“I too am averse to change so can identify with Mr Gibbs affection for the old ways. However, Swan Bank's decision to change in response to the needs of the local people is clearly working. 3 services every Sunday, standing room only most weeks and a full weekly programme for all ages has to be a credit to the vision of the ministers and church leaders over the last 50 years. The pulpit has been reduced, the extra space used to provide more seating for worshippers. The organ is still there and used regularly but the pop group does often make the congregation's singing sound even better! Mr Gibbs, please take Peter Hibbert up on his offer for a return visit, I am sure he can help you find ample evidence of the continuing good work that drew you to Swan Bank in your teens”

“I write in response to the article dated 6th March involving John Gibbs. I have been worshipping at Swan Bank since the age of 4 (1982) and have therefore witnessed all of these changes from the inside. I felt saddened when I heard John's views as we work very hard at Swan Bank to make sure all are welcome and can feel at home but unfortunately wrapping traditional churches up in cellophane and simply preserving them would not achieve this. I remember my father, the previous minister of Swan Bank - possibly during some of John's time, likening a church's challenge as walking up a down escalator - standing still only moves you backwards.

I sympathize greatly with John and would like to invite him to return and sit with me. I wish he could witness what I saw only yesterday in our family service. I arrived late and struggled to get a seat, furthermore, I could not escape the huge variety of people engaging with a living God. I feel sure that though he may notice the pulpit has been moved and some things have changed but also that the message has not. Jesus is just as alive as 2000 years ago and he's alive at Swan Bank. Moreover, his love is open to all; this I feel sure is exactly what John would have clung to 20 years ago and he can rest assured that this will not change.”

“In reply to the comments by John Gibbs on Swan Bank Church (the typo error gave us all a laugh as we imagined our minister in a tutu!!)
First of all the church became a mission in 1948 after a generous gift was accepted from Mr Barratt, a local pottery manufacturer. Until that time, although always known locally as Swan Bank, it was actually called the Central Wesleyan Church and became Burslem Methodist Mission under the terms of the gift.
In 1969/70 the old, gothic fronted church was demolished and the present one built in its place. I appreciate that Mr Gibbs would have known the church building in its former ¿splendour¿ with the high, ornately carved pulpit, the original organ, the balcony and the uncomfortable pews, however is that all that church is about? My belief has always been that church means people, not bricks and mortar, and certainly not pulpits and organs. (Unfortunately Mr Gibbs did not happen to see the present organ and pipes)
The old Methodist tradition of having high pulpits was because so much emphasis was placed on the word, and rightly so, but over the years it has become increasingly apparent that preachers want to feel closer to the people they are talking to, and it certainly benefits those listening to feel engaged with the speaker and not that he/she is remote and isolated up in the ¿gods¿.
Over the years Swan Bank church has been a ¿flagship¿ in Methodism, and to some extent in other denominations within the city. For many years, under excellent, forward thinking Superintendents, it has embraced the ethos of communing and catering for the needs of people not possessions. That¿s why there are 3 worship events every Sunday, one which is ¿family friendly¿ , one traditional, (with ¿proper hymns and an organ Mr Gibbs!) and one which is more open, spirit led and celebratory.
I would also like to emphasise the point that as Mr Gibbs says ¿Instead of being greeted by the magnificent pulpit¿ he would indeed have been greeted by our very friendly welcome team who, I¿m sure would have greeted him with a warm handshake and a smile.
Today Swan Bank has over 500 people (collectively) coming through its doors on Sunday, not to mention the 1000+ who come into the ancillary buildings throughout the week to attend the various community programmes that are so much a part of who we are today. There is a thriving Junior Church programme every Sunday with approximately 100 young people from 0 to 16 enjoying worship appropriate to them. How many other places of worship can say the same? I see from the article that Mr Gibbs is the grandfather of 3; I wonder what style of worship his children and grandchildren go to.
Reading Mr Gibbs comments saddens me greatly as I am part of a living, growing church family that has nothing to do with pulpits and organs but everything to do with people, fellowship and care. Why have so many church buildings been sold off to commercial enterprise? Would Mr Gibbs have preferred it if the Swan Bank buildings had become a wine bar or night club rather than lose its ¿traditional magnificence¿? Many fine things are based upon tradition but surely tradition cannot stay at the expense of spiritual growth. If pews, pulpits and organs close people¿s eyes, ears and hearts to wanting to know more about what we believe is the real value in life today, then I say away with tradition. We believe at Swan Bank that we have a reasonably good mix of styles to encourage, feed and support all ages in their faith, whatever style of worship they prefer.
Our church ¿strap-line¿ is ¿Loving God, Loving People¿ and that is what we are about. Nowhere in the bible does it say love possessions more than people. Instead of missing what once had been it would have been good had Mr Gibbs seen instead the faces of people enjoying and being part of the worship experience. It doesn¿t matter that things are not as they were, what matters it that people are coming together in”

“Had you turned around and looked up you would have seen a whacking great big organ above the sound desk, you walked under it to get in!
As for the 'pop group' they are a group of young mixing with old, bringing the church in to a more modern age. The sound is fantastic, as is the singing from the 'pop group'. And it isn'l all electronic, it's old school brass with a modern keyboard and drums, and that's just to start.
With regards to the pulpit, the lectern is probably more friendly as the preacher is down at the level of everyone else, and has the added benefit that the front is better for all sorts of displays and acts from the younger members.
I'm not particularly religious, but at Swan Bank I feel COMFORTABLE. It has a really warm, welcoming and non awkward feeling to it. The people are wonderful, the church does some fantastic work, and the preacher I got to listen to; Ashley, brings a fun and relaxed atmosphere. He is brilliant and another reason I enjoy Swan Bank.
Swan Bank has moved with the times, and has done it extremely well. If you want an old fashioned church go to an old fashioned traditional church; not that there is anything wrong with that might I add. This church is listening to the changing world, and doing things to make it appeal to younger ages, after all they are the future of the church! They've done this without alienating the traditional worshippers who have supported the church for many years,and the fact that Sundays have 3 services to cater for differing age groups and requirements is part of that church's commitment to making sure it is still well supported for many many more years to come.
Try coming back again, this time with an open mind, and see the church for what it has become. If it can make someone like me feel comfortable, and willing to take the time to write all this to defend it, then it has to be doing something right! Look around at all the people who attend. Many ages and nationalities, all singing with passion and a smile, not something I can say I see in churches usually.
To the future.”

“I LOVE Swan bank. I attended a Christening there about 3 years ago and it became our chosen place of worship. Everyone is welcoming. The service covers all ages, there is something for everyone. My Son was recently christened there. Things have to change and move on, if they were to stay the same the Church would die. I was in the Church today, it was FULL! How often do you hear of that these days? Children (including my 15 month old) were walking about and taking part. We sang modern worship songs and hymns. Swan Bank is Alive and growing. And the organ is still there, its above your head as you walk in, and it sounds amazing when played!

I am sorry the writer did not enjoy Swan Bank, maybe come again and look at the people and not the building. You will find a lot of love and warmth there.”