HOW DID CITY CHURCH LEEDS BEGIN?

In 1970 Bryn Jones, a recognised Welsh evangelist, church planter and widely-accepted Christian leader, moved to Bradford. Over the next few years his involvement with three small local churches developed. They were a Brethren Assembly, a charismatic House Church and an independent Pentecostal Church. Each group began to recognise Bryn as having an apostolic ministry towards them and he encouraged many shared events. This was during what is now referred to as ‘the charismatic renewal’. There was a new awareness of the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life and many long-standing Christians were being baptised in the Spirit, speaking in tongues and discovering a new power to outwork their mission. Churches were divided on the issue. Some promoted the gifts and work of the Spirit, others resolutely resisted them. But those with ears to hear what the Spirit was saying to the churches at that time took note, embraced all that God was moving His people into, and stood for a dynamic Spirit-filled life.

Standing for these important truths drew the three groups closer together, until in September 1975 they  merged to form the basis of what is today The Abundant Life Church in Bradford, under the banner of ‘Harvestime’ (later renamed ‘Covenant Ministries International’ and now known as ‘Together’ – see website: www.togetherweb.net for more information). In the early days people were drawn from the surrounding towns and cities, including Leeds. Over time, these groups were planted back out into their own areas of Halifax, Huddersfield, Keighley and Leeds. What is now known as City Church Leeds was formed as a pioneer group of fifty people in the autumn of 1981 under the leadership of Richard (Dick) Syms. In 1985, City Church Wakefield (now called The King’s Church) was planted out under Andrew Owen, and in 1987 Dick Syms relocated to York to form Christians in York, the church now known as Living Word York. There are many churches today standing for the same biblical truths and Spirit-led Christianity throughout this country and across the world who can trace their roots back to the message and mission of a team of apostles and prophets who were in relationship with Bryn Jones. Bryn carried the apostolic oversight of City Church Leeds until his death in 2002, when Gareth Duffty took over this role.

Church leadership – supported by trustees, deacons, group leaders, department heads and administrative staff:

1981 to 2002: Bryn Jones (apostolic covering)
1981 to 1987: Dick Syms with John Casey and Stuart Webb
1987 to 1991: Ian Rossol with John Casey
1991 to 1994: Don & June Silber with John Casey
1994 to 2003: Glyn Daniel with John Casey and Jonathan Edwards
2002 to date: Gareth Duffty (apostolic covering)
2003 to 2006: John Casey, Jonathan Edwards and Ian Deakin
2005 to 2010: John & Kate Casey, Brian & Christa Chiyesu and Mark & Kathi Kelly
2010 to date: Mark & Kathi Kelly, John & Kate Casey and Ben & Hannah Jones