We have launched a new website and this page has been archived.Find out more

[Skip to Content]

11 July 2017

Member of the month: Woolwich Central Baptist Church

WBC

How long has Woolwich Central Baptist Church been going? Our church was formed in 1969 when two Baptist churches decided to merge together – Woolwich Tabernacle and Conduit Road Baptist. Woolwich Tabernacle has a fascinating history, being led by Rev John Wilson for 61 years. It had a membership of 2,500 in its peak in the early twentieth century, reaching many people in the Woolwich Arsenal and Dockyard areas. John Wilson Street in the centre of Woolwich is named after John Wilson, who received an MBE for services among the troops at Woolwich during World War One, and was recognised as an important leader in the community.

Why are you a member of the Evangelical Alliance? We believe and affirm the basis of faith of the Evangelical Alliance, and are strong believers in the importance of unity within the body of Christ. We also believe that Christians are agents of transformation and good news, and love the emphasis the Alliance places on inspiring and equipping Christians to be good news in their communities. 

What does church life look like for Woolwich Central Baptist Church?  We are a very diverse community of people of all ages and backgrounds, and people who love Woolwich. Our church has a lot of teenagers and children, and we invest in ministry to them because we strongly believe in young people. Our vision as a church is to grow a healthy church!

What are the biggest challenges to your local community? Homelessness and the related issues are a major challenge in Woolwich, as there are lots of homeless people in the area. Seeing people sleeping rough and struggling to have food is a major challenge. The Greenwich Street Pastors are based in our building and go out on their weekly patrols into Woolwich from here, bringing a warm smile and caring presence onto our streets.

How can Christians across the UK be praying for Woolwich Central Baptist? Our church is going to be redeveloped as part of the regeneration going on in Woolwich Arsenal, so we need a lot of prayers for the whole process. This includes the planning permission process (which is starting soon), and moving to our temporary church building round the corner for approximately two years. We are excited about the opportunities which a new modern building will bring – particularly the new community café which will help us connect with our existing neighbours and the new neighbourhood being created in the new flats behind us. 

As a member of the Evangelical Alliance, Woolwich Central Baptist Church s one of 4,000 organisations supported by the Alliance. We facilitate members' initiatives and campaigns and offer support to increase their impact and provide training for organisations on how to engage with the local government and media.

If you would like to become a member of the Evangelical Alliance as an organisation, church or individual, you can find out more here