Loving God, loving people

We're a church family in the heart of Tewkesbury, made up of people from all walks of life and many different nations. Some of us have been here for decades and some arrived last month. We love that mix, and we hope you'll feel at home in it.

What we're about. Our vision is to be a church where people encounter God's love, find belonging, grow in faith, and are sent out to serve the world. That works out in three places: family, community and mission. You can read more on our What We Believe page.

Sundays. We meet at 10.30am. Expect a warm welcome, lively worship with a mix of older hymns and newer songs, and a talk that takes the Bible seriously and connects it to everyday life. We come expecting God to meet with us. See Sunday Services.

The rest of the week. Our building is rarely quiet. More than 30 community groups meet here, bringing over 700 people through the doors each week, alongside our own Coffee Morning on Wednesdays and Luke's Lunch on Tuesdays. We work with other local agencies and run our own projects, because we think God's love should be practical. See Community.

Who we are. We're a Baptist church, and we work alongside other local churches through Churches Together in Tewkesbury. Our Church Leader is Paul Bennett, supported by our staff team and elders. Meet the team.

Our history. Tewkesbury Baptist Church is one of the oldest Baptist churches in Britain. Our earliest record is a property deed from 1623, and by 1655 the church already had 120 members. For generations we met in the Old Baptist Chapel off Church Street, which still stands, before moving to a new building on Barton Street in 1805. Our current home on Station Road opened in December 1986, built as a step of faith before the money was in hand, and the 25-year mortgage was paid off within eight years.

New here? Start with New to Church.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website, we hope it has helped you find out a little bit more about us.

Thinking of visiting? We want everyone to feel welcome when they join us, but we understand it can be daunting visiting a church for the first time. Hopefully, the following information can put you at ease.

We don’t have a dress code, so you don’t need to wear anything special, just what you like to wear. We want you to feel comfortable.

You won't be put on the spot. No one will ask you to stand up, introduce yourself or say anything. Join in with as much or as little as you like.

You don't need to bring anything. There's a collection during one of the songs, but we don’t expect visitors to contribute, it is for those who already call this their church home.

Where and When

We meet at the church building on Sunday mornings. The service starts at 10.30am, and it's worth arriving 10-15 minutes early on your first visit so you've got time to park and find a seat without rushing. There are also drinks and pastries available before the service starts.

Someone from our Welcome Team will be at the door to say hello. Ask them anything: where the loos are, where to sit, what happens next. It's what they're there for.

If you'd rather ease in gently, a light breakfast is served from 9.45am, and there's tea, coffee and biscuits afterwards.

Accessibility. There's wheelchair access, an accessible toilet in the main foyer, and a sound loop. Just mention it to the Welcome Team when you arrive and they'll get you set up.

What happens in the service

It runs for about 75 minutes and it's fairly relaxed. Someone welcomes everyone, our band leads a few songs, and there's a short all-age slot before the children head off to their groups. We then have some more singing, a bit of news about what's going on in church life, and a talk from one of our leaders - based around the Bible and relevant to everyday life.

We finish with a final song. If you'd like someone to pray with you afterwards, there'll be people available at the front – but this is entirely up to you. Otherwise, stay for a coffee and a chat. There's no rush to leave.

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What about my children?

Very welcome, and we've got something for every age:

Crèche - 0 to 3 years (little ones under 6 months stay with you)
Children's Church - 4 years and up
Young People - 13 years and up

Children start off in the service with you for the singing and the all-age slot, then someone will announce it's time for the groups and point everyone the right way. In their groups they'll get Bible stories, music, crafts, games, drama, and a snack and a drink.

All our leaders are DBS-checked and safeguarding trained, and you're very welcome to go along with your child if that feels more comfortable - plenty of parents do on their first visit. Just come and collect them from their group once the service ends.

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Beyond Sunday

Life Groups. Sundays are a good place to meet people, but it's usually in smaller groups that you actually get to know them. Our Life Groups meet through the week — some afternoons, some evenings — to chat, pray and look out for each other. Have a look and see if one fits or let us know and we'll introduce you to a leader who'd be glad to invite you along.

Getting stuck in. If you feel that you would like to make this your home church, getting involved in a team is the best way to get to know everyone. We have loads of teams: welcome, coffee, tech, kids' work, youth work, admin and so much more. You might have a load of experience, or would like to learn a new skill, either way, chat to me and I can help you find you a place.

During the week. Everyone's welcome at our Coffee Morning (Wednesday mornings) and Luke's Lunch (Tuesday lunchtimes) - you don't need to come on a Sunday first.

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Paul Bennett

Church Leader

If you would like to find out a little more about the church before visiting us on a Sunday, I can usually be found at the church on a Wednesday from 10am-2pm. I am around other times, but this is an opportunity to drop in unannounced to see me. If you can’t make this time, use the contact page and I can get in touch with you.

Best Wishes