Our story so far
Oxford Community Church began in 1985, with a vision of building family, reaching students, and going to the nations. And we recently celebrated 40 years of continuing to do just that.
Early Beginnings
In the 1970s, churches in the UK experienced what came to be called the charismatic renewal, where many Christians began to rediscover gifts of the Holy Spirit, and practice them more in church life. At the same time, the house church movement was taking off. This movement placed emphasis on living in authentic community, personal discipleship, participation in worship, and exercising spiritual gifts.
In Oxfordshire, a group of young Christians formed a church at Merryfield House in Witney. In time they became friends with others at Cote Baptist Church, and together started more churches across the county under the banner of Oxfordshire for Jesus. They also began The King’s School, a Christian school in Witney, which we still run today.
Teams were also sent to start churches overseas in Europe, Africa and Asia, and we are now part of a global family of churches called Salt & Light Ministries.
1985 to today
Oxford Community Church began in 1985, under the leadership of Steve Thomas. In 2001, after years of meeting in a cinema in George Street, we purchased The King’s Centre, which now forms our primary base in the city.
Steve Jones became the Senior Pastor in 2005. Under his leadership, the church has imagined and developed education and housing ministries, as well as leadership training, citywide collaboration and global mission.
What next?
In many ways, our vision is the same as it ever was. We are passionate about building a diverse family in the heart of this city, where people of all ages and backgrounds can worship Jesus together, and experience deep, authentic community. We want to see university students and young people experience God’s love and discover his purpose for their lives. And we want to play our part in taking the good news of Jesus to all people, whether in our city or in the nations, and in particular in those nations where people haven’t yet heard of him.
We believe the Lord has been speaking to us about growth and expansion. The years ahead are not just a new chapter, but a brand new book, and there are things the Lord wants to do in us and through us which will be ‘beyond all we can ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3.20).
To learn more about our vision and values and discover how you can play your part, sign up for our Discover Course.
Our Connections
Relationships are so important to us. We believe a church will be healthier and more effective in partnership with others than on its own. Our wider relationships provide accountability and support.
Church Connections
We are part of Oxfordshire Community Churches, a group of 10 churches that work together as a single charity. Beyond that, we are also part of Salt & Light Advance, a family of churches together on mission, in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire, which in turn is part of Salt & Light International.
We receive input from Rich Ellwood, who leads Salt & Light Advance and Witney Community Church. Many of our leaders also serve Advance churches, and we run various joint events and courses together, as well as sharing a vision for mission and church planting.
City Connections
We are passionate about collaborating with others, to see our city renewed.
Renew Oxford is an initiative of Oxford Community Church, uniting churches to respond to the most pressing social challenges in our city. As we come together, we’re believing for a transformed Oxford where the church’s impact is stronger and more collaborative than ever.
Global Connections
In addition to partnering with existing churches in other nations, we also support pioneer workers in several different nations in Asia, Africa and Europe. We prioritise a focus on unreached people groups, and church planting through holistic mission, in partnership with various mission organisations.
Keep in touch
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