Believing in Birmingham > About

History

In the early nineteen eighties, members of many of the City Centre churches met at Scargill to discuss the impact the churches might have together on areas of social concern and need in the centre of Birmingham. From these preliminary discussions grew the Birmingham City Centre Churches’ Council (BC4), the Drop in Centre and a Traidcraft Stall at Carrs Lane Church Centre.

In 1991 the member churches chose to enter into covenant with one another, and this covenant was sponsored and facilitated by Birmingham Council of Christian Churches (now Birmingham Churches Together). In 1996 the Covenant was renewed after long deliberation.

In 2001, when the question of renewal was raised again, it was decided to seek to reshape BC4 to respond to the changing life and character of the City Centre; to recognise in particular the day-by-day presence and work of the Ministers, to build upon the considerable contribution of lay people to the work of BC4 over the years and to draw on experience of other Christians who are not involved with our churches, but exercise a Christian ministry in the City Centre. A new constitution was adopted in November 2002. This was subsequently found to be over-ambitious requiring the city centre churches to support a complex structure of meetings.

Current Developments

During 2008, it was agreed to work towards a simpler, clearer and more flexible constitution. The proposed constitution will be presented to the 2009 AGM on May 19.

To explore the draft constitution, contact the secretary for a copy and join us for the AGM.