“I felt able to explore God at my own pace“
How did you first connect with this church?
Chris
After being away at university I came back to Birmingham looking for a church closer to my own home. Claire, my wife, and also the person who also introduced me to Christianity, had been coming to Vineyard Network Church Birmingham then meeting in St Martins in the Bull Ring. I started coming with her in April 2007. I remember meeting Andrew and Rosie for the first time and for me something clicked inside. I said to myself “This is going to be a lasting connection”.
Claire
I’d been a member of Trent Vineyard whilst I was studying at university in Nottingham and found I really loved the Vineyard style. I knew I’d be moving back home when I finished my course so, in the Easter holidays of my final year, I started looking for a church to join in Birmingham. My mum and dad had started coming here a few months before and, given my love of the Vineyard style, Vineyard Network Church Birmingham seemed like a natural choice!
What made you decide to stay?
Chris
Having been to two other churches I found Vineyard’s style of focus on God and the Bible both open and honest but also deep and satisfying. I felt able to explore God at my own pace. Many of the people I’ve met in church have been friendly and welcoming which went a long way to persuade me to join this church. The Sunday morning coffee and cakes also helped my decision!
Claire
The church leadership team played a big part in our decision to stay. At the first service we went to at St Martins we were greeted by Andrew who made us feel really welcome. The pastoral team really try to get to know you here and help you feel part of the church community.
How did you get more involved?
Chris
With weekly info updates from the pastoral staff each Sunday I found out that joining a Sunday team was a great way to get involved in the church, so with a keen interest in media I joined the PA team and do a monthly spot of audio control behind the PA desk. There were also a few new cell groups starting in the north of the city near my home that I was able to go to during the week. I have developed many lasting friendships and I would definitely recommend either joining a cell or helping out with one of the teams to anybody who wants to feel better connected in the church.
Claire
I’ve always found that one of the best ways to get more involved in a church is to join a cell or small group, so this was the first thing I looked at doing. Chris and I then looked at other things we could do, such as helping with the PA on a Sunday and ministry trips. Recently we also did the Growing in Christ course, which I found really helpful for getting to know people better. When you know people in the church on a deeper level you naturally feel more involved.
How has that affected your relationship with God?
Chris
The more Christians I’ve built relationships with in church has helped me grow in my understanding and knowledge of Christian life. I feel I can be truly honest with myself in my relationship with God and I’ve had a more fulfilling life because of it. I know I’m far from perfect but that’s ok because God loves me and he’s going to help me grow in my faith and I’m really looking forward to it.
Claire
Building relationships with people in the church has helped strengthen my relationship with God. I’ve been able to interact with people who have been around the Christian scene for a lot longer than me and their experiences have helped me become more mature in my faith. It’s also helped me see that other people struggle with exactly the same issues and difficulties and this is a real comfort and a blessing.
What are you excited about in the life of the church?
Chris
I really want to develop deep roots in this church. I feel God has put me here to see the church grow and flourish. I want to see God’s kingdom advancing and I know that churches like this one are directly here because of what Jesus did two thousand years ago. It’s hard to specify one area that excites me because I know God operates in all aspects of church life. I know God has big plans for us all and that is really exciting.
Claire
As I work in the church office I tend to get a sneak preview into what’s going on. At the moment I feel really excited about the new Conference Business at Network House. I’m really praying the business will be successful, as it will allow us to do so much more in our community and reach so many more people.
