Our History

How it all began:   The 'New Generation Centre' was originally used by a large Christian Brethren Assembly. In 1973, the teenagers from this Brethren group got together and opened up a coffee bar in Sidcup High Street.  A number of young people became Christians through the work of the coffee shop, and were added to the youth group.  The whole group was introduced to the Charismatic movement, and over the next 12-18 months, many of the young people and their leaders were baptised in the Holy Spirit.  Around 1976, those in the youth group felt God was calling them to a new phase of relationship with him, and they left the Brethren Assembly to form a new 'House Church'. They were known as the Sidcup Fellowship.
The story continues... They remained Sidcup Fellowship for about 11 years from 1976 to 1987, when they then acquired Birkbeck Chapel, and also began to realise they weren't the only Sidcup Fellowship in the area, so a new distinctive name was needed.  Given that the group was small but full of Godly potential, they chose the name 'Acorn Church'.  They became part of the Team Spirit network; later this was merged with the Pioneer network, under the leadership of Gerald Coates.  The church was led by various teams of men and women, all working full-time outside of the church.  As the church developed the need was felt for full-time leadership.  In 1992, Peter & Linda Lyne returned from New Zealand where they had been involved in growing churches for 15 years and took on the leadership of Acorn Church.  Their impact was dramatic.

The church took part in many intiatives and events. One nationwide event started by the Pioneer network, was 'March for Jesus'.

With Peter Lyne in leadership, the church also started 'Design for Life', which was two weeks of intensive evangelistic activity around Sidcup, based in a marquee in King George's field.  The church experienced a great shake-up, in the course of which the focus of the church changed from middle class/approaching middle age, towards a much greater youth emphasis, giving rise to Generation X, a drop in centre for teenagers, in a disused shop on Sidcup High Street.

The church also changed its name again, in response to a prophetic word.  The church became 'New Generation Church', in 1994.  In 1999, Peter & Linda Lyne were called back by God to New Zealand. They appointed a new leadership team for the church, to be led by Paul & Paula Weston.

The work of Generation X led to the amazing opportunity of being able to obtain a disused warehouse just behind Sidcup High Street, which was an old printing works. The warehouse was launched in 1997, and named 'The WorX', after a lot work to refurbish it.  It was turned from a derelict mess to an atmospheric and creative venue. The WorX was used for many things, including: Church gatherings, Friday night youth club, venue for bands, kids clubs and 24-7 prayer room.  The WorX was also a meeting place for visiting teams.  Over the years, visitors from 17 different nations visited the WorX, including: Australia, New Zealand, USA, Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada, Chile, India and South Africa.  The church used the WorX for 5 years, but as part of redevelopments in the Sidcup area the land the WorX stood on was needed for a new Safeway supermarket. In February 2002 it was bulldozed.   New Generation Church had already developed different styles of meetings for the various age groups within the church, but in 2001 it sought to reshape its gatherings.   HQ kids club had been running for a while as a monthly gathering, and it was decided to make it a weekly club that would become the kids' own church, designed for 4-11yr olds.   The WorX was the name of the warehouse, but the name had also been lent to the WorX Project, a youth charity, and 'The WorX', a youth and student congregation for 11-25yr olds. The WorX leadership team is made up of people within that age bracket; this has given them freedom and space to grow and develop a church that is unique to that age group.   For those that were not within the age groups of HQ or the WorX, New Gen Sidcup was developed. The church had always met in the evening, so a change to  morning meetings was a radical step for the church members.  This area of church caters for adults and families. The morning starts with breakfast, games and then a selection of teaching options, with worship and prayer.

New Generation Church has become a church with an influence that far outreaches its size.  It has helped to shape the Pioneer Leaders conference, as well as helping to lead teams and send volunteers to Spring Harvest.  We are seeing a lot of development in our work with local Police and Bexley Council.   Since January 2005 we have been meeting on a Sunday morning at Bexleyheath Cineworld. Using their cinema screens as great venues for our adult gatherings, HQ kids club and Sparkles creche. Doors open at 9.45am for coffee and muffins, and it all kicks off at 10am.   Part of the growth of New Generation has been our summer event, 'Lark in the Park'.  In 2001 this really kicked off on a big scale. Lark in the Park has been able to use a prestigious council venue called Sidcup Place, and has become a popular community event. Each Lark in the Park has grown in size, outreach and recognition.  Lark in the Park is a free event that runs Kids club and a youth drop in.  It also sends teams to work with the council rangers.  Our evangelism team goes out into Sidcup to offer free car washing, window cleaning, escapology demonstrations, prayer and good conversations.  Check out www.larkinthepark.com for more information.

Also see our links page to see who we work with and are affiliated to.