Beyond the creation, you know, you're seeing the ocean, he created the ocean,

that infinite God is the only one capable of creating something as big as this, you know,

as far as you can see, there's no end. It's a Sunday morning and off the coast

of Porto in Portugal, Pastor Sam is sitting on his surfboard. Around him are a dozen others sitting on

their boards waiting for the perfect wave. But this isn't a surf lesson. This is a church. Sunshine, waves, you know,

the water is good. The microphone's getting all wet. There's no best place in the world to be.

You know, that's my precious time with the Lord.

I'm Column Flynn, and for Heart and Soul from the documentary on the BBC World

Service, I've come to Porto to find out more about Surf Church and how it mixes a passion

for waves and worship.

I'll meet members who found something different here,

from a safe haven in a time of war to a sense of spiritual belonging. And I'll speak with Pastor Sam

about why this unconventional church has drawn both admiration and criticism.

Is it truly about God or just about surfing?

You will get used to it.

You will get used.

Today, even though the sun is shining,

the Atlantic waters are freezing cold,

so only a few have braved the sea.

Like Samuel, a young man from Italy.

I found this church on Instagram and this is a good place to be here. It's so nice to meet new people. You know, God walked through the water. And maybe this is the most... Basically,

we are back to the origins

...