OUR HISTORY
It all started back in 1969 when a group of like-minded Christians started meeting in homes throughout the village. However, as the group grew, so did the need for space! So the first church building was purchased in 1975 and was in front of Tall Tree Lodge – the former home of Robert and Marion Taylor. Robert, being the leader of the church at the time.
As the church continued to grow, in 1989 it was time to move again, so the old Village Hall was purchased just over the road from Tall Tree Lodge. The building served us for many years until it was eventually demolished in 2006 (having been built in 1925). Staplehurst Primary School and the United Reformed Church were amazing and let us use their buildings until we completed our current building in December 2012. Our new building is a fabulous multi-purpose space which allows us to offer a diverse range of activities – from prayer meetings and Sunday services, right through to supporting new Mums and their babies and all age badminton.
The church is of course the people, not the building, and we currently have a vibrant group of approximately 50 adults at various stages in life. So why not join us and be part of the story moving forward?
WHO WE ARE
We are an independent, evangelical church, affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance and adhere to their Basis of Faith.
We are a family of Christians who live to see the world impacted through the tangible love and power of the living God.
A place where you are welcome, whether having been in relationship with Jesus for many years, or you are seeking to explore more about God for the first time. At Staplehurst Free Church we want people to be able to grow in their understanding of God in an encouraging and enjoyable way through a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The talks (or sermons) are practical, biblical and relevant to our modern lives. The worship music is contemporary and upbeat and led from the front by our worship team.
Our desire is for church to be fun, informative and life-changing for the entire family, a church where people of any age or background feel welcome and enjoy a great time experiencing God’s love. A church that builds families and individuals alike and a place where everyone can know Jesus!
We have a passion to serve our community and this is backed up by a depth and breadth of activities designed to have a positive impact in our community and wherever else we have the opportunity to contribute.
OUR VISION
Enabling everyone to know Jesus and grow in a personal relationship with Him
Statement of Belief
In accordance with our belief in the infallibility of Scripture, we believe: –
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In the one true God in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 2 v 5-6; Matthew 28 v 19)
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God is love and acts for the good of all as creator and righteous judge (John 3 v 16 and 17)
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The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3 v 16)
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We are made in God’s image and created to love and care for God’s creation and people (Genesis 1 v 26 & 27)
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Jesus is the Son of God, fully God and fully human, yet without sin being born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1 v 35)
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Jesus willingly died on the cross for us in our place, paid the price of sin and so reconciled us with God (Romans 5 v 8 ; 1 Peter 2 v 24)
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Jesus rose again after His death on the cross and ascended to heaven where He reigns with God as the only saviour of the world (Acts 1 v 9; 1 Corinthians 15 v 20)
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We who have faith in Jesus are made right with God even though we don’t deserve it (Romans 5 v 1 & 2)
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Jesus sent us His Holy Spirit to help us to follow Him and live for Him ((John 14 v 26; 2 Corinthians 5 v 5)
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The church is the body of Christ on earth given life and the gifts of the Holy Spirit to worship, serve God and preach the Gospel (Colossians 1 v 18 ; Acts 5 v 32)
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Jesus will return to judge fairly according to what we have done. Those who have accepted Jesus as Saviour will rise to eternal life. Those who have rejected Him, to be condemned. (Revelation 1 v 7 ; Hebrews 9 v 28)
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The baptism of believers by immersion in water as a sign of new birth and the regular remembrance of Jesus death on the cross in the Lord’s Supper (Communion) (Acts 2 v 38 ; 1 Corinthians 11 v 26)
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The biblical view of marriage as between a man and a woman (Genesis 2 v 24). We acknowledge and respect that differences of interpretation exist over this issue but we believe that this is God’s plan for our lives
The full statement of our faith which is based on that of the Evangelical Alliance and is set out in our constitution a copy of which is available on application to the church administrator.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Terence Hawgood
Elder & Trustee
Kate Henry
Assistant Leader
Bob Howse
Trustee
Mary Howse
Assistant Leader
Clive Jones
Consultant to the leadership team
Roy Laming
Chair of Trustees
Kate Minett
Trustee
Carol Skov
Treasurer
Graham Smith
Trustee
Maggie Whalan
Church Administrator
SERVICE TIMES
Every Sunday at 10.30am and 6.30pm
All age family services on the 1st Sunday morning of the month
Other Sundays include adult teaching and communion with children attending age appropriate sessions
WHERE WE MEET
Staplehurst Free Church
Station Road, Staplehurst
Kent TN12 0QQ
HOW DO I GET THERE?
We are on the A229 - coming from Maidstone we are just over the station bridge and then 200 yards on the left. If you are coming from the Cranbrook direction, we are on your right about 400 yards after the traffic lights at the crossroads. The church itself is set back from the road with car parking available in front of the church but this can make us easy to miss! To help find us at night look out for the red reflective triangles on either side of the gateposts.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Our church has a 'come as you are' atmosphere. The church and the Lord are more interested in you than in what you wear! The Bible says ``People look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart``.