‘20 new churches in Birmingham by 2020.’ That was the stretch goal that we set for ourselves, under God in 2010.
It was beyond any single church, network or denomination to achieve it, and humanly speaking, it seemed impossible. The last ten years have been a lesson in how God delights to do the impossible, and it has been a privilege to have front-row seats.
There is a sense of momentum, and we would love to see another 30 churches planted by 2030, but God has moved us beyond numerical targets. He has cultivated in us a region-wide vision to see Birmingham and the surrounding communities reached for Jesus. We long to see healthy churches working together in faithful and creative ways to reach new communities with the gospel. We are excited by what that might mean for cross-cultural mission, apologetics, social action, Christians in the workplace and in the arts.
We are also excited by what that might mean for urban, suburban, town and rural communities. We don’t know what part 2020birmingham will play in all of this, but we are praying that this would be a season of advance in which many people come to know the Lord Jesus Christ personally for themselves.
God willing, the year 2020 itself will include a new church planted for Droitwich Spa, as Woodgreen Evangelical Church have equipped and sent Ben and Jess Putt to plant a new work there. The Putt family have already moved into Droitwich, so please do be praying for them as they settle in and make plans. Also planned is a church replant for West Bromwich, as Bearwood Chapel have been working with the EFCC to send Tom and Rachel Martin to restart a work there. Beyond this, a new church site is planned for Church Central in one of the hardest-to-reach communities on the east side of inner-city Birmingham.
Please do be praying for the churches and the individuals involved. If you think you can help in any way, then get in touch.
2020 is a year in which we want to pause and celebrate all that God has done. It is also a year in which we are asking Him to enlarge our vision, our faith in Him, and our love of lost people. At the end of Ephesians Paul says: ‘Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel’ (Eph. 6:19). Please join us in praying that we may declare it as fearlessly as we should.
