Peter Brierley of Christian Research estimates that 51% of Church attendance within London consists of Black and ethnic Christians. Many of the Black Churches are located within large towns and cities. The growth rate of these Churches has been phenomenal. Mark Sturge writes; ‘For the first time, we encounter “church bombing”, where a congregation suddenly appears in an area, either on a Sunday or for a short period, and then disappears. This was because of the saturation of existing premises: for the first time buildings were just not suitable for the needs of rapidly growing congregations.’
Many of these Black Churches have over 1,000 members while others have smaller congregations with a 200 average. It is interesting to note that Churches like KICC, Jesus House, Ruach Ministries, Glory House, New Wine, Calvary Baptist and many more have burgeoning congregations ranging from 2,000 and 10,000 members. Even though my emphasis is not on numbers these figures are an indication of the impact and reach of these inner-city Churches.
THE WOW FACTOR
I stepped through the doors of the New Wine Church in Greenwich and I could have stepped into the mini-lobby of a five-star Hotel. There was turquoise carpet everywhere. The main auditorium looked like a section carved out of the Savoy. The bright and colourful choir were singing on stage, which had electrical moveable sections and glided as they danced! They had just taken over a listed Cinema building by the Thames ferry roundabout. The day I attended the Senior Pastor Dr Tayo Adeyemi introduced the guest speaker Creflo Dollar, a popular African- American charismatic preacher.
Like many emerging African churches, New Wine started in the early 90s meeting in a South London town hall. Over the years, it has grown in size, influence and relevance. There was a list of different outreaches from New Wine in one of their recent publications. This included supporting the Greenwich Mayors Charity, Cystic Fibrosis and Macmillan Cancer Research. Among other ventures the congregation sent 2,000 shoeboxes with gifts to children in Eastern Europe, raised £25,000 in support of the Tsunami disaster, and built homes for lepers in India.
Freedoms Ark, pastored by Rev. Nimms Obunge has been the precursor of the Peace Alliance. This community initiative works in partnership with the Home Office, Ken Livingston’s cabinet, The Metropolitan Police and various local Councils within and beyond the Capital. The Street Pastors outreach was started by Rev Les Isaacs in Brixton and is now one of the flagship initiatives highlighting the partnership between statutory bodies like the Metropolitan Police and faith communities. The Glory House Football Academy is probably one of the best-kept secrets within East London and has a current white majority membership of 700 East End young boys and their families. Meanwhile Bishop Wilton Powell, who heads up Church of God of Prophecy in Birmingham, has been awarded an MBE in recognition for his work in the local community. The work of BMC’s are being increasingly recognised and appreciated by local and national government.
24/7 CHURCH
“You should get one of these Pastor Jonathan”, said David, a friend, as I sat in his brand new Porsche Cheyenne, with its beige leather seats and walnut dashboard riddled with cockpit like dials. “Drive it round the block and feel the power under the hood”. I pressed on the accelerator and was launched forward. (I felt the leather seats press into the small of my back) It was a black beauty. David and his wife represent the fresh wave of Africans on the block. They had moved from inner city Hackney to the Chafford Hundred suburbia a few years ago. Like a growing number of members of Glory House they commute three times a week for the services and meetings that take place in Church or homes across London.
I consider that the average black believer has a holistic financial worldview. The language some churches use might be similar to the American prosperity teachers – but there are differences. Also what can seem flamboyant to white believers is viewed very differently by black people who came from a working class background but aspire to better themselves and their families. Money is regarded not as a master, but a servant. Many of these churches are built up and sustained by the generous and faithful giving of working class first and second-generation immigrants! A percentage of these believers are breaking into the middle-class category with an entrepreneurial spirit to set up a wide range of business such as nurseries, estate agencies, employment firms, shops etc.
