When Andrew McClellan became vicar of St John’s Church in 2009, he had a vision for the church being at the heart of a thriving, welcoming community. Over the years, that vision has become a reality, with people from all walks of life finding a place to belong at
St John’s Bromley.
“We want to declare the truth of God's unconditional love for all people”, says Andrew, “and we find that sometimes people hear that message most effectively through relationships that are forged over months and years.”
One of the church’s greatest strengths is its ministry with families and children. Andrew and the team have worked tirelessly to create an environment where young people can explore faith in a way that is engaging, fun, and meaningful.
A special connection with the local school
Key to this has been the church’s relationship with the local primary school which has been nurtured and cherished. Whether through assemblies, visits, or shared events, St John’s has become a trusted and familiar presence for many children and their families.
This partnership has laid the foundation for deeper connections with the wider community.
The Holiday Club: A February tradition
Indeed, ask any child in the area about February half-term, and chances are they’ll mention the St John’s Holiday Club.
It’s the biggest event of the year for the church’s children’s ministry, attracting kids - mostly from non-church families - who come for a week of songs, sketches, games, and laughter.
But it’s more than just fun; through exciting activities, the team shares Bible truths, helping children build strong foundations of faith while forming real friendships.
From Holiday Club to 4 O’Clock Church
In 2015, Andrew and his team saw an opportunity to keep the momentum going beyond the holiday club. Families had enjoyed the sense of community and wanted more, so 4 O’Clock Church was born.
Starting as a follow-up to the holiday club, it quickly became a regular fortnightly gathering, welcoming families in an informal, relaxed setting in the church hall.
“There’s no pressure, no formality - just community,” says Andrew. “And of course, we always finish with high tea!”
“We've built up some really good relationships and we've got some families who are now committed members of St John's who started off by just dipping their toe in the water with an event like 4 O’Clock Church.”
A New Chapter: Family Worker
To build on this momentum, St John’s has taken an exciting step forward by hiring Donna as a family worker.
Donna’s role is to help the church strengthen relationships with families, particularly those on the fringes of the community who may feel disconnected from church life.
“It’s about making sure every family knows they’re valued and have a place here,” she shares.
Donna brings a passion for outreach, ensuring that St John’s continues to be a place where everyone—especially families—feels welcome and supported.
A Child-Friendly Church with a vision
St John’s has been recognised for its commitment to children’s ministry, being accredited as a Child-Friendly Church in 2020. This reflects the church’s dedication to making faith accessible, engaging, and relevant to young people. But they don’t want to
stop there—Andrew, Donna, and the team are eager to help other churches achieve the same standard, equipping them with the tools and encouragement they need to build stronger connections with children and families.
A Church That Feels Like Home
With open doors, warm welcomes, and a heart for families, the church is growing—not just in numbers, but in love, connection, and lasting impact. As one parent put it: “We came for the activities, but we stayed because it felt like home.”