A new evangelical church, believed to be the largest in the East of England, has officially opened its doors to worshippers. Peterborough Community Church in Parnwell, Peterborough, can hold a congregation of up to 2,000, with more than 40 different nations represented.

|PIC1|The church was established by Pastor David Smith at his house 16 years ago, and as church membership grew the congregation was moved to rented premises.

The church currently brings together about 1,000 congregants, and has set its long term goal to be a church of more than 10,000 that affects the nation and the nations.

Potential worshippers had been able to follow the new church site's construction on the internet via a webcam, which has taken just over a year to build.

At the core of its success the church testifies its structure as a small group-based ministry.

|QUOTE|The church's website states: "That means individuals can grow quickly and effectively in small groups, no matter how large the church becomes."

It adds, "This is where you will grow in your Christian faith, with love and encouragement from friends around."

Commenting on the first services given in the new building, a church statement said, "What an exciting new era this is for us as we transition into our new church home... what a powerful time we had meeting with God and celebrating the realising of a dream! God has been so good to us!"