A church in the centre of the community

Thornhill Church, Cardiff is a good example of what can happen when Christians stop waiting for people to ‘come to church’. At the heart of the church's vision is a well-equipped centre specifically designed to enrich community life.

Pastor Paul Hocking explains: “This church is passionate about being a community-orientated church reaching the 93% who never attend. The existing centre is a real focus for families, the elderly and a wide range of community activities.”

The Thornhill housing estates only came into existence in 1978. Over the next few years, as the population expanded, local Christians began to dream of a vibrant church established in the heart of their community.

The church started when a small group began to meet in schools and hotels. As time passed they developed a vision for a community centre that people who chose not to attend church services would feel comfortable using for their everyday activities.

Amazingly, in just three short years, the church members – initially just 24 families – raised £250,000 towards the £500,000 cost of the existing centre which was opened in 1997. They were helped by a £25,000 gift from the Julian Hodge Foundation and two small grants from Cardiff Council - but it was sacrificial, covenanted giving that saw the mortgage paid off in nine years.

Thornhill Church Centre is open every day of the week, running numerous groups that seek to serve the needs of its community. These include parent and toddlers, nursery, a coffee shop and meeting point for the elderly. The centre is also open for hire and is used for a huge range of activities that are not run by the church but fit with their values and ethos – such as children’s parties, adult education classes, business seminars, keep fit classes, councillors’ surgeries and a credit union.

Thornhill is not large in membership terms (120) but currently employs 20 full- and part-time staff. It operates with a clear conviction that every member has a part to play and a ministry to exercise. Because of this, the church has gained immense credibility locally, winning much praise for its significant contribution to community life.

“We spent five years developing our proposals and took lots of professional advice,” says Paul Hocking. “We believe God has given us inspiration, direction and confidence. It’s remarkable what can be achieved when communities unite with a common purpose”.

Last Updated 03 December 2010