Our Story
& Vision
Our Story
St Andrew’s has been a key part of the community in Charminster since the church was first planted at the end of the 19th century. Built to provide a hub for mission and a home for worship to those living in the surrounding streets - St Andrew’s has always been a church committed to looking outwards beyond itself, to those God has called us serve. In the generations since the church began, the area of Charminster has changed remarkably to become one of the most vibrant and multicultural parts of Bournemouth today, and yet St Andrew’s has continued with its original call to be a beacon of light and hope to those living in Charminster.
Following a period of challenge for the church community and after the departure of a long serving and much loved Vicar, St Andrew’s found itself at a crossroads with the future uncertain. A decision was taken by the PCC to explore a range of possible futures for the church, that would enable St Andrew’s to better serve the community on its doorstep and share the good news of the gospel. In October 2022, at the invitation of the Bishop of Winchester, Tom Hodkinson became the new church leader, bringing along a small team from LOVECHURCH, to help revitalise the worshipping community at St Andrew’s. Bringing the best of the past along with fresh hope for the future, St Andrew’s entered into a new season of life together, united under a vision to be Good News for Charminster.
Our Vision
As a church, our vision is ‘Good News for Charminster’. We unashamedly believe that God has got good things for all who live in this part of Bournemouth, and as followers of Jesus our role is to join in with what he is already doing.
Our vision is broken down into three key areas:
Know Good News. First and foremost, we’re each called to be followers of Jesus, to know him and difference he makes our lives and the world. Following and knowing Jesus means growing in prayer, worship and an understanding of God’s word. It begins here and everything else flow from this!
Be Good News. We want to live to make a difference as we play our part in God’s coming kingdom. We’re convinced that the church is supposed to be a good thing for all people in our community, whatever life looks like for you. We want to be a positive presence in Charminster as we seek to be living testaments to who God is.
Share Good News. At the heart of who we are, is a desire to share the good thing we’ve received. We want to be bold in how we speak of who Jesus is and all that he’s done for us - the good news isn’t a secret to be kept but something to share and shout about!
Good News for Charminster… and beyond!
We recognise that whilst many in our church live locally, day to day life takes us to all kinds of different people and places and we want to be faithful and fruitful wherever we are. Central to who we are as a church, is the conviction that we want to know, be and share good news in the places that we find ourselves - whether that’s at work, amongst friends and family, down by the beach or out and about in Bournemouth, we want to follow God wherever he leads.