The general consensus was that he was a pretty good bloke.

``We were wanting to find out what people who don't go to church think about Jesus,'' Mr Wakeford said.

Gauging the community response to Jesus was part of preparations for the Menai Anglican Church's ``Church Without Walls'' service.

The event will be held in Menai Park and is expected to draw a crowd of 1000 people.

``The church is trying to attract people to come to them, but I think we need to take the church to the community,'' Mr Wakeford said.

``People who don't go to church can then take a look and say `Oh! Christians haven't got three heads! This is all right.' ''

Distance from the community is what Mr Wakeford sees as the main challenge facing the modern church.

Mr Wakeford said that from his time working as a police officer he had seen the positive changes that could occur after community and church become one.

``I was a cop for five years, and it made me even more convinced that what people need is Jesus not jails or welfare,'' he said.

``We need to break down the barriers. Religion causes trouble. Jesus doesn't.''

The ``Church Without Walls'' service will start at 5.30pm on Saturday, December 13.

What do you think?