Kingdom Building: A New Chapter for Christ Church

We are at a defining moment in the history of Christ Church Tunbridge Wells.

Almost two centuries ago, in 1831, the original Christ Church was built on this site. Through the years, generations have prayed, sacrificed and built — not just a building, but a community committed to fulfilling God’s purpose for His church.

More recently, many have sensed that Christ Church is a beacon of hope in the heart of our town. We’ve seen that vision come to life as the church has grown, both in number and in the relationships we’ve developed with our immediate community, the wider town and beyond.

We Stand at Another Defining Moment

Today, our congregation and community have outgrown the building. Nearly 500 people gather here each Sunday, and more than 1,000 people use the church each week.

We believe that redeveloping our building and facilities will bring God’s vision to life and create a home for our mission as a church — a space where we can:

  • Come together as a family – stronger and united in faith, cheering each other on in our journeys with Christ.

  • Serve our community better – offering a home for local organisations and services that bless the whole town.

  • Fulfil our vision – playing our part in the spiritual and social transformation of Tunbridge Wells and beyond

Fulfilling Our Minster Vision

God has richly blessed Christ Church with thriving congregations, gifted ministries, and a strategic place in the High Street of Tunbridge Wells. Our Minster Vision is about sharing these blessings — serving alongside other churches for a united witness.

This is already becoming reality. In the past year, more than 25 teams and individuals have supported other congregations with worship, preaching, and practical help. With over 700 members and a rapidly growing youth and children’s ministry, we now urgently need more space to serve the church, the community, and the future.

  • 25+ groups meet each week

  • 390+ adults worship on Sundays

  • 100+ children in Kids Church

  • 45+ young people in youth activities

  • 1,000+ people use the church each week

The Building Plans

For the past eight years, we have been prayerfully developing plans for a new building, with input from our PCC, congregation, local community, and partners. The current church is showing its age, and essential repairs alone would cost £1.6 million.

Our new building will not only address these issues, but also provide the space and facilities we desperately need:

  • Enhance the Worship Space – Expanding sanctuary capacity to 360 seats (from 180) with a gallery and new side chapel.

  • Create Flexible Spaces – New and reconfigured rooms for children, youth, offices, and breakouts.

  • Modernise Facilities – Warm, energy-efficient, with updated lighting, heating, sound, kitchen, and toilets.

  • Improve Accessibility – Step-free secure access and accessible toilets.

  • Enhance the Street Scene – A welcoming, visible presence on the High Street.

  • New Church House – A five-bedroom house for staff on church land.

In total, the redevelopment will add 650 sqm (a 63% increase), help us meet net-zero commitments, and preserve our historic stained-glass windows.

The Challenge Before Us

This vision comes with a challenge: raising nearly £5 million.

  • Total cost: £5.086m

  • Already raised: £300k

  • Still needed: £4.786m

Thanks to God’s provision and faithful stewardship, we already have a foundation in place. Now, we invite you — the Christ Church family — to help bring this project to life.

Join Us in Building the Future

Whether you’ve been part of Christ Church for decades or are just stepping through the door, we invite you to be part of this defining moment. This is our opportunity to enlarge the tent, strengthen the stakes, and build for generations to come.

What role will you play in this story of faith?

We are seeking to obtain grants towards the costs, but the majority of funds need to be via sacrificial giving from the members of CCTW.  

Please prayerfully consider how you could support this vision with a:

One-off gift now

Pledge of a one-off gift by a future date

Commitment to a regular amount each month or year for 5 years