In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
Colossians 1:6
On Sunday 28th September we gathered together at Trinity Academy to mark the leadership transition from Andy Cottingham to James Lee who is now the new Lead Pastor of City Church. This has been a 3 year process which has involved the Elders and Trustees along with external support from John Groves (from our Commission family of churches) along the way.
Having shared the news with the church in January 2025 it was with great joy to commission James into his new role and pray for him and Sarah, and to thank Andy and Cheryl for their leadership over the last 9 years. This was followed by a brilliant message from Tim Blaber who is the Lead Pastor of Hope Church Winchester and is part of the Commission UK Team. You can watch back what James and Andy said as part of the leadership transition, as well as Tim's message here:
It is an exciting time for City Church as we see our church continue to grow and strengthen as well as the growing ministry to other churches beyond Bristol that Andy has been pioneering. It was fantastic to be joined by a number of leaders from some of these churches such as Kenny McCoosh from Emmanuel Church Belfast, Paul and Camilla Wood from the South Lakes Church Plant and Ian and Megan Jukes from Hope Church Exmouth. Andy will continue to serve as an Elder at City Church but will give an increased focus on our relationships with these churches. Throughout the month of October, Andy will be spending some extended time with these churches followed by a holiday. He will back to preach at City Church on Sunday 23rd November.
We thank God for how He has led us to this moment and as Paul wrote to the Colossians, that the gospel of grace would continue to bear fruit in Bristol and beyond.
