London Calling!

A number of years ago we used to produce something called ‘London News’, the purpose of which was to communicate the latest info on our London churches. I intend, through this leadership blog, to keep London churches informed of developments across the whole city – this is the first of what will be a regular feature, which I hope you enjoy!

Both Stef Liston (Camden) with attendance approaching 100, and Stu Gibbs (Greenwich) at around 50 regular attenders, are already making fine progress in establishing the church plants in their localities. I have recently asked Owen Hylton to move from Kings, Catford, to head up Beacon Church (central South London) while Andy Floyd has rejoined the team here at King’s. I am encouraged that each of these recent church plants is doing so well.

Following the launch of the London training base over three years ago, both the 'FP Impact' and 'Leadership Foundations' courses continue to be packed. I am delighted to announce we will be launching and piloting a new 'Leadership Advanced' course in London from Sept 2009. The new course will take all the strengths of the existing course, with its theological reflection and teaching, and add modules on leadership and preaching and a residential weekend on marriage. I believe this is a very exciting development as we look to train our elders and pastors for effective ministry in today’s world. Mick Taylor, who directs the London Training Base, will head up both of these courses.

The ‘Together’ weekend at Butlins is now only a couple of weeks away, with over 3660 people booked in and a number having been turned away who now regret that they didn’t book in earlier! My estimation is that 50 % of those attending come from the London churches – the uptake has been considerable, as a result of which we are considering providing two such weekends in 2010.

Dave Stroud continues to see Christchurch, London flourish and grow with over 500 attending regularly - quite remarkable as it was only planted 3 years ago. Here at King’s, Catford we are growing faster then ever and are in sight of 1000 regular attenders. We are beginning to plan for a 4th Sunday meeting to cope with such growth.

Overall, the Newfrontiers churches in London show signs of greater strength than at any time since I came to London and following the successful planting of 8 churches in the last 8 years, we are now intentionally looking at locations for the next 5 church plants. Our vision of establishing 50 churches with 10,000 people is becoming more attainable.

Let’s keep praying! We have a great city to reach!