About Us

Since 2002, the Birmingham Methodist District has owned the work of the Methodist Church in Birmingham city centre. As a District project, the ‘Methodist Central Mission, Birmingham’ has sought the Kingdom of God in its midst on the streets, in the workplaces, and with the people of our city. Together with our partners in the wider Christian family and other sisters and brothers who seek love, justice and peace for all, we envision a city where all of God’s children are welcome to nurture ‘koinonia’, a fellowship community across Birmingham.

The Central Mission is developing Christian chaplaincies in Birmingham city centre. The Law Courts chaplaincy offers support to those people who work in legal institutions, including Victoria Magistrates Court, Queen Elizabeth II Crown Court, the Civil Courts Centre, and Coroners’ Court. With ‘Believing in Birmingham’, the Central Christian Partnership, we are pursuing new opportunities for chaplaincy. The appointment of a chaplaincy development officer will enable us to consider many areas for ministry, such as the retail, financial, leisure sectors, as well as work on the streets. The Central Mission supports chaplaincies at Aston University and in the NEC Group (International Convention Centre, National Indoor Arena and Symphony Hall).

As a Christian initiative at the heart of a major city, we have to reflect upon the wider issues of the city and the global impact upon urban life. On the final Sunday evening of each month, the Central Mission holds ‘radical’ public events, both acts of worship and film nights, which explore city issues. A series of consultations and conferences have been held during which we reflected on our response as the Christian Church to contemporary society. Our Urban Theologian in Residence, Rev Florence Gundala, working from September 2005 to April 2006, addressed Birmingham as a ‘World City’ in the context of globalization.

There are reports and publications expressing the dreams and concerns of people who have connected with the Central Mission over the years. These reports can be found on this website.

In 1980 the Central Hall became aware of a need in the neighbouring court buildings. A safe space was required for the children of people attending court, so the Law Courts Family Centre was founded. Decades later, the Family Centre continues to provide a child-care service within a caring environment, resourced by paid staff and volunteers and fully inspected by OFSTED.

During the 1990s, a partnership was forged between the Methodists in the city centre and St Basil’s, a local charitable body working with vulnerable young people. A Resettlement Centre and ‘Link’ Project managed by St Basil’s are housed within our premises. Around the same period of time, a congregation that became known as the ‘Birmingham Chinese Methodist Church’ found a home on our church centre. They continue to develop their ministry by serving the Chinese community across the West Midlands. In addition to regular groups and partner organisations, a wide range of associations and charities are using our facilities increasingly.