THE journey of a Bournemouth church from a large unoccupied building to a thriving congregation over two sites in a matter of years has been revealed in a new book.

Lead pastor of Love Church Rev Tim Matthews has penned the story of the St Swithuns and St Clements church, which started in the town just four years ago.

Titled simply as Love Church: Join the Adventure of Hope, the book uncovers Tim’s path from a series of failed plantings with wife Debi, to moving to Dorset with his young family and starting the church in the large unused building on Gervis Road.

Rev Matthews said the book told the story of everyone involved with Love Church, not just his role in it, from before his move to the south coast to the present day with an active following of around 600 people.

“The whole point really is there are so many people in the church now who don’t know the story,” he said.

“I think having a shared story is really unifying, motivating and we’re one big family really on a journey together.

“We aim to encourage beyond here, but so many of the 600 people in the church have come to faith over the last couple of years and this is their story, I just took the time to write it down.”

The book details the challenges faced along the journey and explores many of the incredible individual paths members of the church have been on.

It opens with Tim and Debi’s personal story as a family. The pastor admitted he had gone through times where he considered pulling the plug on the project earlier this year, but on reflection is pleased with the finished story.

During the process of writing the book, the couple said it reminded them of parts of the journey they had forgotten and gave them chances to reflect.

“From the middle onwards it is people giving their stories. Differences they have seen in their lives,” Debi said.

“We gave a book to all of the staff, some have been with us from the start and some haven’t. It is an opportunity for them to reflect.”

Tim added: “When I re-read people’s individual stories it still really hits me about some of the journeys they have been on.

“I think the book comes at a time when a lot of people, particularly in the Church of England, are mindful of church planting.

“The book can encourage that movement, but the book uncovers the difficulties these things involve, reflections on that and encouraging others to keep going.

“When I see what is happening with children and young people, who are playing an active role, I find it hugely encouraging.

“I like to think the word “love” defines the church, who we are and what we are trying to offer here. People who come here can experience the love of God through God’s people. We believe love is God’s core characteristic and it’s everyone’s greatest need.”