening to non-Christians as well as Christians'.
It was a major departure from his usual large-scale worship events, as shown most recently on his latest album Live From Marsham Street. For that recording he used a full band, 'world music' sounds - and a wide variety of percussion.
Jermyn Street was a much quieter affair. Bilbrough sang not only his own worship material, but also classic tunes from the likes of Fats Waller (Ain't Misbehavin) and Paul Simon (Flowers Never Bend, The Boxer).
The second artist is significant - it was Simon's music that influenced Bilbrough in his own search for God. Sharing experiences from his past - such as the hilarious moment when he met his double - Bilbrough talked openly about his faith.
He told the tragic story of singer Judy Garland, and that led straight into a poignant performance of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Accompanying the 44-year-old singer-songwriter for some of the songs were percussionist wife Pat, pianist Steve Criddle, guitarist Simon Nelson, and fiddle player Nick Haigh.
Bilbrough later said he was applying some of the valuable lessons he's learned about gently leading others into an encounter with God: 'I want to open up the spiritual dimension for people, and talk about Jesus in a warm, inviting way.'
Some people have brought 'non-church' friends along, while others have come out of curiosity. A third concert along similar lines may take place in the near future. 'Who knows what result will come of the seed sown,' he said.