About

1978

The journey began with a handful of people meeting in John & Sheila Wheeler’s front room, who longed for an expression of Christianity which resembled that of the early church in Acts. Within 12 months the church was launched with no building, no pastor, no history, no traditions and no money.

1980-1985

God continued to grow His church and our struggle was to find buildings that were suitable and we could grow into. Buildings were purchased, renovated and within a few years outgrown as God’s favour was with us.

1985-1994

Offices were purchased and the church’s main meeting services were held first in St Johns school, and then in Royston Primary school and continued to gather many, through fun days, pantomimes and so much more.

1994-2010

It was during this time that through much prayer and sacrificial giving that we were able to purchase the Kings Hall (an old office supplies premises) we started meeting upstairs in the smaller hall while a major refurbishment of the downstairs was undertaken and finally completed in 1996.

2010-2016

Again there was a need to improve our facility as we continued to grow and take on more ministry opportunities and so a major reconstruction of our welcome area, kitchen facilities and children’s ministry areas began.

2016-2019

God used our church and ministry to reach out to both the neighbourhood and the nations with the love of Jesus.

2020

Covid-19 and the UK lockdown resulted in us suspending all public gatherings and moving all of our services and ministries online.

2021

Following Covid-19, we remain committed to reaching our local community, both through in person meetings, and our new online ministry.

CHRIS MARSTON

Elder

Chris has been a part of Christ Central Church since January 2016 after returning from church planting with his family in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Chris came into eldership in June 2019. He serves in many different areas within church life, from overseeing our welcome team to playing in our worship band. Chris is married to Susanne and is dad to Samuel and Joshua.

Sam Hailes

Elder

Sam has been at Christ Central Church since 2013. He became an elder in June 2019 and serves on the preaching and worship teams. Sam is married to Stacey and they have a daughter named Evelyn.

CHRIS SMITH

Pastor

CHRISTINA BORTEYE

Youth Worker

Christina is our newest team member and took over leading the youth work at Christ Central in February 2020, serving our teenagers and young adults. Before joining the team at Christ Central Christina taught English abroad in South Korea. She loves food and acting.

KEN KITSON

Finance

Ken does a fantastic job of taking care of our church accounts and finances. Ken is married to Paula and is dad to James and Aaliyah.

MICHELE SOLLEY

Administrator

Michele brings the best out in all of us through her skills in administration, always seeking to find ways to best serve the church and increase our effectiveness. Michele leads our mums and toddlers group called “Morning Stars”. Michele is married to Matt and is mum to Lois and Elliot.

SUSANNE MARSTON

Administrator

Susanne joined the staff team in 2018. She helps look after our welcome team and integration as well as our small groups. She’s also a qualified Zumba instructor and hosts classes every week. Susanne is married to Chris and is mum to Samuel and Joshua.

GEORGE STEELE

Trustee

George grew up in Penge and has been a part of Christ Central Church from a young age, serving in various capacities over many years. Since becoming a trustee in 2017 George has remained an active part of church life in addition to co-leading a consultancy business in central London and enjoying family time with his wife and children.

CHRIS HALL

Chair of Trustees

Chris has been coming to Christ Central Church since 2011 and became a Trustee in 2019. Chris and his wife Naomi serve in a number of ministries, with Naomi leading the kids work team. Chris is dad to Ethan, Mia and Neve and has lived in South East London all his life.

TRICIA DYSON

Trustee

Tricia was one of the original members of our church, which first met in John and Sheila’s front room in 1978. She was part of Christ Central for many years, finding it a wonderful environment to bring up her two sons Jim and Charlie. Now retired from full-time work, Tricia has moved to Kent to be near family, but is still committed to seeing the church grow in every aspect of its vision and calling, and to reach out to the local community.

Michael Webb

Trustee

Michael grew up in Manchester, and has lived in Penge since 2013; joining Christ Central shortly afterwards. He has served the church in several different capacities, most notably caring for our babies and toddlers in the creche on Sundays. Professionally, Michael runs campaigning activity for an animal welfare charity. He is married to Susanna, and they are parents to Eleanor, Hannah and Lydia, and enjoys sport and theatre in his (infrequent) spare time.

Rosie Horsley

Trustee

WELCOME

We want to extend a special welcome to everyone whether you are a person of faith or not, whatever your background, whatever your circumstances, we want to help all who meet us encounter the love of God and the fullness of relationship with Him.

FELLOWSHIP

Demonstrating the love of God in unity and authentic Christian community together, we celebrate our diversity and embrace all it means to be “one new man in Christ”.

WORSHIP

Expressing a life of intimacy with God by worshipping Him in spirit and in truth both corporately and individually.

SPIRIT

We welcome the work of the Holy Spirit in every area of our life and testimony knowing both His power and presence are needed for victorious life.

WORD

We are passionate about living a life of faith and obedience based on the Bible, believing both its commands and promises.

PRAYER

Developing a lifestyle of prayer, where we expect to hear from God and let Him lead us in all we do.

DISCIPLESHIP

“We are here for one another’s success”. Jesus’ instruction was simple, make disciples who make disciples, in everything we do we pursue Christ-like maturity.

MISSION

We place a high emphasis on sharing the Good News of Jesus in words and actions to our family, friends and colleagues in our neighbourhood and the nations, partnering with other churches both locally and globally.

STEWARDSHIP

Managing wisely and giving generously of our time, talents and treasure helps us to achieve the call of God to Resource and Release so that the kingdom can advance.