Three new Small Church Hubs this autumn

September and early October saw three more Small Church Hubs being planted, writes Hilary Taylor, and at each we worshipped, shared scripture - and our joys and challenges

The events have been successful, reaching 82 people from 10 churches and visited by two regional ministers. At all three, we worshipped, shared scripture and each church shared both their joys and challenges. We always conclude these events in prayer for each hub church.

In Cricklewood (London Baptists - LB), many churches testified to more people coming to church especially young people who are keen to serve. Fifty-eight youngsters attended the summer football camp, financed by a local business!

Two churches have new ministers and one church meets in a community centre and holds a popular women’s breakfast. Challenges included needing a treasurer, musicians, and preachers. They are all looking forward to the new LB database for help in the future.

In Burton on Trent (East Midlands Baptist Association - EMBA), New Baptist Church hosts five congregations, including the Burton Salvation Army, in its building alongside many community groups. Littleover Baptist Church welcomed a new minister in April and celebrated its first baptism in 21 years!

Alvaston Baptist Church is seeing amazing answers to prayer and Overseal prioritises solid Bible teaching.

Challenges included ageing congregations (but still active and young at heart!), bridging the gap between hall user activities and church, and learning to work with what they have and leaving the rest to God.  




In Dormansland (pictured; South Eastern Baptist Association - SEBA), six out of the invited eight churches came and shared their community work such as holiday at home, toddlers, TLC (Tea, Laughter,Cake), and stay and play for people with Special Educational Needs.

Westvale Community Church is a young church with a new building and a new minister (ordained in Nov). There were stories of new people, soft evangelism, and doing church differently (two Sunday services a month, one Sunday community meal and one Sunday serving the community).

Challenges included no minister, no money, large number of children in Sunday School but in one open plan space, looking for a part-time minister and retaining young people with large churches up the road.

Also in September, an amazing worship event was held at our Birmingham hub at Perry Beeches Baptist Church (Heart of England Baptist Association - HEBA). Dave Ellis (regional minister) led with the church worship team and 40 people were blessed in having deep quality time in worship.

Two more events are planned before the end of the year – one at Oakwood Baptist Church (LB) and one at Leyland Baptist Church (North Western Baptist Association - NWBA).
 

If you would like to know more about joining or starting a hub in your area, please contact Hilary Taylor