The Anglican Mission in England (AMiE) is a fellowship of faithful Anglican churches committed to gospel mission.
They are passionate about planting and strengthening churches for the salvation of many and the glory of God. They have a gospel ambition to see 25 AMiE churches by 2025 and 250 by 2050.
Stockport
One of AMiE’s churches is based in Stockport. Christ Church Stockport (CCS) was launched two and a half years ago and, by God’s grace, it still exists. Indeed, by God’s grace, they are bigger than when they started. There is still a huge mission field to be reached, but already they have rejoiced with people coming to faith, seen people grow in their love for Jesus, and wrestled together with what it means to follow Jesus. They have developed new midweek and children’s ministries as well as enjoying active church partnerships across the UK, and in Sweden and the USA.
Like other churches in England, they have had to reinvent themselves for lockdown existence and are now exploring what kind of hybrid ministries will be required for outreach and discipleship in the weeks and months to come.
It has been wonderful to hear the joyful comments from members of this church family. Two examples sum up the feeling. Mel writes: ‘We have been welcomed into CCS so wonderfully. It’s a safe place to grow in your faith. We particularly love the teaching for both adults and children; it doesn’t shy away from real-life issues that are challenging, but graciously walks people through using the truth of Scripture.’ Alex values being part of CCS: ‘because as a plant you are able to be involved in the life of the church and see the growth first-hand. The teaching at CCS is biblically led, meaning that all we do is rooted in the word of God. Also being a relatively small church means that support systems and friendships have the space to grow organically.
Grays
Another one of our churches is Cornerstone Church, Grays in Essex. 50 people joined together for a launch service on 8 March 2020. It has been a rollercoaster ride since the first public service. For some reason, no one on the planning team had factored in a national lockdown occurring in the same month as launch Sunday. And, strange as it may seem, nobody thought of running a course at the pastor’s Bible College on how to plant a church during a global pandemic.
However, Mike Walton, the Senior Minister, is overjoyed by the generous way God has continued to provide for the new church in these early days. An online Christianity Explored course has been running over the last few weeks and unbelievers have been attending. Do pray for this church to grow in numbers as the lockdown eases and more physical gatherings are possible. Pray for strong bonds of fellowship to exist as this new spiritual family partner together to proclaim the great news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
