Towards the end of 2019, the idea of setting up an organisation to support and plant churches was discussed. A meeting was arranged to discuss and propose this new venture. Malcolm Watts spoke at the meeting on ‘Independency and Interdependency’. The need of independent churches to help and support one another was the essence of the message. There was a warm response to the proposal.
The proposals of the new venture were further discussed at Salisbury Reformed Seminary and Christian Worship Committee. Early in 2020, it was agreed to form a steering committee for the purposes of setting up a new organisation to support and plant churches.
‘Church Support Fellowship’ was the chosen name for the new organisation. One of its first actions was to agree a doctrinal statement. In due course, the plan is to acquire charitable status with the Charity Commission.
The Church Support Fellowship is a group of ministers with varied experience who share a deep concern for the spiritual state of churches, primarily in England and Wales. Under God, the aim of the Church Support Fellowship is to provide help to churches in need of assistance, and to encourage those seeking to plant new churches.
A Pastor’s Support Fund has been established, through which we provide financial assistance to smaller churches.
A Preacher’s List has been introduced, one main aim being to help churches searching for a pastor.
We are able to provide practical help to churches such as setting up websites, and providing financial advice.