'We thought a closer partnership had potential' 

Two Baptist churches in Southend have decided to become one faith community seeking to reach out to others across the city

57 West and Clarence Road are two member churches of the Baptist Union of Great Britain which have operated from the same premises for five years but have worked independently of each other.

57 West is a church plant established around a decade ago which works primarily with rough sleepers and those most in need in Southend.

Clarence Road Baptist Church was formed in 1882 and has a history of pioneering social action. Its current building opened in 1961 in the heart of the city centre, was extended 20 years later, and has been used by lots of different community groups which offer support and friendship for those who are vulnerable.

This includes 57 West, which moved into Clarence Road when it outgrew its original converted barber shop premises in 2017.

The two ran as separate as churches, but following the pandemic began to explore what a closer partnership might look like. Both communities had fractured somewhat following the lockdowns, and Clarence Road’s minister had been called to a church in London.

‘We thought a closer partnership had potential,’ says Pam Davies, minister at 57 West. For instance, Clarence Road has a manse, and this could be developed as supported accommodation. There is also a vision for reaching young people - this is a city centre of young adults.

The talks were supported by the Southend Area Baptist Network, and particularly Richard Iles, the minister of Hawkwell Baptist Church who has been moderating Clarence Road. Earlier this year the two congregations decided to move forward as one. Their first joint service was held in October.

Work is now underway for Clarence Road to merge into 57 West (under the 57 West CIO governance arrangements), with legal advice being taken from the Baptist Union Corporation. A new name for the congregation also needs to be agreed.

For now, they are enjoying getting to know each other in a new Sunday service and exploring how to make their visions reality.

‘We’ve done six weeks and Sundays are awesome!’ says Pam.

‘They are different communities, and it’s not without its challenges. 57 West has always done Saturday church, while the Clarence Road congregation really values Sunday mornings.

‘We’ve kept the interactive element, and it’s really discussion based. We’ve explored our values under themes of storytelling, mission, worship, communion, baptism and more.

‘There are different ways the communities connect with God, and we are exploring what aspects of our faith communities we want to continue.

‘Compromise is needed, we are learning to be gracious, but everyone has contributed. And a new community member has already expressed a desire to be baptised, so it’s been great.’

57 West will continue to facilitate a number of groups including café sessions, art and wellbeing clubs, cooking courses and rough sleeper drop in. Pam hopes to expand these groups as the two congregations continue to work together.

They will also continue to work in partnership with CAP, Street Pastors, the foodbank, Stephen’s Place. Those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, continue to be at the core of the community and their drop-in sessions are open to all – whether for housing / debt / mental health signposting or a chance to talk to someone over coffee.

57 West successfully applied for a grant from the Avenue Trust to help refurbish the manse, and they are exploring how to make the most of the space the Clarence Road building supports. One idea is to house a foodbank depot there, as the nearest provision for local people is currently only accessible with transport.

While funding is needed in the short term, Pam hopes the new community can become self-sustaining long term, and that 2023 may be the last on Home Mission funding.

‘We have huge plans for our two communities as we seek to work as one,’ she says. 
 

For churches considering a merger or amalgamation with another Baptist church, the Baptist Union Corporation has produced this webinar and guideline leaflet.