Southwark for Jesus

When we attended a City Reacher’s conference to strategize for Gospel Saturation, we told several city unity cohorts present, “We are not a city; we are a borough.” 

“How many people live there?” they asked. 

“About 340,000,” we replied. 

“That’s bigger than most of our cities,” came the response. 

Boroughs are bite-sized chunks of London, which is effectively 32 cities in one. We have set a 10-year gospel saturation goal to multiply the estimated 200 churches in Southwark to 300. That ratio—one expression of church per 1,000 people—feels both measurable and achievable as we deepen collaboration and unity around five priorities: United Prayer  - Serving the City  - Leadership Health  - Disciple-Making Strategies  - Church Multiplication 

As we have shared this vision, several leaders have committed a dedicated percentage of their time to it. We are now developing teams around a point person for each priority to strengthen our collaboration toward this common goal. Currently, we are mapping the churches, their community projects, and their missional intentionality.  Leaders with passion, skills, and resources are gathering around each priority, helping us progress through five measurable stages of collaborative mission: 

Stated Priority & Initial Effort 

Defined Shared and Measurable Outcomes 

Established Designated Leadership Executing a Clear Strategic Plan 

Ongoing Traction and Yielding Fruit 

Proven Track Record & Multiplying Efforts 

It is heartening to see the energy and commitment this vision is generating. Leaders are “offering themselves willingly” in the day of the Lord’s power. Alongside many stories and the spiritual hunger among the younger generation, we sense God actively at work among us.  We are building on relational capital cultivated over many years. We are blessed to witness cross-cultural churches being planted by pioneers who have clearly heard God’s call to come to Southwark. This is met with a spirit of hospitality and kingdom-minded generosity. Visitors to Southwark often comment on the unusual degree of unity and friendship here. 

This momentum is sustained through a rhythm of monthly online prayer, localized prayer gatherings, and quarterly leaders’ breakfasts where we share vision updates, deepen relationships, and pray for one another. WhatsApp groups for each of the five priorities keep people connected, sharing discussions and resources. 

“The boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:6), and we give thanks to God for this growing sense of momentum. We look forward with anticipation to all that God will do as we collaborate in our common calling to see Gospel Saturation and a transformed Southwark borough.