About
Christ First
Transforming Lives
Building Community
We use these three statements to describe our mission as a church in following Jesus on the adventure of faith.
We put Christ First in every area of our lives and live in a way that demonstrates that Jesus is more important to us than anything or anyone else. Christ is first in our lives, our church, our homes and our town.
We see the good news of Jesus Christ Transforming Lives as it is clearly taught and practically demonstrated to those around us. This good news still has the same power to transform lives as it did 2000 years ago.
We are Building Community that welcomes everyone and celebrates our diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Creating an environment where people can hear the practical and life changing message of Jesus in an accessible way.
Global Mission
New Ground
God has caught us up in His great mission to see many churches planted across the world, and communities transformed by the love of Jesus Christ.
Christ First is part of the New Ground family of churches, led by Dave Holden. New Ground have a number of churches across the nations of Europe and beyond.
Newfrontiers
New Ground is part of Newfrontiers, which is a family of over 1,500 churches in more than 80 nations, spread across every continent of the world.
Friends we're working with
Here are some links to friends across the world who we are supporting and partnering with to see churches strengthened and started and the gospel advanced.
What we believe
We are part of the Evangelical Alliance and hold to their statements of belief. The list below is a slightly simplified version of these, but you can read the original list by clicking the link at the bottom.
We believe in...
An eternal God who exists in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The love, grace and sovereignty of God in creating, sustaining, ruling, redeeming and judging the world.
The divine inspiration and supreme authority of God's word, the bible, fully trustworthy for faith and conduct.
The dignity of all people, made in God's image, yet corrupted by sin, which results in His wrath and judgement.
God's eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was truly divine and truly human, yet without sin.
Jesus' sacrificial death on a cross: dying in our place, paying the price of sin and defeating evil, so reconciling us with God.
Bodily resurrection, because Jesus rose from the dead first, ascended to the Father, and now reigns as the only Saviour of the world.
The justification of sinners solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ.
The work of God the Holy Spirit to lead us to repentance, unite us with Christ, and empower us to live more like Him.
The local & global Church, made up of all believers, empowered by the Spirit to worship, speak the gospel, promote justice & love.
The return of Jesus Christ, who will raise all people to face judgement before God. Bringing either eternal life to those saved by faith in Christ or eternal condemnation, and establish a new heaven and new earth.
Leaders
Leadership is essential for the church to effectively follow the mission of Jesus. The sections below show some of those who are leading in different ways at Christ First.
Eldership team
Elder, Pastor, Overseer, are all terms used to describe those called by God, and recognised by the church to guard, guide and govern the affairs of the church as those who will give account before God.
Andy Smith
Aaron McGovern
Explore Group leaders
Explore Groups are groups smaller gatherings that meet at various times and locations during the week.
Sarah Smith
North Watford
Aaron & Megan McGovern
East & Central Watford
Andy & Jane Smith
South Oxhey
Marion & Bryan Knell
West Watford
Paul & Liz Holop
North of Watford
Team leaders
Below are individuals who lead teams or certain areas of responsibility within Christ First.
Lorraine Duff
Administration
Pete & Jo Kemp
Active
Jennie Haydock
Excel & IJM
Hannah Mann Smith
Worship
Jimmy Darn
Worship
Sammy McGovern
Creche (0-4s)
Sue Abraham
Impact (5-11s)
Forge (11-16s)
Alley Fleming
Daniel Townley
U18s oversight / Events / Media / Admin & Policy
Ben McDonald
Welcome
Membership
We take church membership seriously. Belonging to a local church family where you can be known, cared for, encouraged and equipped is essential to effectively follow Jesus. Below is some information that is mainly for members but might be of interest to you. If you'd like to know more about what it means to be part of the Christ First family you can attend one of our membership lunches or email the church office here.
Giving
We encourage all of our members to give generously of their lives, time and money to the mission of the church. There is an opportunity to give financially on a Sunday morning, alternatively you can set up a direct debit using the details below. If you're happy for us to reclaim gift aid on your giving, please let us know.
Account number - 39917320
Sort Code - 60-00-08
Members Area
We have a members area where those who are part of the church family can access things like the teams they are serving on, details for their Explore Group. If you are a church member and don't have access please contact the church office. Otherwise you can login below.
