City and Church History

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Birmingham is a city whose growth and prosperity arose with the industrial revolution. This was a period of invention and innovation. No surprise that in such changing times the city should adopt the phrase 'forward' as its motto. There is also a great spiritual heritage in the city arising from the work of some great church leaders such as Rev. George Dawson, in the 19th century to, Bishop John Sentamu, the city’s first black bishop. The city has produced innovators in other areas such as industry and the arts, such as, George Cadbury, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Joseph Chamberlain, all inspired by their faith in God.

So, although we are a small suburban church, we are part of a bigger picture, an unfolding story. If you visit us, we hope that you will find inspiration and discover the truth of God's love for you; and find your place in the story of our times.
Our church has been worshipping God, and serving the community in Great Barr, Birmingham, since 1947. However, God is very much with us in the present day.

Our church brings together people from diverse age groups and backgrounds. We are all on a spiritual journey. At Beeches that journey has led us to discover God's real love for us, revealed in the Christian Gospel. We hope that you will join us and discover God's love for yourself.

Background Information

Beeches Evangelical Church (BEC) is an independent evangelical church. Beeches was originally established in 1938 as a Brethren Church by Dr David Clifford. The current church meets in a building opened in 1970, and from which the activities of the church are based. The church is autonomous in relation to its governance and so does not look to outside authority to direct its activities or appoint its Ministers. Primarily the leadership team look to the Scripture for guidance and authority in all matters concerning the church. However, as a church we align ourselves with other like-minded churches and church organizations which share a commitment to evangelical theology, and the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Church Structure

BEC has a leadership team made up of Elders and Deacons. The Elders are the spiritual leaders of the church, called by God to that role. They are responsible for overseeing church activity, for the pastoral care of those associated with the church, teaching, and the proclamation of the Gospel. The church Elders are supported in their role by deacons, appointed to provide practical support to the Elders in the running of the church. The church leaders have accountability to the wider church via the Annual Church Meeting; here major decisions will be discussed and prayed about, and the church accounts are published.

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

We are a welcoming family church who are seeking God’s help in daily living and in answering life’s big questions. The focus of the week at church is our Sunday Service, this is when the church comes together to worship in the form of prayer and song. Our services are not particularly formal, there is no dress code and we do our best to make visitors welcome and explain what is going on. On Sunday we will also receive teaching from the Holy Bible which has brilliant and life-giving wisdom in it. Have a look at our Church Calendar to see when services are happening.

The church usually has a range of activities that take place during the week, from a toddler group to a book club all of which provide opportunities for building friendships and being involved in the life of the church. For more information, please check our Church Groups page.

Leadership


Tim Watson (Minister)		Martin Harrison (Church Elder)
I have been Minister here at Beeches since 2002. I was born and raised a ‘Brummie’ and in fact, attended the local Perry Beeches Schools as a child. I am married to Theresa and have two smashing daughters who have both now flown the nest. I like my sport, particularly 6-a-side football, badminton and enjoy a good movie or book. Most of all I like to see people coming to church and getting blessed by Jesus!		Son, Husband, Father, and Grandad. Born on a farm in Devon, formative years in Kent came to Birmingham to attend University and unable to find his way south again. Found Beeches by "mistake" in 1979 and been here ever since. Doing life with the Lord and his lovely wife Jane. Financial Director of a Telford company and keen Chelsea supporter.


Brian Dexter (Church Elder)		Tim Harris (Church Elder)
Brian has been a church elder since the late 80s. He is married to Ann. They have three adult children and four grandchildren. They have both been members at Beeches Evangelical Church since 1983 when they moved to Great Barr from South Wales for Brian to take up a partnership as a General Practitioner in West Bromwich. Now retired, Brian enjoys looking after the grandchildren, cycling, and walking.		I'm a local lad, born and bred in Great Barr, now living in Sutton Coldfield. I am married to Ruth and have two children. I work as a self-employed electrician which keeps me busy during the week. I am a musician and am part of the Worship team at Beeches. I also support the Villa and enjoy walking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes