Currently an ordinand at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sale, Simon Stride's combined interests in theology and dance music have helped guide his spiritual direction through his adult life.
For the last two years Simon has been leading DJ worship for the youth congregation at St Mary's, running clubland style events that play Christian dance music.
Since his early teens Simon has had a passion for dance music. In 2003 he joined the Christian organisation, New Generation Music in Bristol, where he worked as a music recording engineer. Later Simon moved north to a community Christian project called 'The Grand', a music venue and community centre in Clitheroe, where he managed a music recording studio. After a few years there, Simon made enquires to the Diocese of Chester, expressing his interest in becoming ordained. When asked what motivated him to towards a vocation in the Church Simon recalls: "I had a niggle for church leadership and studying theology that was getting stronger and stronger and I knew I had to do something about it." He's now nearing the end of his training and is due to be ordained this year.
Simon believes that Christian dance music has the power to really connect with people: "One of the great things about dance music is that it provides a way for young people to encounter God through a culture that is familiar to them. The lyrics are Christian based and the music is uplifting and full of energy. It's a great combination for communicating what God can offer people. I feel it's part of my calling to use my skills as part of worship, to enable people to connect with God through dance and electronic music."
Simon has established a Christian DJ network in the UK to spread his vision for faith-based dance music. "We produce and collaborate on tracks and release them on our label, Worship Music Recordings".
The network's tracks are released via Beatport and Mixcloud, two of the world's most recognised dance music platforms.
Simon encourages churches to consider running DJ worship events as a way of broadening their appeal to the younger generation. He is happy to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to discuss how to develop DJ worship as part of their church's ministry.
Simon Stride can be contacted by email at simonstride@hotmail.com
