'We tackle questions about how each church reaches into their local community'
The sixth gathering of the Waltham Abbey Small Church Hub was held on Sunday 6 July, this time hosted by Suffolks Baptist Church in Enfield, writes Hilary Taylor
We welcomed 30 people from five churches. After tea, cake and conversation, we worshipped followed by a time of bringing encouraging words or pictures from the Lord.
We moved in to five groups to tackle questions about how each church reaches out into their local community. We discovered the amazing variety of opportunities offered by our churches for people to explore faith, to be valued and belong. How we use our digital resources to connect with the community, and how we make people feel welcome on their first visit.
There was a challenge from the questions about the way we find it hard to share our faith and how this may be overcome.
We welcomed Anne Bishop from Baptist Insurance who outlined how the churches may apply for funds to pay for these evangelistic hopes and dreams.

We prayed for each of the 10 churches in the hub, (half of which are led by faithful lay people.)
The churches offered to share expertise in various areas such as helping to improve websites, admin support and pulpit swaps. The next hub date is booked already for October!
As the feedback said:
”Excellent questions, very thought provoking and helpful. I enjoyed the discussion between churches.”
“I’ve been to events before so nice to see people I recognise (friends!)”
If you would like to know more about small church hubs, contact Hilary Taylor
Baptist Times, 10/07/2025