Who we are
We are Whitby Evangelical Church. A community of people from many different backgrounds wanting to serve, worship and share the love of Jesus in the town of Whitby and beyond. As a church family we hope to make a difference for Jesus wherever we go.
We are part of the FIEC (Federation of independent churches, this might not mean anything to you but it is an organisation of non denominational churches across the country that worship and serve the Lord Jesus.
What does our name means?
Whitby
We are fortunate enough to be located in the beautiful coastal town of Whitby, North Yorkshire. Best known for its impressive Abbey ruins, delicious fish and chips. This is where we live, meet together and aspire to serve, taking the good news of Jesus to all.
Evangelical
For some this word might seem to be old fashioned christian lingo, for others it might bring to readers minds thoughts of fundamentalism and for others yet it might resonate with their own beliefs. To put it simply an evangelical Christian is one who seeks to live in light of the teachings of the bible and root themselves in the "Good News" of Christ. Or even more simply, an evangelical Christian is someone who believes that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the father except through Him.
Church
It’s not the building. The Church refers to us, the group of people who meet together through various activities across the week to sing, pray, listen to talks or discuss what the bible says and socialise as we seek to follow our Saviour, Jesus and grow together.
Our Team
Elders
Barry Davies
Frederick Hodgson
Joel Metcalfe
Deacons
Martin Ashburner
George Ellison
Dave Millar
Our History
1973
The church is founded, Peter Brumby becomes pastor
1978
The church begins meeting at Skinner Street
1993
John Winter becomes pastor
2004
David Magowan becomes pastor
2014
Peter Robinson becomes pastor
The church was formed in 1973. The catalyst was the decision of Rev Peter Brumby to leave Methodism. He had been serving churches in Grosmont, Littlebeck, Esk Valley, Briggswath and Sleights, and many of those who were involved at the beginning of the church had been converted under Peter's ministry.
Whitby Evangelical Fellowship (as the church was then known) first met in June 1973 and Rev John Tindall conducted the church's inaugural covenant service on 28th June 1973. The church initially met at a home in Sleights. Peter Brumby had gone to Spain to minister at an English-speaking church on the Costa del Sol, but was called as the church's first minister in December 1973. From 1974 to 1978 the church met at Ruswarp village hall, and then at Stakesby School and Whitby School, before the purchase of the present premises in Skinner Street. The building in Skinner Street had been previously a ballroom, a bakery and café, and a builders' merchant, and required extensive renovation and alteration. At this time the fellowship became known as Whitby Evangelical Church.
After 17 years service, Peter Brumby resigned the pastorate to take up a wider ministry in the North of England. He then served as minister at Newcastle Reformed Evangelical Church. After a three year vacancy, John Winter was called in 1993 to be the pastor. He had been involved in a church planting work for the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham. In December 1999, John Winter resigned the pastorate, and after a further three year vacancy, David Magowan was called to be the church's pastor. David moved onto Carey Baptist Church, Reading, in August 2009. In March 2014 Peter Robinson (Honiton) responded to a call to the pastorate and became the minister of the church.
Since 1973, the church has seen a steady growth in attendance and membership. The normal morning congregation of around 80-100 is often swelled with holidaying visitors, particularly during the summer months. There are various activities in the church calendar to cater for distinctive groups within the church family. These include Sunday School, 6-10 Club for Primary aged children, SAS for teenagers, Mums and Tots, Ladies Meeting, Midweek Bible Study, etc.
May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17)
Our Beliefs
God
There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in his holiness, justice, wisdom and love. He is the almighty Creator; Saviour and Judge who sustains and governs all things according to his sovereign will for his own glory.
The Bible
God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.
The Human Race
All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. As a result of the fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please him.
The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father. He taught with authority and all his words are true. On the cross he died in the place of sinners, bearing God's punishment for their sin, redeeming them by his blood. He rose from the dead and in his resurrection body ascended into heaven where he is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for his people in the presence of the Father.
Salvation
Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners whom he calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply his work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, brings assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.
The Church
The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord's Supper; for pastoral care and discipline, and for evangelism. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between churches by mutual love, care and encouragement. True fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the gospel.
Baptism and The Lord's Supper
Baptism and the Lord's Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into his Church but does not impart spiritual life. The Lord's Supper is a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice offered once for all and involves no change in the bread and wine. All its blessings are received by faith.
The Future
The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.