Background / History
By the grace of God, Sheffield Chinese Christian Church began in 1972 as the Sheffield Chinese Christian Fellowship (SCCF), meeting in the front room of Raymond and Ivy Heng’s home. From those humble beginnings, and through God’s faithfulness, the fellowship has grown into an established church with three congregations: Cantonese, English and Mandarin. Today, we worship each Sunday in our church building on Anns Road, Heeley.
The Early Years
In the early days, the fellowship consisted mainly of university students and nurses from local hospitals who gathered for Bible study, prayer and fellowship in English. We were greatly blessed and encouraged by regular visits from brothers and sisters from the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission (COCM), Birmingham Chinese Christian Fellowship and Manchester Chinese Christian Fellowship.
God continued to bless the ministry, and the fellowship grew rapidly.
In 1973, we hosted the first COCM Interfellowship Consultation in the former YMCA buildings in Sheffield. Delegates came from Chinese Christian churches and fellowships across the UK, together with COCM staff and missionaries from the UK and Europe. Over the years, this gathering developed into the COCM International Consultation, bringing together representatives from around the world.
In 1974, we also hosted the first North England Easter Conference (NEEC) at Cliff College near Sheffield, bringing together Chinese churches and fellowships from across northern England. Originally conducted in English, the annual conference later expanded to include Cantonese and Mandarin speakers, as well as programmes for parents, young people and children.
Our First Church Centre
By God’s provision, in December 1976 we were able to purchase our first property, a large house at 12 Watson Road, Broomhill, near the University of Sheffield. It became our Church Centre and was purchased through a personal loan and the regular giving of brothers who were university students and lived in accommodation provided at the Centre.
The Centre became a place of fellowship, hospitality and spiritual growth for many people. Even today, many remember with affection the warm fellowship they experienced there and continue to visit us.
Reaching Chinese Families in Sheffield
As the ministry developed, we began a Sunday School to reach Chinese families living in Sheffield. English was taught to Chinese parents, while their children were taught Cantonese at their parents’ request.
Students from Hong Kong and Malaysia who spoke Cantonese played an important part in reaching these families. As the ministry grew, we hired rooms in the former YMCA building in Broomhall, which is now part of Sheffield Hallam University’s Collegiate Campus.
Through this Sunday School outreach, God opened new opportunities. Some of the parents began meeting with us for prayer and Bible study, and from these gatherings the Cantonese Fellowship was established. Many of the children who attended in those early years are now adults, married and with children of their own.
Becoming Sheffield Chinese Christian Church
God continued to bless the church as it grew and developed. In 1990, we were able to register as a charity, and in March 1991 we purchased our present church building on Anns Road, Heeley.
The building had previously been used by a Methodist congregation and provided the space needed for our growing ministry. By the grace of God, its rooms have been used over the years for worship services, Sunday School classes, youth ministry, Bible studies, fellowship and many other areas of church life.
What began as a small gathering in a family home has, by God’s grace, grown far beyond those early beginnings. It reminds us of Jesus’ description of the mustard seed:
“Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants…” (Mark 4:31–32)
Since 1972, many brothers and sisters in Christ have been part of the life of our church. Some have remained in Sheffield, while others have returned to their home countries or moved elsewhere. Many continue to faithfully serve God wherever He has placed them.
Looking Forward
This is only a brief account of our church’s history. There are many more stories of God’s goodness and faithfulness than could ever be recorded here.
As we remember what God has done in the past, we also look forward with faith and hope. Our prayer is that Sheffield Chinese Christian Church will continue to be a Bible-loving, prayerful and obedient church, faithful to God’s calling and prepared as the pure and radiant bride of Christ for the glorious day of His return.
To God be all the glory.
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