Who will take up the Gateway challenge?

Looking to move? Wanting a challenge? Then the Gateway Project could be for you!

Quite simply it is a project to grow a new church in the biggest redevelopment and regeneration area in Western Europe! The UK Government and private finance have been pouring billions of pounds into regenerating the hinterland of the Thames Estuary from the Pool of London along both banks of the river in north Kent and south Essex.

The churches of the Association of Grace Baptists South East’s Home Mission Committee, under the Lord’s guidance, thought that this was too good an opportunity to ignore, and so the Gateway Project was born!

What and where?

The Project is a community of God’s people growing a new church in a new area in Ebbsfleet Valley in north Kent, adjacent to the new Inter-national Station which links London with Europe by the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, and Europe’s largest shopping centre at Bluewater.

How big is this new location? It will have 10,000 new homes, 20,000 new jobs, and 400 acres of new parks, lakes, woodland and open space — a brand new town with a population the size of Chichester.

Why a new church?

We’re under the Lord’s own command to go and make disciples (Matthew 28.19-20), and we’re compelled to preach the gospel (Romans 1.16; 1 Corinthians 9.16). Lest we forget, Proverbs 29.18 also gives plenty of motivation: ‘…where there is no vision, the people perish’. Putting the command and vision together, the Gateway Project has a great CV, seeking to be a gospel presence in this new community in Ebbsfleet.

Why did the churches choose to look at north Kent, let alone Ebbsfleet? During the initial research, the information published by the three Regional Authorities (London, south Essex and Kent Thames Gateway Partnerships) gave a good steer in the direction of Kent. Here was an Authority who at least mentioned the ‘faith’ community and its value (though in vague terms) to society. Here was an Authority who had committed themselves to not only acknowledging, but also wanting to talk to and involve, the ‘faith’ community in developing the Government’s Gateway Project in Kent! Subse-quent research and meetings have only served to underline this commitment, and Kent was chosen.

Why Ebbsfleet?

Kent is a large county and north Kent, the home to the Government’s Gateway development and regeneration project, is still a large area, so why Ebbsfleet for a new church? There were two main reasons: first, it will be a totally new town, well located and surrounded by good churches to support and encourage the new church; and second, the construction and, now, use of the new International Station will ensure that, if all else fails, and there has been plenty of media coverage highlighting the perceived failings of the Government’s plans, north Kent, and Ebbsfleet in particular, will be the last area to feel the pinch.

Humanly speaking, Ebbsfleet seems secure, and the first new homes are being constructed! But what about the Lord’s guidance and our confidence? It is especially here that the Home Mission Team feel at peace, and gives me an opportunity to introduce myself!

Who am I?

Having joined the AGBSE Home Mission team in April 2004, church planting was not envisaged as part of my remit. Helping churches (and in particular small churches) was, but planting new ones, no! It has been a great joy to work with several different churches in South East London and Kent, and see the Lord coming alongside, adding to the blessing of his people through their prayers and faithfulness to his glory and gospel.

From the seaside to the centre of London; from the pleasant and green countryside to the grey concrete jungle; from the deckchair in Margate to the small fairtrade shop in the West End, I have been privileged to serve the Lord in very differing situations, with one thing in common — small churches. And in all this the Lord had further plans in mind — to head up a new church project not far from my doorstep in Bromley.

Why me?

With no explicit church planting experience, why should I be asked to carry out this task and vision? I am sure that years of, I trust, faithful service and ministry in the Lord’s service among our churches, with the faithful support of Lucy, my wife, is one reason. Another is that Ebbsfleet is not far from Bromley, and I have to admit there has been the occasional foray to the Bluewater Shopping Centre! What is proving the major reason is years of experience in the development and construction industry, and this, more than anything, has underlined the Lord’s leading so far!

Not that we should be surprised. The Lord is the supreme builder, in creation and in his church, his people and his kingdom! The developer at Ebbsfleet, Land Securities, is a client of my former practice; one of its directors was a former partner of the practice; and with over 30 years’ construction and development experience behind me, I have managed to establish a very cordial and positive relationship with them.

Why now?

I know that times and people change, but at present we have an open door and a helpful developer, for which we praise God and continue to make the most of every opportunity. And yes, there have been opportunities to share the gospel, as I have been asked to explain what evangelical churches are, and why we seem to connect with the local community so much more effectively than others! Is the Lord going before us? Yes, he is!

This church planting is a challenge not only in terms of its scope, but also because the developer has decided that it is unlikely there will be many, if any, church buildings permitted throughout the new development! Therefore, we are looking to be church as a community of God’s people, living where the people live, working where people work, and relaxing where people have their leisure. Three strands of ideas, plans and challenge!

What kind of town?

The new town is likely to be populated by a cross-section of society. It will inevitably draw people from London, who will seek cheaper housing with a quick rail link to the City.

It will draw people from Gravesend and Dartford, and is likely to see an influx of European nationalities via its direct link with the rest of Europe. The proximity of Gravesend and Swanscombe to the east of Ebbsfleet gives the area a working class feel, yet the Thames corridor is a changing and developing zone, with the Kent countryside to the south and Bluewater to the west. Ebbsfleet itself will be developed in three phases, each with its own sub-communities complete with office space, shops, schools, health centres, leisure facilities, and all linked by an integrated transport system.

As we have seen the Lord going before us in the establishing of a good relationship with the developer, so we will continue to look to the Lord for his gracious leading and provision and to trust him as we look at housing for the team, retail units for a Bible bookshop and fairtrade shop, and a leisure opportunity to bring the gospel through sport.

What about the long term?

This is just the start, but what about the long term? It is envisaged that the project will be supported for ten years by the AGBSE, and the aim during this time is that a fully-fledged church will be established, living and sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified among the newly-formed communities making up the new town of Ebbsfleet. Living, working and playing for Christ among the people! Far-fetched? We have a great God, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, as evidenced through his power already at work in us, to the praise of his glory!

Taking into account the size of the Gateway Project and the encouragement and teaching elsewhere in Scripture, we believe that this should be a shared vision — partners together (Philippians 1.3-5).

How can you be involved? Ask and imagine with us! Come along to meetings to find out more; pray for all the committee meetings and plans that are beginning to take shape; and consider whether you could join the team or provide finance or both.

Please contact David Chapman at the office of the Association of Grace Baptists: assoc@agbcse.org.uk.