At a recent assembly of the British Isles South District, Dr. Carla Sunberg challenged Nazarenes to be “centers of holy fire.” In North Wales, that vision is taking form.
In the community of Llay, Pastor David Gilmour and a small group of Nazarenes are developing the “North Wales Network,” designed to plant self-sustaining churches across the region.
“That’s our dream,” says David, “to plant centers of holy fire—kingdom outposts—all across North Wales.”
The North Wales Network is new in name but rooted deep in the hearts of its pioneers. Years ago, David and fellow Nazarene John Wigley began processing the question: Who will pastor our grandchildren? In a post-Christian United Kingdom—especially in under-resourced communities—churches often struggle to sustain leaders financially through tithing alone.
Eventually, an idea developed. Maybe congregations could partner with local businesses and compassionate ministries, creating an infrastructure that provides supports the church and serves the neighborhood? Enter: the North Wales Network.
The model is simple but intentional. Sent Nazarene volunteers serve a local cafe, crafting hot drinks, connecting with the community, and building relationships. In turn, the organization that owns the cafe donates a portion of its proceeds to its local Church of the Nazarene. Those funds help developing worship communities across North Wales. The district partners alongside those new communities, equipping each new church to serve the vulnerable and marginalized in their neighborhoods.
David believes the Church of the Nazarene is uniquely equipped to meet neighbors right where they are.
“Because we present the hope that Christ doesn’t just break the guilt of sin, he breaks the power of sin, and brings us into a brand new reality, right here, right now,” he says. “Our people have that vision,” he adds. “They have that heart. They want to be ministering to those who are struggling.”
Over the coming weeks, join us for a look at some of the stories behind those embracing the North Wales Network. Learn more about what Jesus is doing in their lives, how they are serving, and how the global Church can get involved.
“I think God put these things on our heart, because he wants to partner with us to be part of these solutions,” says John, and David agrees, anticipating what’s to come.
“We dream of a fresh move of the Holy Spirit,” he says. “I believe we’re already seeing the first fruits of that. We’re seeing the vanguard of that—we just want to partner with what the Lord is already doing, and be a part of the kingdom coming here.”
