a new waterfall in south wales
Mark Cutliffe from near Swansea in S Wales told me their brilliant story this morning of how they now have a network of five simple churches. Here it is:

From an existing church setting, in 2003, a team embarked on what they thought would be a typical congregational style church plant. As a result of this ‘experience’ the leader, Mark, was forced to begin rethinking what church was all about. God began to completely reshape his thinking and this led to a journey which has now produced five simple churches in and around the beautiful Gower peninsula near Swansea in South Wales. Mainly meeting in homes or coffee shops they attempt to get all the churches together about once a month – but often it is very difficult!



Although most involved currently were previously ‘churched’, many had been on the periphery or were disconnected from church; but this new organic shape provided a non-threatening environment for them in which they felt comfortable and able to participate.

One small group consists almost totally of unchurched young people, most of whom are still unsaved! They have also started a dedicated gathering once a month for all the children involved in the different churches. Inevitably other kids are being drawn in and they are anticipating more churches will be started as a result of getting to know these kid’s parents.

Another church is focused around a men’s group made up of guys who had generally disconnected from church; using the powerful ‘Band of Brothers’ TV series as a conversation starter they have begun to rediscover a life in God which echoes their cry for something worth living and dying for.

At the heart of their ethos is a determination not to build their own thing but to serve and release others into their own vision - a kingdom rather than church approach. For example another believer living about 30 minutes away in Porthcawl approached them interested in simple/organic church, but rather than ‘recruiting’ him into their own group they are now mentoring and encouraging him in the process of starting a church in his own home.

‘Our biggest challenge’ comments Mark, ‘is the need to find and raise up more leaders who will take on responsibility for the growing work. Too much is dependent on me right now.’

Mark also has a vision to provide an opportunity for others involved in organic/simple church in South Wales to get together to share stories and encourage one another, so if you live within an hour or so of Swansea and would appreciate this sort of gathering you will find Mark’s contact details in the directory under Swansea.

Labels: church planting stories

posted by alexander @ 4:22 PM    3 comments

3 Comments:

Thanks for a great story.

I love the whole concept of simple church. We've planted a simple church among he Homeless in Dallas Texas. I can't imagine trying to do a traditional church that way.

We have no building payments. If the weather is nice we gather at City Hall Plaza. If it's not we may find a quiet place in the library, or go to a restraunt, share a meal and time with the Lord.

We're still new to this, so we haven't gotten to the point of trying to multiply gatherings yet. But I believe that is coming soon.

Thanks for the great story.

By  John Lunt, at 7:38 PM  

This is a wonderful story. Here's to many more in the amazing power of the Spirit in these exciting days.

I'm from Melbourne, Australia... Alan Hirsch country, etc!

I'm from a traditional church but am convinced even a massive church like mine has to face the challenge of moving to the margins.

Thanks for the encouragement in this :)

- Alister

By  Alister Cameron, Blog Coach, at 12:18 PM  

Glad to see that Waterfall's story is an encouragement to others. John, sounds brilliant what you guys are up to in Dallas - send me your contact details so next time I'm in DFW we can get together. And great to hear that our 'dangerous stories' are provoking you guys down under!

By  alexander, at 12:24 PM  

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