Until everyone knows …

What’s it like stepping up to lead a flagship Elim church? Stephen Gibson tells Chris Rolfe about his first six months at City Church Cardiff.

When Stephen Gibson took over as senior leader of City Church Cardiff last August he already knew the church well.

As its associate pastor for the previous 12 years he had been immersed in church life, overseeing everything from worship, production and media teams to interns, kids, youth and young adults leaders.

Local and international missions also ranked high on his list.

But in many ways the past six months have been an entirely new ballgame as he has worked with his leadership team to set the direction for the church in this new season.

“You’ve got the job!”

This big change began when City Church’s previous leaders Dominic and Catherine de Souza left their roles last July – with Catherine setting out for her new position leading Prison Fellowship.

Stephen and his wife Rachel took time to pray over the possibility of him becoming the new senior pastor.

“I was aware that City Church has been and remains a significant church in the Elim movement,” he says.

“It’s a vibrant, diverse, city-centre church with over 50 nationalities, and around 1,000 people call it home.

“Many incredible leaders have pastored the church, like Percy Brewster and Chris Cartwright, both previous general superintendents, and Alex Tee, who was a popular evangelist and church planter.”

… story continues