About
The beginning of an adventure
In 2016 four leadership couples, who were already well known to each other, began to meet with a common sense of excitement that God was creating an opportunity for the beginning of an adventure, to see the fulfilment of a prophetic word delivered by Carls Wills some years before – ‘I am going to transform the reputation by which Essex is known’.
Foundations
And so the foundations of ‘Transforming Essex’ were laid – Christians throughout Essex coming together committed to creating relationships of respect, honour and love among themselves and the wider community to partner with God’s heart to see every part of Essex transformed by the genius of his creative Word and love. A family of lovers of Jesus committed to seeing Jesus’ kingdom coming in fuller and fuller measure across Essex.
Family
This family values the contribution every Christian in Essex can play in bringing godly transformation to every aspect of their life, including church leaders, intercessors, and ‘kingdom influencers’ (Christians God has placed in the community committed to seeing their sphere of influence impacted by the values and ways of Jesus’ kingdom).
Journey
We have never journeyed this way before and are so grateful for the encouragement of others who have come alongside to support and advise, particularly Paul Manwaring whose insights into revival and strategic thinking have been so valuable in shaping a framework for TE.
Churches and Christians from different denominations and streams are engaging with TE, participating in ‘Round Tables’, attending regular gatherings and praying.
Strategic and Operational Teams
The Transforming Essex teams are currently being re-shaped a little. A new structure of a Strategic and Operational team are developing. These teams will meet regularly to set the strategy for how we move forwards and ensure that we are walking out our vision and values.
Peter Burgess
Southend Christian Fellowship
Peter and Chrissy
Peter is married to Chrissy and they have three children, Isaac, Elizabeth and Samuel. Peter has been part of the leadership team of Southend Christian Fellowship since 2011, having previously worked in the insurance industry.
He has a passion for seeing people grow into all they have been created to be through encountering the love and power of Jesus and for seeing the Church and His Kingdom being built here on Earth. He loves to disciple others and help to release those around Him step into all that they are called to be. He also loves to play golf and cricket- neither of which he finds as much time for as he would like at the moment!
Chrissy Burgess
Southend Christian Fellowship
Chrissy Burgess
Chrissy is married to Peter and they have three fantastic children. Chrissy is part of the Leadership Team at SCF and although she is a physiotherapist by trade she has worked for SCF since 2014, and is enjoying the journey of balancing family and Church life.
She has a desire to see people encounter God, experience His presence and to see people released to be all that God has created them to be. She has a particular heart for worship and a desire to see Heaven released on Earth—in Southend, Essex and beyond, into the nations of the world!
Rob Purnell
New Life Church,
Wickford
Rob Purnell
Rob is a member of New Life Church Crouch Valley, serving on their senior leadership team. Rob’s life purpose is to encourage people to be world changers and to help them discover their God ordained purpose in life.
In his spare time Rob loves gardening, learning more about history, watching Harlequins Rugby Club and West Ham United Football Club. He also loves all things Essex and is proud to be known as an Essex man.