Family Church Southsea

What are you remembering, that you should really forget?And what have you forgotten that you really should be remembering?Jesus used Passover as an opportunity to encourage us to remember what he did for us. David meanwhile committed himself to remembering what the Lord had done for him. And the prophet Isaiah tells us to forget former things.And then there's forgiveness. Forgiveness is not so much about forgetting as it is about letting go; letting the captive free, with that captive actually often times being us!Jesus asked his Father in heaven to forgive those who were killing him, for they do not know what they are doing! Wow - what forgiveness. And of course, he has forgiven our sins. Over and over again. So just as he forgives us, we too must continue to forgive those who sin against us. And don't forget to forgive yourself, too. Listen and enjoy this wonderful and timely message from Assistant Pastor Richard.

Jesus is full of grace and truth. He is both. Fully. In equal measure. Both are essential and life giving, but one without the other is worthless - deadly, even. The woman in adultery was able to walk in freedom because of Jesus' grace given to her despite her sin. Jesus' truth turned the temple's tables so that the blind and lame could enter and be healed. Jesus spoke about the two sons where the first said 'no' to his father's request at first but later changed his mind and went where he was asked to go - that's grace leading to repentance. Prophet Micaiah told the two Kings of Israel and Judah the truth and it came to be; leading to death for one and salvation - by grace - for the other. Grace creates believers but in the end, it is living in truth that makes disciples and allows us to walk in freedom. Let's choose both grace and truth.

Surrender, submission, sharing. This is what the new life of a believer should consist of. To surrender is to recognise that our new life is going to cost us our old one - just as the prodigal son was required to take off his old rags to put on the best robe given by his father. We need to know what it is we're still trying to cling on to. To submit is to recognise that we can't keep doing what we've always done and expect a different result. While the robe is given to us in an instant; transformation is a process. Let God the gardener do the work He does best. To share is to celebrate what God has done in your life. Just as the prodigal son was celebrated publicly, get ready - our new life with Jesus is there to be put on a stand by sharing our stories and giving that same grace we now know we have received. Surrender, submit, share - where are you at with these at this time? Enjoy this message from Family Church Philippines' very own Joyce Dadero as she reaches the half-way point of her time here with us in the UK.

Returning to his father's house, the prodigal son saw himself as a servant, but the Father wasted no time in clothing him in the finest robe. Today - regardless of our past or how we see ourselves right now - when we come to Father God we immediately receive His white robes of righteousness. By His grace alone, the old has gone and the new is here and filled with direction, purpose, infrastructure and peace, as we get to stand firmly on and cling to the rock of Jesus. But salvation is not a one off event. God loves the new and he is always at work in those who come to Him. We are born again and again and again and again. Wearing white robes we can learn to walk on water, standing firm regardless of what's coming at us externally, or what we need to dispose of internally. As vessels, Jesus invites us to carry his light burden and be guided by his easy yoke as we continue to mature in Him, and in our white robes.

Assistant Pastors Richard and Philippa arrived back home on Saturday night to then share with us on Sunday morning all about their three weeks joining missions in Africa. From Tanzania to Angola, the presence and power of God was experienced in their travels and reminded them just how much the Father loves and cares for us. It is from this position of living in God's grace, we must share the same heart for people that we must also go out into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus in these times; whether across the world or on our doorstep in Southsea.

Like the Father who ran to the prodigal son, our Father in heaven first heals our Spirit when we give our life to him. But he doesn't stop there. Mesi took us through how God heals and restores us spiritually, then in our minds and emotions as we put on the clothes of righteousness, and also physically as the Lord nourishes our bodies. Imagine going from desiring pig food to sitting at a feast! We come from a fallen lineage as humans. We live in a fallen world. We have an enemy who is trying to resist our reconciliation with God. It is not a surprise that we all experience brokenness. And therefore, it is also essential that we understand that we all need healing and restoration. Take the time to enjoy this second message in our first Values series on People. At Family Church, we value people. That includes believing that God heals and restores all who come to him.

What is Compassion, really? Do I Feel what God feels towards people? Are we showing others the same Compassion God has shown us?The new Family Church values have officially landed in Southsea. Core Leader Laura picked up the first value of 'People' and took us through what it really means to have compassion. It says that the Father was moved with compassion when he watched his lost son approaching. This is how God is towards us. He goes after the 1 even when the 99 are safe. He doesn't let a single lost coin stay missing. Jesus transcends the world's rigid boundaries and expectations to meet us wherever we are. Are we prepared to do the same for others in this lost world?

We are a Church Without Walls at the water's edge. Pastor Andy introduced the vision and plans to prepare for our church family to prayerfully consider getting behind, in serving, financial offering, and bringing 'God ideas' to the table. We are in turbulent times where safe lives are not guaranteed and complacency is being shattered. So as we 'carry the ark' of God's presence and prayerfully stand at the water's edge, as a church who are both intimate and innovative, we ask God to use us to reach our local Southsea area and beyond.

Today is Vision Sunday 2026 for the whole of Family Church. Ps Steu speaks about the Mission and Vision of the church and introduces the six Family Church Values which will be expounded during the following weeks...We Value PeopleWe Value New lifeWe Value Relationship with GodWe Value Church FamilyWe Value GatheringWe Value CommissioningEach of these is represented by a part of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15) - a central Christian teaching on God's unconditional love and forgiveness. All Family Church congregations heard this message and everyone received a booklet entitled Reach, Grow, Empower, explaining these values. Please refer to www.family.church for further details.

If we truly want to live in the Holy Spirit and operate under the anointing of God and see signs, wonders and miracles taking place, then we need to see what He is doing.

Between your birth and salvation and the end of your life here on earth, what story has God written for your life?What is God's purpose for you in this time? And how does this interlink with that of our Southsea congregation? Indeed, God has you here for such a time as this. What is your response? What more could you be experiencing and growing in with us, and blessing and building the church with at the same time? It was wonderful to hear Ps Steve's own testimony, from praying for his mum's healing from cancer to an unknown God in his candle-lit bright orange bedroom and REM CD, to his Gideon struggle of accepting God's calling for his life, to what the Lord has done with Steve's eventual 'yes', as he now helps lead the church.Steve described how he later walked into a church service that many people would have faithfully served to make happen, and ended up rededicating his life to Jesus. And then following up a few years later with him doing the same on a Friday night in Family Church, which resulted in a very broken Sean Finch - now Portsmouth's Pastor Sean - stepping in for the very first time. So encouraging.Whether you're serving coffee, putting out the banners, welcoming people, showing the slides or playing in the band, or anything else on a Sunday morning or in the week, imagine what God is about to do with your 'yes' with his plans for you, to transform lives in Southsea and beyond.

Do you find yourself standing in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing? Can you stand up and stand out despite the cost? Whose shoulders are you really standing on? Can you stand humble, letting God do the work?We dive into the dramatic book of Esther as a way to understand what the Bible calls 'people pleasing'. We are by design social beings. But are we prioritising other people to the extent that all we are doing is covering up pot holes in our own lives and causing more damage in the long run? Or are we allowing Jesus to cause true transformation in our lives, exposing our broken surfaces to reveal the foundations and give us a whole new fresh surface?

Today was a momentous occasion in Family Church....Ps Andy & Gina Elmes passed the Family Church Baton of Leadership to Ps Steu & Carla Payne. The following words were written by Ps Andy & Gina...There are moments in life when you realise you are standing on holy ground - not because something is ending, but because something has been faithfully completed.After 28 years of founding, leading, pastoring, and building this church and ministry, the time has come for us to step aside and step forward. To release what has been entrusted to us, and to trust God for what He has entrusted to others.Ecclesiastes reminds us, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Seasons change, not because something has failed, but because God is faithful to finish what He starts - and bold enough to begin something new. When we first said 'yes' to God all those years ago, we had little more than obedience, faith, and a burning conviction that Jesus deserved a church alive with His presence and His power. We dreamed of a people who would love God deeply, love one another fiercely, and reach the lost relentlessly. What God has done since then has exceeded anything we could have planned or imagined.We have seen lives transformed, families restored, leaders raised, nations touched, and Jesus glorified. This house has been built on prayer, faith, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. It has been the honour of our lives to carry that responsibility. And while this chapter closes, let me say this clearly: our voice is not stopping - it is simply shifting. The message God has placed in us, the convictions we carry, and the call to equip, awaken, and send will continue. It will simply be expressed in new spaces, new contexts, and new assignments. For those who still want that voice in their lives, it will be there - faithful to the same Jesus, shaped by the same fire.This church was never built to rest on one person - it was built to run on mission and vision. Paul wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God gave the increase.” I may have planted, others have watered, but it has always been God who makes things grow. And He is not finished - not even close.To those now stepping into leadership: you carry this house with heaven’s backing. God trusts you. We trust you. Lead with courage. Guard the culture. Keep Jesus at the centre. Stay hungry for His presence and bold in your faith. The best chapters are not behind you - they are ahead. To every member, volunteer, giver, intercessor, and faithful servant: thank you. Thank you for believing, for standing, for serving, for loving, and for never giving up. You are the living stones of this house, and the future is strong because you are strong.As for us, we now step into the next adventure with the same heart that started this one - faith-filled, surrendered, and expectant. Abraham went out not knowing where he was going, but knowing who was leading him. That is enough.This is not goodbye as in separation - it is goodbye as in sending. And sending is always filled with hope.“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God has been faithful. He is faithful. And He will be faithful still.Thank you for the journey. Thank you for the trust. Thank you for the love.The story continues...Andy & Gina

Why is 'First Born' so significant in the Bible? This was the question that stuck with Andy after sharing on 'Hagar Not Hate' a few weeks ago. We are the Church of the First Born. The First Born - Jesus - was there at the beginning and was the first to be resurrected into new life here on earth. As with Jacob and his father Isaac, we have received the birthright and the blessing. And just as with Jacob, we did't deserve it. So what do we do with this? We began to uncover how this redemption that we have been talking about in this 'First Things First' series is all about reconciliation, with one another and with God and us. We start by asking, 'what mountain are you looking at today?'

It started in the Rose Garden and involved a donkey. What sounds like a romantic story was, in reality, not. Or at least, it didn't feel like it at the time. And yet, looking back as Pastor Andy & Xel share their own testimony of how the Lord brought them together, it is clear to see how God authored their steps. Following from last week's 'First Love'; this is a story of a redeeming Jesus continuing to work across and through generations of a single family.Take a listen, as we continue on our 'First Things First' theme, to an open and honest story of how our perfect God can work through our imperfections, and work all things together for our good when we give him - eventually - the First Fruit of our lives.

We are all imperfect people. But when we make that decision to have God as our first love, it all changes. The above quote was the advice given by Arnel to the congregation, as Philippa rounded up a difficult but important conversation with him and Natalie from the sofa this Sunday. We continued in our 'First Things First' series by talking about our 'First Love'. Our Assistant Pastor Philippa sensitively led our congregation through a story of a challenging history which became a beautiful picture of God's redemption in a marriage that turned to Him. What started as a childhood friendship and teenage romance, became a very broken early marriage and parent life, before leaving to work in the Middle East and then the UK, with three children left behind in the Philippines. Have a listen and get ready to be in awe and encouraged about what God's redemptive power did next, and how making Jesus your First Love can impact marriages and lives across generations.

This Sunday markes the first anniversary of the Family Church Southsea congregation. Also, its the start of a new series of messages titled First Things First. Ps Andy Bullock invites memeberts of the congregation to share testimonies as words of encouragement for everyone. He follows this with his own testimony and message.

Hagar not Hate; this was the message that concluded FC Southsea's 4 week 'Incubator' series. The culture of our congregation - as intimate and innovative - as living as a 'church without walls', has now been set. The final invaluable message encourages the church to 'Let's Talk About It'. We explored together what the Bible points at with regards to the religion of Islam in relation to us as Christians, and ultimately, what it means to live a life of freedom and promise through the saving grace of Jesus Christ - and how we must approach our neighbours as a result. We have been called to live a life fully in the church, yet functioning well in the world - to know how to get comfortable with the uncomfortable - through grace and truth. 

The Incubator series continues to work on conditioning our culture as the Southsea congregation as both intimate and innovative. Family Church seeks to reach, grow and empower people into all that God has called them to be. Pastor Steu's 'Ministry not Marketplace' message embodies this in sharing that serving Jesus is not only for Sunday morning or the church leaders. This is especially true in our workplace and businesses, and all spheres of our lives. When we treat people correctly, apply faith, practise good stewardship and have a heart for reconciliation - all while remaining planted in the church - we can be certain that our worlds 'out there' will flourish for God's glory.  

It can be easy to invite friends and family to your home. But what about a neighbour or a colleague? How about a stranger from a different land? Or even someone you really haven't been getting along with? The second week of our 'Incubator' series saw Philippa present this convicting message filled with personal accounts and testimonies of a life laid down for Jesus. Even our very homes - whether big or small - are not ours but the Lords. Remembering how God through Jesus has opened himself to us, we too must open ourselves to others - our hearts and also our homes. 

This week saw the first message of the new Southsea series 'The Incubator'. Nathan encouraged us in looking at three ways in which to have an open heart to God and one other; allowing in intimacy, vulnerability, and a soft heart. Each step proved to show how we can really follow the heart of Jesus and connect with God on a deeper level. 

Richard speaks about how life is a garden, with a focus on finance. Tithing prepares the ground and offerings are the seed planted for the future. Money is a good servant but an awful master!

Join our engaging conversation where we delve into Sam's recent mission trip to Nepal. The Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 provided the basis for a Q&A on the 'why' behind the 'Go' into this nation, the youth disciple-making agenda, the holy spirit baptism moments, practical sound tech teaching workshops and times where God's 'I am with you' was experienced by Sam amongst a people set on fire for Jesus. 

This week, Laura carries on speaking on the topic of 'Life is a Garden'. Her focus specifically is on Words, Health and Relationships. She speaks about God having principles....faith, love, mercy, sowing and reaping are examples. Her key scripture is Galations 6:7 (NIV) " Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows". Laura speaks how scriptures usually are instruction, prophetic word or principle - ie it works whether we believe it or not!The message continues to focus on the principle of sowing and reaping, with audience participation for those who were there!

As the Southsea congregation took the opportunity to support the Great South Run outside the walls of our Sunday morning gathering, we also enjoyed taking in a morning with our Portsmouth congregation.Following the new series looking at 'Life is a Garden', this week Ps Sean looked specifically at what we can sow with a focus on our finances. Amongst many scripture references, Sean looks at Luke 6:38 (NIV) "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The law of sowing and reaping is as relevant today as it was thousands of years back when the scripture was written. He follows this with Matthew 6:19..."“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Ps Sean points out that there are two fields we can sow into - the immediate field in front of us and the eternal field beyond our temporal lifespan. Which is worth more to sow into? The Bible tells us to set our minds on Heavenly things, not earthy things. Gaining the whole world but losing our soul is not wise..Ps Sean goes on to speak about the love of money and our love for the Lord. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) says "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Money helps us achieve many things, the key here is our heart attitude. Are we doing something because of our love of a monetary reward (perhaps), or our love for our Lord?He ended with three key points on sowing with financesGet to give - not give to getLove is our motive - generosity, kindness, & love from the overflow of a grateful heartJoyful Obedience - have a merry spirit when givingThis is a challenging message!

Ps Steu starts a new series entitled 'Life is a Garden'. The first message is subtitled 'From Wilderness to Promised Land'. The children of Israel left Egypt in order to take hold of the new life that God had prepared for them. Whilst they lived in the wilderness they experienced many miracles and God’s supernatural provision. However, when they stepped into the new life that God had prepared for them, they began living according to new principles, including the principle of ‘sowing and reaping’. It’s important that we, as Christians, understand and live according to the principle of sowing and reaping.

Prayer is not platitudes. It is personal and it is powerful. As well as power, prayer brings unity and peace. The Southsea congregation used the Lord’s Prayer - Jesus’ instruction on how to pray - as a foundation to talk about ways in which prayer works in our everyday lives. Prayer is a journey and we invite you to join us for this one, ending with a powerful moment of unity and peace as we took time to pray in small groups. 

As part of a massive announcement for Family Church, we talked as a congregation about what it is to be a church that is moving and alive. Being devoted to the journey and times of transition means our leaders being devoted to growing leaders. We cannot afford to stand still when there is a hungry world out there looking for truth. And so as facilitators, following in the footsteps of those giants whose shoulders we now stand on, including Pastors Andy and Gina, we are to begin to see ourselves as Ambassadors. First for Christ and also for Family Church. This will grow us as a 'church without walls', a church on the move, a church devoted to the journey.

We are called to devote ourselves to the Word, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. What better way to begin to experience this in our everyday lives than in a Connect Group? This Sunday was filled with snippets and teasers of the different facets of life in a connect group, drawing on Acts 2:42 as well as the power of going from 'house to house' and having everything in common. What a morning of rich conversations and a beautiful picture of God's family in action, together.

Ps Andy provides an introduction to the next series of messages entitled "A Growing Church". He also speaks about how this fits within our overal theme of Magnify and Multiply....

Surrender sounds like weakness, but in God’s kingdom, surrender is strength.A life laid down is not giving up your life in defeat, it’s placing your life in the hands of the One who gave it.

Following the Youth Summer Camp this year, two youth members speak today......Owen Jones - 'The Attitude at the Altar' - You will be inspired and challenged to come to Jesus with an obedient attitude, laying everything at His feet, and seeking intimacy with Him. This is what leads to a changed life!Charis Hargreaves - 'God is Moving in this Generation' - We are living in exciting times where God is moving in the younger generation, changing hearts and preparing them to live for His Kingdom. Whether younger or older, you will be inspired to find your part in what God is doing.

Andy concludes the three week ‘This Is Us’ series with a look into our multi-talented church. Drawing particularly on the book of Joshua and the Israelites journey into the promised land, Andy shares how gifts are simply a way for us to communicate with God and to communicate God to others. We are all gifted, so we need to understand how to grow and guard these gifts. Some of our most intimate moments with Christ - where we really see our gifts emerge - come when we are living outside of our comfort zone. Our Shepherd is preparing us to handle the gifts he gives as we learn to truly and fully depend on the Father. As a church we possess the full range of spiritual gifts that are found in Jesus, but it is in growing together and celebrating each others’ gifts that we will see the fullness of this emerge - including the hugely important gift of administration. When God entrusts us with His gifts, we have a responsibility to use them well, as a witness that points back to him and that draws us closer to one other, and others to Him - even if those gifts are sometimes out of the ordinary! As a community that is both intimate and innovate, it is time for Family Church Southsea to go on a character building journey together, ready to mature right in front of our very eyes, and seeing the salvation of Christ in ourselves and the lives of others who will come to call the church home. 

Nathan opens the ‘This Is Us’ series at Southsea by talking about how Jesus is for all ages and generations, and how God’s church is most beautiful when it is a multi-generational family carrying the message of Jesus!

Today, Ps Steu shares a short message to wrap up the series about Miracles. Ps Steu speaks on the story of Blind Bartimaeus, explaining that Jesus SEES us, He is moved with COMPASSION for us, and that He responds to our FAITH. This was a shorter message as during the service people were then given the opportunity to come forward and receive prayer for miracles.

When Jesus healed the paralysed man carried through the roof by four friends. It was their faith that healed him. Jesus doesn't just bring physical healing - he forgives sin,and brings eternal healing for our soul!In this one act he multiplies strength and determination,faith and an increase in a future that was limited. 

This Sunday in Southsea was MY CHURCH SUNDAY and we had Ps Ron & Joanna Domingo speaking. They shared their personal stories of how they came to know Jesus and the hope He brings.

When Elijah asked the widow to provide him with a meal from the very last of the food she had, he actually saved her from starvation. As she sowed from a place of lack, she stepped into God’s supernatural provision. Be inspired by this message that reminds us that God sees us in times of need and is moved with compassion for us; and our obedience to Him positions us for His supernatural provision.

This message by Olu highlighted that Peter had been toiling without result, how God moved in power as a result of his obedience and Peter’s revelation of the power. Peter left everything to follow Jesus, but then after Jesus’ crucifixion he had a second chance, a second call.

This Sunday's message focused on the widow’s miracle in 2 Kings 4:1-7, highlighting how trust, faith, and obedience open the way for God to do the impossible. It reminded us that in our times of need, trusting God can lead to His miraculous provision, just as He provided an abundance of oil for the widow when she trusted Him in her desperation.

When Jesus instructed the disciples to feed the 5000, they didn’t have money to buy food, and the 5 loaves and 2 fish they took from a young boy was nowhere near enough! Yet when they gave their “little” to Jesus a miracle of multiplication happened. You will be encouraged to have faith for multiplication as you listen to this message.

Richard speaks this week about representing Jesus well, being an ambassador for Jesus and living a life that shines.The life we live that others see needs to be salt & light to the world.

Grounded by ‘storytelling’ involving our very own church, this message encourages us to see our local ‘everyday’ world not as accidental and randomly placed, but as providential and sovereignly planted. From ‘coming out’ as Christian, to seeing lives being fully set free, the Holy Spirit enables us to authentically play our parts in reaching our ‘Jerusalem’ for Jesus.

Hannah speaks on the importance of building true, honest, meaningful relationships within our families and practical ways to share Jesus with them. 

Ps Steu starts this new series by sharing that it’s God’s desire for every person to be saved and that none should perish. Everyone who receives Jesus becomes a child of God and part of His ever-increasing family. Get ready to be challenged to be used by God to reach the ‘ones’ in your world!

In this sermon Sam discusses the way the cross has become a symbol for Christianity not because the cross itself is special but because of who was crucified on it. Jesus holds the power we need to see freedom in our lives. Coming to the cross and remembering what Jesus did has the power to heal, transform and restore. In this sermon we remember the power of the Cross, the Freedom and the reason we share the gospel.

Steu shares about the significance of the resurrection and how we have a new beginning when we accept Jesus. Carla then shares her own story about the new beginning she received when she began walking with God. 

Jesus walked in the authority of the Father and had such power that he simply spoke a word and people were saved, healed and delivered. He has delegated this authority to us, as His disciples. We are ambassadors of King Jesus and of His kingdom and we can walk in His authority.

Richard begins a two part message on The Authority of God's Word. He asks, "what can we learn from Jesus’ temptation"?He had the authority,He knew the truth,He knew who he was,He knew who the devil was and how he workedHe spoke the truth with authority.We can do the same!!! Listen to this challenging message!

The Word of God is like seed and our hearts are like soil. It’s important for our hearts to be open to receive the seed of God’s Word so we become the strong, flourishing and fruitful ‘trees’ that God wants us to be. In this message, Ps Steu speaks about the importance of having open and unclogged hearts as well as ‘uncluttered’ lives.