In a display of unity, three churches in Worcestershire have overcome stylistic and theological differences to form a new church plant, recognised by the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches).
Set to officially launch in January 2025, the formation of the new Grace Church Kidderminster occurred after two churches in the Wyre Forest each approached the lead pastor of nearby Woodgreen Church, Richard Lacey, for help. With small and aging congregations, both Kidderminster Evangelical Church (KEC) and Christ Church Wyre Forest, (CCWF) had recognised a need for external assistance – they contacted Lacey within weeks of each other.
Seeing an opportunity, leaders from the three churches met to pray regularly and, as they did, a radical suggestion was proposed: that KEC and CCWF, along with a team from Woodgreen, form a brand-new church.
There are now around 50 adults and 15 children committed to being a part of the church plant, which will meet in a building currently owned by Kidderminster Evangelical Church. The church will be led by the current associate pastor of Woodgreen, Duncan Cobbett, while the minister of CCWF Leo Davison will become Grace Church’s associate pastor, and Phil Weber of KEC will be a lay elder.
In a blog for the FIEC, Duncan Cobbett commented: ‘This proposal seemed radical because, alongside the small matter of blending three groups into one church family, there were also secondary-level theological differences to consider.’
A series of church vision meetings in early 2024 enabled them to work through these differences.
‘Those from an Anglican background showed immense humility in accepting the new church will practise believers’ baptism, plural leadership, and be part of FIEC. Those from across the churches who were nervous about the prospect of change realised this was a cost worth embracing for the sake of the gospel,’ Duncan stated.
When asked by en about what challenges they may now face, Duncan mentioned that the church building needs renovation work, which they are seeking funds for. He also added: ‘So far it has been remarkably smooth, as we have seen the Holy Spirit helping His people to show extraordinary graciousness to each other as we have embraced this change together. I suspect that when we start meeting weekly in January 2025 some may at times feel a sense of loss that the church they have known for 10, 20 or 30+ years is not there anymore, and that is a natural human reaction. But we prayerfully trust that this will be outweighed by the joy of being part of a new church family on mission together.
