Looking Back, Looking Forward
Over the next few weeks I will be posting a series of guest blogs from different members of our staff team. Today, I have asked Charles Kimbangi to share a bit more about the Beckenham Site and his and Amy's plans for the future. Many of you will be aware that last Sunday we said goodbye to Charles, who has been our Beckenham Site Pastor since its launch in 2018, as he and his family follow God's call to serve in a new church from September. He and Amy have been a fantastic addition to the King's family, serving fruitfully and faithfully in many different areas, and they will be missed. We are grateful for all they have contributed to King's and are praying with faith as they begin an exciting new season serving God in south west London.
As you may have already heard, I have come to the end of a season, and I am about to start a new one. I have been on staff at King’s for 9 years and this summer marks a season of transition for me and my family, as we leave King’s and serve a different church in south west London. As one season ends and another begins, it’s important to look back and praise God for what he has done, and look forward in faith to what He will do.
Looking Back
As I look back on my time at King’s, I feel immensely privileged to have been part of such a great church. King’s may be known for its size, resources and leadership, but behind all of that are people who are so kind, generous and love Jesus.
For the past 5 years, I have led the Beckenham site and we’ve seen God do amazing things. We began with a committed group of 140 people in 2018, and after recovering from the impact of covid, the site has grown to an average weekly attendance of 170 people. In the past 5 years, we’ve seen people come to faith in Jesus, 12 people baptized, new people join the church and many have found a home at King’s. I’ve loved the many socials, bring and share lunches and a memorable football tournament (Beckenham members are quick to remind me that I got sent off in this tournament and my team lost on penalties!). Some of my highlights over the past year have been: baptizing 7 people in September 2022, seeing people come to faith through Alpha, and recently having the privilege of conducting a wedding ceremony for a couple who attend the Beckenham site.
The Beckenham site has not only been a success, but it has been a huge team effort. I thank God for each person who has contributed to the Beckenham site, for the journey we have been on, and the many memories that we have together.
Looking Forward
As I look forward, I’m really excited about this next season and the future of the Beckenham site. The site is now well established and remains in good hands. Tristan Newman will take on the leadership of the Beckenham site and will be greatly helped by Caroline Johnson. I pray that the site continues to be a ‘community on mission’ – a place where people can find friendship and family but for the purpose of being on mission to reach and serve those who don’t yet know Jesus.
As for me and my family, I’m excited to be taking on the role of Associate Minister at Christ Church in Surbiton, and I will oversee outreach and evangelism. We have already moved house and I will start my new role in September. This new season means change for the whole family but we trust God goes before us and will be with us. We take with us all that we have learnt from King’s and trust that as we sow seeds in Surbiton, God will bring the growth.
Thank you King’s – this season of my life has been an honour and privilege. Let us keep running the race with perseverance as we fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Creation reminds us that things do not last forever. I am currently loving the summer season but I know that it won’t last forever – soon it will be autumn and then winter. Seasons come and seasons go; and what you do changes depending on the season. For example, what you do in summer (like wearing shorts and t-shirts), you don’t do in winter. Ecclesiastes 3:1
As you may have already heard, I have come to the end of a season, and I am about to start a new one. I have been on staff at King’s for 9 years and this summer marks a season of transition for me and my family, as we leave King’s and serve a different church in south west London. As one season ends and another begins, it’s important to look back and praise God for what he has done, and look forward in faith to what He will do.
Looking Back
As I look back on my time at King’s, I feel immensely privileged to have been part of such a great church. King’s may be known for its size, resources and leadership, but behind all of that are people who are so kind, generous and love Jesus.
For the past 5 years, I have led the Beckenham site and we’ve seen God do amazing things. We began with a committed group of 140 people in 2018, and after recovering from the impact of covid, the site has grown to an average weekly attendance of 170 people. In the past 5 years, we’ve seen people come to faith in Jesus, 12 people baptized, new people join the church and many have found a home at King’s. I’ve loved the many socials, bring and share lunches and a memorable football tournament (Beckenham members are quick to remind me that I got sent off in this tournament and my team lost on penalties!). Some of my highlights over the past year have been: baptizing 7 people in September 2022, seeing people come to faith through Alpha, and recently having the privilege of conducting a wedding ceremony for a couple who attend the Beckenham site.
The Beckenham site has not only been a success, but it has been a huge team effort. I thank God for each person who has contributed to the Beckenham site, for the journey we have been on, and the many memories that we have together.
Looking Forward
As I look forward, I’m really excited about this next season and the future of the Beckenham site. The site is now well established and remains in good hands. Tristan Newman will take on the leadership of the Beckenham site and will be greatly helped by Caroline Johnson. I pray that the site continues to be a ‘community on mission’ – a place where people can find friendship and family but for the purpose of being on mission to reach and serve those who don’t yet know Jesus.
As for me and my family, I’m excited to be taking on the role of Associate Minister at Christ Church in Surbiton, and I will oversee outreach and evangelism. We have already moved house and I will start my new role in September. This new season means change for the whole family but we trust God goes before us and will be with us. We take with us all that we have learnt from King’s and trust that as we sow seeds in Surbiton, God will bring the growth.
Thank you King’s – this season of my life has been an honour and privilege. Let us keep running the race with perseverance as we fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).
