Oak Church Stevenage
We are a youth focused church in central Stevenage for Stevenage and the surrounding villages. Being youth focused means we have a particular heart for seeing Jesus meet with and inspire young people, but we are welcome to all and have a multi-generational community.
Oak is a part of the Church of England and we began as a church plant from Soul Survivor Watford in 2015. In September 2020, Oak Church Stevenage was awarded a Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO) with an initial 5 years license.
You can read more about our history below or if you want to read about what a BMO is visit Bishops' Mission Orders | The Church of England
Oak Church Stevenage is part of the Stevenage Pioneer Youth Trust. 1165138
Why Stevenage?
The Diocese of St. Albans, in consultation with Archbishop Justin Welby's Council, commissioned a church plant for Stevenage, with the aim of seeing a youth-orientated Christian community being grown from the ground. Adam Prior, previously Youth Pastor at Soul Survivor Watford church (www.soulsurvivorwatford.co.uk) and also an ordained Priest within the Church of England, was invited to come to Stevenage with a team of young adults (18-22) and take up the position of leading the new initiative. A team of people gathered together with a heart for this vision, and the whole team were inaugurated at a service in the Bowes Lyon Youth Centre on 17th January 2015.
What's with the name?
The name 'Oak Church Stevenage' came about as a result of a lot of prayer, research and many sleepless nights! In the book of Isaiah (chapter 61 verse 3) Isaiah speaks about a vision for God's people as being a blessing, our heart, part of this speaks of being "Oaks of Righteousness, a planting for the Lord". These words were written around 1500 BC. Fast forward to Saxon days and it is said that people in this area would gather around an Oak Tree. In fact, that's how Stevenage got it's name in the first place! Stevenage, or "Stithenence", means Strong Oak.
Gathering is what we do, and so we feel that 'Oak Church' represents who we are and our vision for this town.
Our Values
LOVE EXTRAVAGANTLY
We want to love God, His presence, His people and Stevenage
LIVE ROOTED
We want to live radical lives rooted in God and to live in relationship with each other
GIVE SELFLESSLY
We want to selflessly give our time,
talents and money