And interest in the unusual service extended outside of New Zealand.

It soon went viral after the North Shore Times featured the story last Tuesday, making news all over the world.

Pastors Vic Francis and Calvin Culverwell's story even appeared on one of the largest news websites in the world - HuffingtonPost.com.

Mr Culverwell spoke live on Australia's most watched breakfast television show Sunrise about the service.

The story was even mentioned on TV3 comedy show 7 Days.

And the service last Sunday was filmed for TV One current affairs show Close Up.

Feedback from attendees was "all good", Mr Francis says.

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The congregation can have a beer during the service, and pizza and fries would be provided.

Shore Vineyards youth pastor Calvin Culverwell says the Albany Sports Bar and Café venue is an ideal place to "intersect" popular culture and church culture.

Culverwell says many people who believe in God or are seeking God aren't comfortable going to an existing church.

"We like to sit down, we like to eat together, we like to have great conversations. That's a human thing but it's a Kiwi thing as well," Culverwell said.

"When I look through the Bible I see Jesus is someone who valued those things as well. So to me it seems it almost goes hand-in-hand."

The 24-year-old Albany resident will take on the role of pastor for the new church - something he's been keen to do for his community.

Source

• Challenge Weekly
• Stuff
• Image: Auckland Now