From division to worship: Church Flute Band brings gospel hope
A ministry in East Belfast is witnessing unexpected transformation as a newly formed flute band seeks to carry the gospel into a culture long associated with division.
Church Flute Band Belfast (CFBB), launched nine months ago, emerged from The Gathering Belfast, a church planted in 2019 with a simple vision: to Gather, Grow, and Go. What began as a local congregation rooted in worship, community, and witness has since stepped into unfamiliar territory - engaging directly with marching band culture along the Lower Newtownards Road and the surrounding Titanic Quarter.
The area carries a proud yet complex history. Marching bands are deeply woven into the fabric of the community, symbolising identity for some while representing division for others. Leaders at The Gathering admit they could never have imagined they would one day lead such a ministry. Yet they say God has been at work in unexpected ways.
“One by one, bandsmen are coming to faith in Christ,” says Revd Ross Munro. “What started as concern over sectarian associations near our building became a burden on our hearts. We began to ask: what if these streets echoed with songs of hope instead of division?”
Ross says he began praying not for comfort, but for courage - courage to take the Gospel beyond church walls and into the very culture shaping the community. Out of that conviction, CFBB was formed.
Today, the sound of melody-style hymns, worship songs and traditional Irish airs can be heard drifting through East Belfast. Organisers say the band is helping to build bridges in places where suspicion once lingered. “Where there were divides, there are now shared songs,” Ross adds.
More than a music group, CFBB describes itself as a living testimony that faith can redeem culture, restore community and turn even contested spaces into places of worship. The band is open to people of all ages and backgrounds and incorporates music, personal testimony and biblical teaching into its outreach. “CFBB proclaims Jesus openly, warmly and without barrier,” says Ross
Looking ahead, the ministry says it remains focused on serving “for the glory of God alone.” Donations will support several priorities, including the Bishop’s Appeal, the charity Light of Foot - which assists families affected by the tragic loss of bandsmen through suicide - and the ongoing ministry work of the church in the Lower Newtownards Road area.
Invitation to churches
CFBB would be delighted to come, at your invitation, to share what God is doing through this ministry in your setting. We can provide a one-hour programme of music, testimony, and biblical teaching or contribute as part of an event you are already planning. We believe the Lord is using this ministry to extend His presence and peace, and it would be our privilege to support and encourage your parish in all that He is doing.
Contact Ross: ross@thegatheringbelfast.com