WHAT'S GOING ON
The latest news from The Forge
WHERE ARE WE
COME UNDERGROUND
The most powerful transformations don’t always happen under cathedral ceilings—sometimes, they happen beneath the floorboards.
The Forge is officially heading into the trenches. Meeting in the raw, unfiltered basement of The Beehive pub, we’re stripping away the polish of "traditional" church to find something deeper. This isn't just a change of scenery; it’s a return to our roots. By going underground, we’re creating a space where the broken, the bold, and the burnt-out can gather without pretense.
In The Forge, the heat is higher and the worship is heavier. We aren't just holding a service; we’re forging a brotherhood and sisterhood in the shadows.
VENUE FEATURES
The Forge has its own entrance, located on the right hand side of the pub via a small access road or you can come through the bar. Please note the route through the bar has steep steps.
The space is equipped with toilets and baby changing. Although it is accessible for wheelchair users there is a small lip on the doorway, the team are more than able to help people navigate this if needed.
Children are very welcome, the Pastors Beth and Gaz have three young children themselves and aim to make this a welcoming church for all ages.
Hot drinks are on sale from the bar before or after the gathering.
Seating is limited, we go with the flow and adapt. It adds to the undone nature of our mission. We come to the Lord imperfect but loved. Please do give up your seat for those that need it and remember not all disabilities are visible.
There is no dedicated parking, but we are surrounded by on street spaces, please plan your parking before arriving.
We are a stones throw from Shipley meaning public transport links are very good, trains and buses are very close.
THE FUEL
Just as a forge needs constant fuel to keep the fire hot, regular giving keeps the mission burning.
OPEN TO ALL
At The Forge, accessibility isn't about being "churchy"—it's about being human. We’ve designed our underground gatherings to be approachable for everyone, whether you’ve spent your life in a pew or have never stepped foot in a church.
1. No "Church-Speak" Required
We cut through the religious jargon. Our worship songs and messages use plain, powerful language that resonates with real-life struggles. You don’t need a theology degree to understand what’s happening; you just need to show up.
2. Come As You Are (Seriously)
The basement of a pub is the ultimate "level playing field." There is no dress code. Whether you’re coming straight from work, the gym, or the ring, you’ll fit right in. Removing the "Sunday Best" expectation makes the environment immediately more relaxed and accessible.
3. Sensory-Friendly Options
While our worship is high-energy, we want it to be a positive experience for everyone:
Unlike cramped pews, our underground space allows for standing, sitting, or pacing. You aren’t confined to a box.
4. Interactive & Participatory
Worship at The Forge isn't a spectator sport. It’s accessible because it’s communal.
The Huddle: We often break into smaller groups to check in on each other.
Open Q&A: We don't just talk at you; we leave room for questions and conversation.
Kids-Play: We have a selection of instruments for young people to use, biscuits and juice, as well as grab bags to keep little hands occupied.
5. An "Outsider-First" Mentality
Because we are a plant from Kingdom Wrestling, we are used to being in secular spaces. We assume people in the room might be skeptical or nervous, so we go out of our way to explain why we do what we do throughout.
The Bottom Line: We make faith accessible by taking it off the pedestal and putting it on the ground floor (or, in this case, the basement).
It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s for everyone.
TUNE IN
Listen to our dedicated playlist ahead of visiting to catch our vibe. Only power and praise here!
WHO ARE WE
Gaz Thompson
From trauma and homelessness to the wrestling ring, Gareth’s life was redefined by a radical encounter with God’s love during his darkest trials. This transformation set him on a path of resilience and fueled a career on the frontlines of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), where he developed a deep heart for the overlooked and a passion for men’s mental health. Merging his history in the ring with his call to ministry, Gareth founded Kingdom Wrestling as a way to reach people through creative evangelism. Through "Wrestling Church," he has spent years showing others that no matter the struggle or the trauma, God is our ultimate tag-team partner in every battle.
Expect a "Pray, Eat, Wrestle, Repeat" T-shirt, powerful storytelling that mixes parables with his passions, and a relentless drive for seeing people find hope, transformation and Jesus.
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Beth Thompson
Beth is wife to Gaz and mum to three awesome young girls. Beth's life was transformed by God in 2016 when she finally started to live the way God intended. After navigating bad choices in her youth, personal hardship, an abusive relationship, and chronic illness, Beth discovered the true meaning of love and forgiveness through Jesus. At Bible college it was prophesied over Beth "when you speak it is like the Sword of the Spirit". Beth has been pivotal in the conception and execution of Kingdom Wrestling, supporting in the background, since day one.
Expect a genuine heart to help, prophecy, words of encouragement and passionate sung worship from Beth.
Beth Prescott
Beth (aka t'other Beth) was brought up in a Christian family then, as a young person, sought to develop her own relationship with God - supported by a local church and local youth group. Since this moment, God placed on Beth a heart for social justice, for community and for the local area. This led to Beth's life taking some unexpected turns and towards a career advocating for children and young people. Throughout this, Beth learnt to truly appreciate God as our rock, refuge and strength.
Expect a smile, energetic speaking, a heart to help, and an inability to stay still while playing the piano.
THE BEST MOMENTS, CAPTURED
FORGING THE WAY
This is where the raw iron of a vision meets the heat of reality.
In this podcast, Beth and Gaz are pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to build something from the ground up.
No filters, no polished scripts, just the honest truth about the journey of starting our weekly gatherings. We’re sitting down to talk through the grit, the late nights, the breakthroughs, and the moments where we just had to trust the process. It’s the heartbeat behind the curtain, the lessons we’ve learned in the fire, and the incredible community that’s forming as we go. If you’ve ever wondered how a spark becomes a flame, come sit with us. The fire is on, the hammer is ready, and the conversation is just getting started.
