How do the leaders and members of the Christian churches see the future?  Many have expressed the view that there will be a major increase in church-going during the coming years.

Many churches are looking to enlarge or re-build existing buildings to cope with the present rate of growth, especially among young people and children.  In this age of television, computers, digital technology and stress, there is perhaps greater need than ever for people, young and old, to meet together in social activities.  The churches in Tonbridge see this as a genuine need and are reaching out to meet the community by opening local church plants, expanding present church buildings and seeking more suitable buildings for worship and social activities.  Many are also actively seeking to address not just the spiritual needs of the people, but also their practical needs.

Below are some of the ways in which some of Tonbridge's churches are planning to develop in the near future:

• St. Philip's is planning a major rebuilding programme under the 'Caleb Project'
• Tonbridge Baptist Church plans to extensively renovate and expand its building
• Church on the Way is planning to move into a brand new purpose-built church centre in the town centre during 2001
• St. Andrew's hopes to have weekly services at its plant at Woodlands School

As at the start of the 20th Century, the churches are seeing themselves as an important and active part of the community.  Tonbridge Christian Leaders meet regularly and church congregations have been coming together for regular inter-denominational services and interchange of clergy among the churches.

Children are becoming more involved in the services rather than being separated, enabling families to worship together.  Many churches have family services at least once a month or more regular "children- and youth-friendly" services.  At the same time Sunday Schools and Youth Groups for children and teenagers are thriving in the town.

Why does Tonbridge have a higher percentage of church-goers than the national average?  Perhaps it is because the churches are people-friendly?  With so many churches for a town of some 36,000, the needs of the population are more easily met.  Worshippers can find a wide variety of services from the traditional to the free charismatic service.

Additionally, the churches are becoming more involved in the life of the town and reaching out to the population as they did in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.  During that period, the churches in the town were actively seeking out those in need of help or prayer.  Perhaps in this new Millennium we are seeing the beginning of a heightened awareness by the churches of the needs of the people in Tonbridge.