Our Story

Hear our story of God's faithfulness and work through His church over the past 50 years.

How It Began

The church was born in 1971, when a faithful group of Christians meeting at Arkholme Methodist Church became concerned about the teaching within Methodism at the time and decided to separate. These men and women were committed to God's Word and, by His grace, felt the need to stand firm in the strength of the Lord.

Later that year, the Lord provided, through Capernwray Hall Bible College, a small chapel building for the fellowship to use. What began as a provision for a few years has continued to this day.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Steady Work

As the church became established in the local area, there were a number of developments. The church moved from a position of infant baptism to believer's baptism, and elders and deacons were established.

The church was also passionate about sharing the gospel and serving the local community. Throughout the week there were activities including a children's group called 'Sunshine Corner', a Guild Fellowship, Bible studies in different homes, and local 'Mission Bands' which took services in other churches.

Through these years, the Lord also worked a real steadfastness into the fellowship. The church developed a culture marked by love and care for one another, with people committed to standing together and serving the Lord faithfully.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 103:2

Today

Those foundations continue to shape us today. Since 2017, the Lord has blessed the church with a paid pastor, and the pattern of teaching developed from visiting guest preachers towards regular expository preaching through different books of the Bible. Weekly home groups were also established, giving us an opportunity to discuss what we have heard from God's Word, pray for one another, and encourage each other in our faith.

Since 2020, the Lord has also blessed the church with an increasing diversity of backgrounds and vocations. As the congregation grew, we eventually needed to relocate from the chapel building. Once again, the Lord provided, this time through Arkholme Village Hall, which has been the place for our Sunday morning gatherings since then, with occasional services held at other village halls when needed.

In 2025, as the church continued to grow through the faithful preaching of God's Word, we established a formalised membership.

We are thankful for the way the Lord has led and provided for this church over more than fifty years. The circumstances and people have changed, but our desire remains the same: to be faithful to God's Word, to love and care for one another, to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, and to trust the Lord for whatever He provides in the years ahead.