Our History 

The vision of Blackburn Diocese, ‘Healthy Churches Transforming Communities’, is bringing renewed energy to this area.

Church Army works in some of the most deprived communities and Centres of Mission are being created to invest in new, effective ways of collaborative working.  In the light of this, the Diocese of Blackburn is partnering with Church Army to work together within the Grange Park Community.  


In 2018, Lead Evangelist Matthew Rowley, along with his wife, Lucy, and their family, launched a new church called 'Hope Community Church' in order to:

• Share Christian faith in the Grange Park Community

• Make new disciples and grow the church

• Work across Blackpool Deanery in Mission and Evangelism

In 2021, Jeni Nottingham and her husband, Pedro, joined the team.  On September 12th, Jeni was licensed by the Bishop of Blackburn and at the same time, made promises and was covenanted to Church Army.