Denomination: Free Church
Bethel Evangelical Free Church was founded in the 1930s and has occupied its present location since that time. It is situated within easy walking distance of the main city centre shopping complex and is surrounded by a mixture of commercial premises some of the very nearest being clubs, pubs and discos, which bring with them their attendant problems. The nearest housing is situated about ¼ of a mile from the church, (c.800 in total).
We are constitutionally Congregational, Doctrinally Calvinistic, practicing Believer’s Baptism. A copy of the Statement of Faith to which we subscribe is attached under “What We Believe”.
We have three Elders. There are also two Deacons at present, who have held their posts for several years, who are re-elected on a rotational basis in accordance with the Constitution.
The present membership is around 40 in number and the usual congregation varies between 35 and 50. Most members live at a distance from the church and consequently travel in by car to attend services. Sunday school children and Thursday Club children are, “bussed in,” but a few are member’s children. There is a great sense of unity between the membership, for which we give God the praise.
The building is modern, being over 25 years old and includes a bookshop, which is open for a few hours on three days per week and sells mainly second hand books. It has proved a useful point of contact with casual visitors.
The church provides financial support on a regular basis to 3 missionaries and seeks to maintain active contact with a number of missionary organizations. It also provides preaching support to a small village church situated some 15 miles away.
The pastor will have as his priority the provision of an expository bible ministry together with the pastoral care of the fellowship with a view to the building up of the fellowship at this place of worship. Particular importance should be given to the Lords Day morning and evening services as well as the mid-week bible study/prayer meeting; at present this meeting is well attended and all the services have been a source of great encouragement and blessing for which we are thankful to God.
As the Church of Christ meeting in Hanley, we are a group of people who just want to serve the Lord. Our desire is not to be another church denomination. There are already too many divisions among those who believe in Jesus. We want to be obedient to God's word and be Christians like the original Christians we read about in the New Testament. There are several things about which we feel very strongly. These strong feelings will also tell you a little more about us as a Church.
We are constitutionally Congregational, Doctrinally Calvinistic, practicing Believer’s Baptism. A copy of the Statement of Faith to which we subscribe is attached under “What We Believe”.
We have three Elders. There are also two Deacons at present, who have held their posts for several years, who are re-elected on a rotational basis in accordance with the Constitution.
The present membership is around 40 in number and the usual congregation varies between 35 and 50. Most members live at a distance from the church and consequently travel in by car to attend services. Sunday school children and Thursday Club children are, “bussed in,” but a few are member’s children. There is a great sense of unity between the membership, for which we give God the praise.
The building is modern, being over 25 years old and includes a bookshop, which is open for a few hours on three days per week and sells mainly second hand books. It has proved a useful point of contact with casual visitors.
The church provides financial support on a regular basis to 3 missionaries and seeks to maintain active contact with a number of missionary organizations. It also provides preaching support to a small village church situated some 15 miles away.
The pastor will have as his priority the provision of an expository bible ministry together with the pastoral care of the fellowship with a view to the building up of the fellowship at this place of worship. Particular importance should be given to the Lords Day morning and evening services as well as the mid-week bible study/prayer meeting; at present this meeting is well attended and all the services have been a source of great encouragement and blessing for which we are thankful to God.
As the Church of Christ meeting in Hanley, we are a group of people who just want to serve the Lord. Our desire is not to be another church denomination. There are already too many divisions among those who believe in Jesus. We want to be obedient to God's word and be Christians like the original Christians we read about in the New Testament. There are several things about which we feel very strongly. These strong feelings will also tell you a little more about us as a Church.
