New chapter for Bristol as King’s Elim takes root

It has been years since Elim last planted an Alliance church in Bristol. Today, in the north-east of the city, a fresh chapter is being written.

King’s Elim church is no longer just an idea or a prayerful dream. With a growing congregation, a newly leased building and a clear heart for community, the church is establishing a vibrant presence in Kingswood, one rooted in prayer, teamwork and a renewed sense of calling.

Pastor Paul James, who has deep roots in Bristol, is at the centre of the story.

“Elim’s roots are in preaching the Gospel and planting churches,” he says.

“We’re simply putting that into practice in our city.”

A call that wouldn’t let go

After eight-and-a-half years leading Harrow International Christian Centre in London, Paul had stepped back from pastoral ministry. But retirement didn’t last long.

“I felt God calling me back to Bristol,” he explains.

“It was a city where I had already invested much of my life, 22 years pastoring Yate Elim, and the pull back felt unmistakable.”

The vision for King’s Elim church began to take shape during a conversation with Chris Cartwright, then Elim’s General Superintendent.

“I asked him, ‘Why does Elim only have three churches in Bristol when there are so many in London, Birmingham and other cities?’” Paul recalls.

“That question came because God was birthing something in my heart.”

What followed was a two-hour conversation marked by shared passion, prayer and a growing conviction that God was opening a door. Together they sensed that Kingswood, in the north east of the city, was where that door led.

Building before planting

From the outset, Paul knew this would not be a solo venture. A committed leadership team gathered around the vision, including Paul Thacker, Alistair Sandford and Paul’s son Ben James. The church has also been supported and blessed by the ministry of pastor Robert Millar.

“God brought this team together as pioneer workers,” Paul says, “and for more than a year, we simply prayed and sought Him.” Those prayer times became the true birthplace of King’s Elim.

“Others were drawn in too,” Paul adds.

“We shared our hearts, listened to God together and were inspired as one. It created real unity.

“We genuinely felt God wanted us right there, to plant a vibrant Pentecostal church in the heart of the community.”

From prayer to presence

In 2023, after years of preparation, the team took their first public step, meeting in a local school.

“We wanted to create an environment where God could come among us and speak,” Paul explains, “so we began with prayer, praise, and worship on Sunday afternoons.”

Those early gatherings did more than launch a service, they forged a people.

“God knitted us together. The enthusiasm and shared vision that grew out of those prayer times are what brought us to where we are today.”

After two years, the congregation sensed it was time for a permanent base. They leased a building at Vincent Court on Soundwell Road and today the space is alive with activity and expectation.

A building filled with life

The ground floor has been transformed into a welcoming hub, complete with a bright entrance area where people gather for coffee before the service.

“You can sense the presence of God even before the meeting starts, just in the conversations and connections people are making,” says Paul.

A dedicated worship area now hosts Sunday services that he describes as “charged” with God’s presence.

“The sense of the Holy Spirit in the building is deep,” he says. “God is growing the church and it’s wonderful to see.”

Recent months have included the church’s first baptismal service for new believers and the launch of mid-week prayer meetings.

“Sometimes it’s hard to close the meetings,” Paul laughs.

“It feels like God is doing something really special and I feel privileged to be part of it.”

Faith with its doors open

The vision for King’s Elim church stretches well beyond Sunday services. As refurbishment continues, the building is being prepared for weekday use, designed to serve the community as well as the congregation.

“We want to open warm spaces during the day, especially for older people who might not want to come out in the evenings,” says Paul.

Alpha groups will run in the evening and the church plans to keep its doors open as much as possible.

“Our heart is simple, an open door for all, where people can come in and encounter Christ.”

Reaching people who don’t yet know Jesus remains the church’s central aim, with plans for outreach and engagement with local people.

Hope for the city

For Paul, establishing a growing Christian presence in north east Bristol is about more than numbers, it’s about hope.

“When there’s so much unrest and uncertainty,” he says, “the stability of having Christ in your life is exactly what this generation needs.”

Looking ahead, he is confident.

“I believe God will use our complex and fill it with people who are searching and seeking Him in this season.

“If anybody in the area is searching for a church to belong to, they would be warmly welcomed to join us at King’s Elim.

“Churches need planting. People need to be saved and discipled and God is still calling His people to step out in faith.”

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.