Soar, a men’s group in Liskeard, Cornwall, was born from Liam Crabtree’s vision to pioneer a space for the community he had come from to find support and encouragement. It’s developed organically into a place of discipleship, where members walk with each other through life, and offers an invitation to join a journey of faith in Jesus.
When I was younger I was into lots of silly stuff including drugs,’ says Liam, explaining what led the way to establishing Soar. ‘I got told to go to church by a police officer so I rang and spoke to Niall who put me in touch with Phil the curate at the time. Phil walked with me, listened and prayed with me. When the Holy Spirit fell on me, it was like ‘boom,’ I found peace… and that was the beginning.’ Liam was baptised along with his children in 2022 and his journey with Jesus has continued.
Niall Dunne remembers Liam’s call and saw the difference that having someone walk alongside him made. Liam started bringing his friends along to the men’s curry night, and Niall admits this presented a challenge to the church – what to do next; ‘Either we go with it and walk with these men, or try to get them to church on a Sunday, to look and be a certain way to fit the mold.’
The answer came when Liam shared his vision for a group to support this new community, using space in the church where there was an Xbox, a PlayStation and a pool table. ‘To be honest, we didn’t really know how Christian to go,’ says Liam, ‘but we started reading Psalm 37 together, which led to an amazing discussion and the beginnings of Soar.’
Even before meeting Liam, the name, ‘Soar’ had been on Niall’s heart. ‘As Liam shared his vision,’ he says, ‘all became clear and I knew Soar was the name – from Isaiah 40 “they will soar on wings like eagles’’. Being lifted up and out of where you’re at is so very relevant.’
‘The guys who came were curious about following Jesus,’ explains Niall, ‘especially as they had seen the impact that it has had on Liam’s life. Many who had experienced darkness and struggled, knew it was a safe space, and wanted to find out more about God.’
Soar meets each Wednesday night, rarely missing a week – routine and consistency being important for many in or wanting to be in recovery. There is tea and coffee, snacks, a worship song, and a short reflection and space for people to share where they are at, and to ask questions. They always finish with praying for each other.
Fifteen to 20 come along to the gathering. ‘Some drift in and out,’ says Niall, ‘but Liam is absolutely amazing about checking in on people. Discipleship is also about boldness – Liam will chat to anyone and does all the inviting. He’s taught me loads.
‘I don’t work for the church now, but Soar is my community too, where I feel, see and experience Jesus the most every week. We laugh a lot, and cry a lot, together. And we walk with each other through the highs and lows of life, trying to work out what it means to follow Jesus in the midst of it, together.’
Soar is now multiplying as members have started up groups in surrounding towns linking with churches, including a women’s group.
Asked how it feels to be discipling people, Liam says: ‘I’m blessed to be able to do it. God’s definitely got a sense of humour because he’s using me! It’s hard sometimes because recovery is hard, but then God will just do something amazing and use Soar. And now the lads are bringing other lads along. One guy was going into the pubs and inviting people telling them about Soar. Seeing these guys every week and seeing them grow, it’s so rewarding and amazing.
Discover more about Pioneering, starting new church communities in creative ways.
