Despite sadness in its first year, Christ Church Hemel (CCH), launched in December 2014, has seen the Lord’s guiding and sustaining hand throughout.
Spicer Street Church in St Albans were keen to plant another church and, three years ago, the door opened with an opportunity to plant into the neighbouring town of Hemel Hempstead. A core group was quickly identified, money was raised and Sam Buckley was given the opportunity to lead the plant. Lots of time was spent planning and praying in the lead up to the intended start date – early October in 2014.
Costly convictions
However, just days before the first service, the venue to be used for church meetings threatened to pull the plug on the church, citing theological objections to its FIEC basis of faith. This drove the church back to concerted bold prayer together, feeling otherwise powerless, but aware that the church serves a sovereign God and that compromise on gospel convictions was not possible – even if it cost the church a venue.
