30 Years of God's Faithfulness
From 20 members in 1994 to a global family across the UK, Ghana, and Togo. This is the story of God's faithfulness and the vision He gave to Bishop Francis Sarpong to take over the East End and beyond.
1993
The Beginning
Our journey began at Christian Baptist Church (now Trinity Baptist Church) when Reverend Kingsley Appiagyei gave his then Assistant Pastor, Reverend Francis Sarpong a charge to lead a 20 member group to take over the East End.
1994
CCBC Was Born
A month later – Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church was born in Newham, East London. To choose a name we fasted and prayed to God for guidance. We held Sunday services at the Atherton Leisure Centre in Forest Gate and midweek services at the Mayflower centre in Canning Town.
1995
Poland House
We outgrew Atherton Leisure Centre and signed a lease for Poland House in Stratford which sat 100+ people.
1996
Barking Road
The Baptist Union gave us a loan to buy a property in Barking Road. We continued to experience exponential growth and had multiple services. The rapid growth of various nationalities led to establishing services in French, Lingala, Swahili and Twi. We had cell groups across East and Southeast London which then also grew into local church branches.
2007
Prayer Temple
Reverend Francis took a bold lead of faith in bidding for the John Wesley Centre, a Grade 2 listed 18th century building in Poplar on East India Road. By the miraculous provision and grace of God, we purchased the building. It was opened by Pastor Yemisi Ashimolowo in December and is affectionately referred to as Prayer Temple.
Today
Global Expansion
We have 14 branches across the UK, with plans to establish 30 new branches by the end of 2024. We also have 29 branches in Ghana and continue to plant new branches. We celebrate 30 years of God's goodness.
Bishop Francis Sarpong
Ordained as Bishop in 2022, Bishop Francis has been in ministry for 40 years. He has trained over 100 Pastors and planted over 30 churches. He holds theological qualifications and has written 15 books including 'Evangelising the Community' and 'Teach us to Pray'.
International Impact
Bishop Francis has personally helped numerous people secure education and jobs. He sponsors the St. Francis Foundation and has led charges on sponsoring the needy and orphans in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
Church Planting
From 20 members to 15 branches across the UK, Ghana, and Togo, CCBC continues its mission to plant churches and disciple nations. Members from 30+ countries worship together in diverse cultural expressions.