Eldad Elim Church in Clifton has boomed under the leadership of Pastor Howard Davenport, who said he felt called by God to return to Guernsey after two decades in the UK.
He felt that the Pentecostal church, tucked away in the town centre, had one of the island’s most diverse and youthful congregations.
And he believes Guernsey’s spiritual climate is shifting, thanks in part to immigration.
‘People who never gave faith a thought are now surrounded by Christians for whom it’s normal,’ he said.
‘Christianity offers answers to the big questions about suffering, morality and hope that secularism hasn’t been able to provide.’
Nearly 60% of people living in Guernsey were born in the island. But 7% are now from outside Europe.
This compares to 4% in 2019.
The church was founded over 160 years ago. Once a congregational church, it became Pentecostal in the 1930s and today draws worshippers from across the globe.
‘We’re mostly international now,’ said Mr Davenport, citing regular attendees from Singapore, the Philippines and various African nations.
‘It’s a lively church, with lots of kids and young professionals. The average age is probably mid-30s.’
Mr Davenport first served in Guernsey 25 years ago, leading a small congregation in the Styx Community Centre. After relocating to the UK, he returned in 2021 with his wife, a Guernseywoman, after what he described as a clear calling from God.
‘I wasn’t excited at first,’ he admitted, ‘but I’m thrilled I was obedient, not just to my wife, but to Jesus.’
A Wednesday evening community cafe welcomes newcomers to the island, particularly those in lower-income sectors or entry-level jobs. The church also runs Alpha courses and is planning to launch a regular youth program to meet growing demand.
With plans to open up new space in the church’s balcony and deepen engagement with young people, Mr Davenport hopes Eldad Elim will become a ‘beacon of hope and joy’ in the island.
‘We’re here to help people discover what life’s about and give them something real to hold onto,' he said.
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