When Atherton Evangelical Church entrusted their building to Church Growth Trust in 2023, their hope was simple but significant: that the property would continue to serve the Gospel for years to come. With a small and ageing congregation, and Pastor Ken Lindsay approaching retirement after over 30 years of faithful service, the church faced an uncertain future.
Around the same time, another local church—New Beginnings, led by Pastor Stan Smith—was experiencing growth and looking for a more permanent home. What began as a rental arrangement between the two churches gradually developed into something much deeper.
As relationships grew, the congregations began sharing meetings and exploring the idea of merging. Church Growth Trust was privileged to walk alongside both churches during this process, offering guidance on key considerations—everything from legal and leadership structures to worship styles and doctrinal alignment.
One challenge was choosing a name for the new church that reflected unity without favouring either group. Church Growth Trust encouraged the churches to choose a fresh name that honoured their new beginning together. The result was Grace Church Atherton —a name that beautifully captures the spirit of the merger and the grace required to build something new together.
Since then, Grace Church Atherton has seen new life. An expanded leadership team now includes both pastors, a new elder and two deacons. A monthly men’s breakfast has been launched, along with a growing children’s ministry. One returning visitor remarked how “lovely it is to see young children again.” The congregation now includes three Nigerian families, a lady from Eastern Europe receiving English lessons through the church, and a steadily growing Sunday attendance of 35 to 40 people—up from the original 10 to 15.
Looking back, Pastor Ken reflects:
“Patience! That’s the key, both personally and as a church. You have to be willing to learn and let go.” Pastor Stan agrees: “Taking time to build trust, being open in discussions, and knowing where to seek help have been vital.”
For Church Growth Trust, it has been a joy to support this transition—helping to set up the legal framework for the newly merged church and agree a new lease that reflects their shared future.
Because when churches work together in grace, Gospel ministry can thrive in new and unexpected ways.
