Visitor FAQs
Questions,
answered honestly
The things people ask before a first Sunday — what happens, what to wear, where the kids go, where to park. If your question isn't here, just ask: a real person replies, and no question is too small.
Planning your first visit
What time does church start?
Every Sunday at 11am, at Roding Valley High School in Loughton. Arrive a few minutes early and someone at the door will help you find a seat.
Where exactly do you meet?
Roding Valley High School, Alderton Hill, Loughton, IG10 3JA — free parking on site, and Loughton tube is a short walk away. Our Central East London group meets Sundays at 2pm at Phoenix Garden Hall in Covent Garden, and family groups in Essex meet at Laindon Community Centre on selected Sundays.
How long is the service?
About 90 minutes — singing, a talk from the Bible, prayer, and coffee afterwards for anyone who wants to stay.
What should I wear?
Whatever you like. Jeans, trainers, a suit if you fancy it — nobody is checking.
Do I need to believe anything or know anyone to come?
No. You don't need to believe anything, know anyone, or have it all together — you'll be welcomed as you are. Plenty of people sit at the back and just watch on their first visit.
Will I be singled out or put on the spot?
No — no pressure, no spotlight. If you'd like it, say you're new at the door and someone will walk in with you and find you a seat. If you'd rather slip in quietly, that's fine too.
What happens on the last Sunday of the month?
We don't meet at the school that day — we meet in homes for house church, within our family groups. Ask us and we'll tell you exactly where to go.
Can I watch a service online before coming?
Yes — services are streamed on YouTube, so you can see what happens before you come in person.
Kids & families
Are children welcome?
Very. Children stay with you at the start of the service, then head out for their own time with our youth and family team.
What happens for kids on a Sunday?
There's a crèche and kids' groups every Sunday at the school, with age-appropriate teaching, games and prayer.
Is there anything for teenagers?
Yes — there's a youth space for teenagers, led by Felician and Ellena Emmanuel, our youth and family team.
Are the volunteers checked?
Every volunteer working with children or young people is safeguarding-checked, and our youth and family work is led by named leaders.
Getting here & parking
Is there parking?
Yes — free parking on site at the school. If the spaces near the door are full, there's more room further up the hill. Loughton station also has its own car park, a few minutes' walk away.
How do I get there by public transport?
Loughton station is on the Central line (Zone 6), and the school is a few minutes' walk from the platform. Buses 20, 167, 397 and W14 all stop at the station.
I still can't find you — can you help?
Of course. Our map and directions page has the map, parking and travel in one place, and you can always ask us and we'll talk you through it.
Sundays & during the week
What actually happens in a service?
Singing, a talk from the Bible, and prayer — then coffee afterwards for anyone who wants to stay. You can join in as much or as little as you like.
Do you meet during the week?
Yes — midweek family groups meet in homes across East London and Essex. It's where church really becomes family, and the fastest way to feel at home.
I have a question you haven't answered.
Ask us anything — no question too small. A real person replies, usually within a day or two.
Still have a question?
Ask us anything
Whether it's about a first Sunday, your kids, faith, or anything else — a real person replies, usually within a day or two. No pressure, no follow-up emails you didn't ask for.
Planning your first visit? How to visit walks you through the whole journey, step by step.
