Church kicks off fruitful outreach

It’s a season of growth and change for Blackburn’s Beacon Church, through which God is encouraging unity and the use of everyone’s gifts. Pastor Emmanuel Ofosu explains.

“I’d describe 2024 as a year of grace, growth, settling and strengthening,” says Emmanuel Ofosu.

Emmanuel is senior pastor at Beacon Church in Blackburn and is reflecting on his first year leading the congregation since taking up the role in November 2023.

In terms of grace and growth, he begins, one of the most noticeable changes recently has been an influx of families and different nationalities.

“Since I joined the church six years ago there’s been quite a bit of generational change,” he says. “We’ve transitioned to become a younger church, from my son – who’s one – as the youngest to a lady who’s the oldest, at 93. Families are joining us regularly.”

A father who discovered the church just over a year ago is a typical example.

“His family had been in Blackburn for a few months and he was looking for a church. He used to walk past our building regularly – we’re close to a retail centre – and one day he noticed us.

“He said it felt like he was being led here and started coming with his children. They’ve been part of the church ever since.

“We’ve had different nationalities join us too – people from Britain, El Salvador, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya and France.”

One age group that is blossoming in particular is the youth.

“We’ve seen great growth among our young people,” says Emmanuel.

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