Church Growth Trust is trying to find a new church to take on the use of Widney Evangelical Free Church at Bentley Heath, so that the property can continue in Gospel use. Giles Arnold, Church Growth Trust’s Chief Executive, states: “I have spoke with most of the local evangelical churches and, although a few have expressed an interest in supporting a work in Bentley Heath, none are in a position to lead and fully resource a church plant. I therefore invited these local churches to an evening of prayer and sharing, to explore what the Lord may have in mind and ways of working together to resource a new work from the property”.
Tim Cracknell, Counties’ Church Planting Officer, who heads up the new Counties Planting Network, was also at the meeting and was able to explain how Counties would be able to support and train church planters and leadership teams in situations such as this. He said: “This is another great example of Counties and Church Growth Trust working together, connecting and using Kingdom resources to see churches planted, as well as replanted and revitalised”.
The meeting was very positive and Giles Arnold was delighted that there appears to be a number of churches that are willing to support a church plant, as well as the possibility of leaders being willing and available to give vision and drive a new Gospel work from the building. “We are not just about church buildings, but primarily about growing churches and seeing local communities transformed by the Gospel. We are praying that the Lord will lead us to the next step and that this property will soon be used again to impact families and others in Bentley Heath”.
