Squirtle enjoying a lazy sunny afternoon outside Wesley Uniting Church in Melbourne (not in-game footage).
Pokémania has swept over the country and a number of Uniting Church congregations have joined in this latest cultural craze.
This Crosslight Pokémon GO story generated many positive comments from enthusiastic UCA members eager to embrace their church’s status as a Pokémon Gym or Pokestop.
Pokémon GO brings young people to the doorsteps of churches and a number of Crosslight readers enquired how their congregation can utilise this opportunity to engage with young people. Here are some tips from churches throughout the world that have jumped on board the Pikachu Express:
- Let people know you are a Pokémon Gym or Pokestop. Publicise it on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
- Include a welcome sign or banner outside your church like this UK Methodist church.
- Gosford Anglican Church alerted passerbys that they are a Pokestop so players can stock up on Pokeballs and other virtual items.
- Provide a battery charging station for Pokémon’s trainers. Pokémon GO uses both GPS and mobile data, so it consumes a lot of battery.
- Offer free food and refreshments. Catching Pokémon all day can be tiring and many players will be grateful to refuel before they continue on their journey. This church in the US offers ‘max potions’ (aka. free water) for weary Pokémon trainers.
- Include Pokémon GO as part of your youth group activities.
- If your church is a Pokestop, you can use the ‘lure’ function to attract Pokémon to your area.
- Learn the game so you, too, can join in the fun and ‘catch ‘em all’
Thank you to all Uniting Church ministers and congregation members who shared with Crosslight that their church is a Pokémon Gym or Pokestop. If your church is one as well, be sure to add it to the comments section of this article.
Has there been a Zubat infestation in your area? Or maybe you’ve spotted a Cubone lurking near your church? Share your screenshots by tagging us on Twitter (@ucavictas), posting on our Facebook page or send an email to Crosslight@victas.uca.org.au.
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