Securing space for mission in Brighton with a loan

Emmanuel Church is a thriving multi-site church serving communities across Brighton, Hove and Shoreham. Over more than 45 years, the church has grown into a network of four congregations with 5 services and close to 1000 people gathering each week. 

The church is the founder of the Newday Christian festival, aimed at young people in the UK and is the origin of the Newfrontiers network which now numbers nearly 5000 churches around the world.

Emmanuel Church in Brighton has a strong passion for the Bible with a vision that extends well beyond Sunday services, including social action and church planting initiatives. Emmanuel supports people of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular heart for those facing hardship; through foodbanks, debt support and wellbeing programs, the church meets practical needs while sharing the hope of the Gospel.

An important part of this work is its buildings. From the Clarendon Centre in the city centre, which also operates as a conference venue, to other sites across the conurbation, these spaces serve both the church and the wider community. They host worship, outreach, support services and events, and are regularly used by other groups and organisations.

Strengthening mission through sustainable spaces

As Emmanuel continued to grow, the need to invest in its buildings became increasingly urgent. Maintaining existing sites while securing new locations required significant capital, but these spaces were essential to sustaining and expanding ministry across the city.

Stewardship provided a £250,000 loan to support this next stage. This funding enabled the church to secure an additional location for its multi-site ministry, while also investing in the upkeep of its existing buildings.

Matt Davis, an Elder at Emmanuel, described the impact of the loan: “Working with Stewardship feels like a Gospel partnership. Borrowing resources empowered and equipped us for mission in a timely way.” The timely support meant the church could act when opportunities arose, rather than delaying important decisions. It also ensured that their buildings remained safe, welcoming and fit for purpose for church activities and the many community groups who rely on them.

A lasting impact for church and community

With stable, well-maintained buildings across multiple sites, the church can continue to serve Brighton and the wider city with confidence and consistency.
These buildings act as hubs of hope. They provide places where people can gather, find support and build community. From food distribution and debt advice to youth work and employment support, the impact extends far beyond the church congregation.

By enabling Emmanuel to secure a new site and sustain its existing properties, Stewardship has helped ensure that this work can continue to grow. As Matt reflects, the investment has allowed their buildings to be “sustained for community impact across our city.”

The loan is about people, communities and the ongoing mission of a church equipped to serve them well, now and into the future.

Mission-shaped loans

Stewardship provides loans for churches and Christian charities, with arrangements shaped around the unique rhythms of ministry and seasonal giving that traditional lenders do not always accommodate. Underpinned by the account balances of our generous donors, our experienced team will walk with you every step of the way, helping turn your vision into missional reality.

Find out more about our loans