'This project has united us all in a common purpose' 

Christchurch Baptist Church, on the sunny south coast, has reached the halfway stage towards completion of its long-awaited and ambitious new building project. 

This remarkable milestone represents not only the physical progress of bricks and mortar in a very short time but is also an inspiring testimony of vision, faith, discernment and patience as the church has wrestled for the past two decades about how to develop its buildings, writes Chris Brockway

Nearly 150 years ago, the founding members of Christchurch Baptist Church stepped forward in bold faith to construct the existing brick-built tabernacle that has stood as a beacon of hope, welcome, and worship ever since. The church’s history books record the words at the ground-breaking ceremony in 1874: 'This is a new place dedicated to the worship of God, in the hope that much good will be done and many souls born to God. We look forward to a fruitful future.'  

At the ground-breaking ceremony for the church’s new home in January 2025, as the current Minister (Team Leader) I repeated exactly the same vision for the growing church today, albeit using contemporary phraseology.

'Just as our Victorian forebears built for their generation and beyond, we too have the privilege and responsibility to provide for those who will come after us.

'This is more than a building—it’s a base for mission and ministry, a gift to the town, and a statement of faith that God is at work here in Christchurch.'

The project has come about thanks to the ‘problem’ of numerical growth over recent years. It became clear that Christchurch Baptist Church’s historic building could no longer fully meet the needs of its congregation or the wider community. ​Two packed morning services, children’s and youth groups overflowing their rooms, and midweek outreach ministries pressed for space made the need for a new, purpose-built facility undeniable.


'A vibrant hub for community life'

The new development is a bold and exciting project, designed not simply as a church building but as a vibrant hub for community life.

When complete, it will feature a large auditorium; a spacious café/foyer; flexible meeting rooms to serve ministries for children, young people, older adults, and community groups.

Environmentally responsible features include renewable energy provision, photovoltaic panels, and sustainable construction standards.

The church’s vision is clear: to create a warm, open, and welcoming space where lives can be changed, friendships built, and the good news of Jesus shared in word and deed.

Councillor David Kelsey, Chair of the BCP Planning Committee, said of the planning application: 'Churches are renowned for being totally different—that is what they do, that is how they are designed. They are a place where people can see it’s a church and they go towards it.'


'Extraordinary partnership between so many different people and organisations'

One of the most inspiring aspects of this journey has been the extraordinary partnership between so many different people and organisations. The extraordinary generosity of church members and friends provided the initial £500,000 needed to purchase the development site outright eight years ago.

Since then, sacrificial giving, one-off gifts, and pledged gifts have made the new development possible alongside very favourable terms from the Baptist Union Loan Fund. 

Tim Chowns, Baptist Union Commercial and Church Support Manager says of the project, ‘The Baptist Union Loan Fund aims to support building projects both big and small.

'Christchurch Baptist Church is a big project but as it has been managed expertly from the very start, with obvious benefits to the mission of the church and the local community, the BUC Board of Directors was keen to support this project by agreeing a loan.' 

The church family has also been hugely encouraged by successful charitable trust grant applications, which, given the current financial climate and the competitive nature of such applications, was something of a surprise. 

'We are deeply grateful to our contractors and consultants, whose professionalism and creativity have turned vision into reality,' said Loraine Chirgwin, treasurer of Christchurch Baptist Church. 

"From architects to quantity surveyors, from builders to project mangers, everyone has worked with care, diligence, and respect for both the church and the wider community. Their expertise, and especially that of Mike Southcombe, our Project Manger, has been invaluable in keeping the project on track.' 

Local authorities and planning bodies have also played a vital role in guiding and approving the plans, ensuring that the new building is sympathetic to its surroundings on while also providing the town with a landmark of welcome at a major entry point into the town.

It has been humbling to see the creativity and generosity of God’s people. This project has united us all in a common purpose. 

And it is evident that the sense of goodwill extends far beyond the church family: local residents have expressed appreciation that the design has been carefully considered to respect neighbours; community leaders have commended the church for its vision to create a building not just for Sundays, but for the whole town.

'A legacy for the town, a mission base for the next 50 years'

With the project now at its halfway stage, anticipation is building and plans are being made for the day when the doors will be thrown open and the community welcomed into its new space.

The increased floor space—65 per cent more than currently available—will allow the church to expand existing ministries and launch new ones, from parenting support to budget coaching, from youth outreach to senior gatherings, from creative arts to social action initiatives. 

The church leadership are actively pursuing partnerships with other like-minded charitable organisations; local health, schools and community groups will find a natural home in the new facilities.

'This is not just about our church family—it’s about the whole community of Christchurch,' said Jackie McGregor, 0–18s Ministry Lead. 'We want children, young people, and adults of every generation to find a place here where they can encounter God’s love and experience real hope.' 

The church family at Christchurch Baptist Church are looking forward with renewed determination - the vision is clear and the momentum is strong.

Christchurch Baptist Church believes this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity: to create a legacy for the town, a mission base for the next 50 years, and a signpost of faith, hope, and love in the heart of the community. 

We are halfway there, and we know that with God’s help, and the continued goodwill of our community, we will finish what we have begun.

Together, we are building something that will bless our town for generations to come while providing a base for our mission and ministry, with a view to growing together spiritually, missionally, relationally and numerically.
 

There is more on the Christchurch Baptist Church build project on the church website. 

Chris Brockway is the Minister (Team Leader)