The People — a year in review
As we sit and reflect on our first year of pioneering and planting a new church in Dublin 12 — we have been reminded of the why behind the what: the people.
The goal of this church plant has always been the people of this area. Over the last number of years, we have experienced a spark in our hearts when unwrapping the hope of Jesus in our lives with our neighbours, our local baristas and many others throughout the community.
Our heart is to offer those who call Crumlin home - a chance to experience the invitation of knowing Jesus, like we have, and having our lives completely transformed by living in relationship with Him.
And so as we began to gather earlier this year around the little table in our home, we were reminded of that desire and mission in our hearts, as we ate with people who share in our sense of call and vision as a church. We spent time exploring together what the early church meant when they talked about devoting themselves to the scriptures, to prayer and to the breaking of bread.
What many of us discovered as we tried our best to think of ways to put this in practice, is that this way of following Jesus — is about learning to live in close proximity with one another. Sharing our lives, both the wonderful and good, alongside the difficult and bad. Holding each-other in prayer, and in care as we figure out the path together.
Jesus has been so kind to us in the people we have found around our table. When planting a church, it’s easy to get caught up in the next step, and thinking about gathering on Sundays. All important parts of the journey, but what has given us deep joy and encouragement this past year, has been the people who have embodied an ‘early-church’ vision for community with us.
We gathered weekly devoting ourselves to the scriptures, praying and prophesying over another, and sharing meals in each-other’s home. We have been amazed by the generosity of Gods people, to open homes and over time, open their hearts.
We made a courageous decision towards the end of the summer to move our little community around the table into hosting a space in a local pub for others to come & see what we’re all about. A night like this gave people the opportunity to explore the idea of ‘church’ and the possibility of considering us as a church too.
As this new church takes shape, it’s important that we start as we mean to go on — and our heart has always been to meet people right where they are, and this is one of those ways. We we’re blown away by all the people who came out, even on a very windy and cold autumn evening, to sit with us and have conversations about our longings to see change in the area & how might this new church — be part of that change.
As we close off this year, let it be known that God is so faithful. He has shown up and met us in the small, ordinary, everyday moments of life, alongside the events and times we have intentionally planned together as a community. We have experienced His goodness & mercy in so many ways and with so many people.
We are so expectant for 2026! We are already praying for those who will come alongside us and (as the Palmist writes) help lay the foundations for a future generation, not yet even born — who will praise the Lord. Thats the dream, to pioneer a community that future generations can call home.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us by prayer, encouragement, prophetic words, financial support or showing up to our events. We are so grateful for you all.