Diocese of Chichester

Crawley is a town that has been labelled as the ‘UK town worst hit by the pandemic’ due to high unemployment, debt, hunger, homelessness, and mental ill health. 

Through partnership with churches and organisations across Crawley, St John’s seeks to play a part in the evangelisation of the nations, the revitalisation of the church and the transformation of society. The seed funding aims to show a new generation the diverse beauty of the Church through young leaders who live and share the Good News to Crawley and beyond.

Revd Steve Burston, vicar of St John’s said, “Crawley, has been hard hit by the pandemic. This investment will provide much needed momentum for the whole of Crawley as we seek to partner together as churches across Crawley to see a new generation come to know Jesus and to transform the town”.

The church is playing a key role in the recovery and healing of communities across Crawley and the surrounding area. This collaborative project between the Diocese of Chichester and St John’s aims to grow church membership throughout Crawley by resourcing churches for a new level of mission across the spectrum of traditions.

Ruth Bushyager, Bishop of Horsham, said: “Back in 2017 St John's church in Crawley was revitalised in partnership with St Peter's Brighton with funding from the SDF. That began a new and inspiring chapter which saw the growth of the church and remarkable ways in which St Johns have partnered with others to serve Crawley's most vulnerable. Five years on, we are delighted that the SDF board are keen to invest further to see the next chapter unfold. Our vision is to see St John's partner with churches in West Green and Three Bridges, and on new estates, so that even more people come to discover the saving grace of Jesus Christ."