Our History
Everyone loves an origin story! Here’s ours, told through the experience of Tim Summers, one of our founding members.
Foundation Story, Part Eight: Contemplative Fire (2019-20)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the eighth and final part of this series, bringing us up to the present. It describes: the mature vision for Foundation (as a community both active and contemplative) informing the decision to return to Cotham; some gentle "signs and wonders" surrounding that decision; and events since the move.
Foundation Story, Part Seven: Blowing on the Embers (2015-18)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the seventh part of Foundation’s story, describing the group's rebirth in 2015 with the return of Iain and the arrival of fresh talent in Ruth and James, the new vision for "action" and "contemplation," our move to St Peter's, Henleaze and the projects we launched to return the group to vigour.
Foundation Story, Part Six: Evolution/Devolution (2009-14)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the sixth part of Foundation’s story, describing the group's evolution from big alt worship services to a more level pattern of activity, followed by a more minimal period – with reflections on the cyclical nature of such groups.
Foundation Story, Part Five: The Emerging Church (2006-8)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the fifth part of Foundation’s story. This instalment covers Foundation's first creative peak culminating in the Babel service at Greenbelt 2008, the emerging church scene and some cul-de-sacs and luminous moments.
Foundation Story, Part Four: New Beginnings, New Name (2004-5)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the fourth part of Foundation’s story. This instalment includes the relaunch of alt worship at Cotham Parish Church in Easter 2004, the growth of the community, the establishment of a pattern of quarterly big services and weekly "littleservices" and the adoption of the name Foundation in 2005.
Foundation Story, Part Three: Bristol and Resonance (2002-3)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the third part of Foundation’s story (told in “autobiographical” form). This instalment covers the London vs Bristol church scenes, the Resonance group which would provide the seed for Foundation, and a short digression on NOS.
Foundation Story, Part Two: The Greenbelt Festival (2001)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the second part of Foundation’s story (told in “autobiographical” form). In this instalment I describe first impressions of the Greenbelt Festival, another vital ingredient in the creation and development of the group.
Foundation Story, Part One: Post-Evangelicals and Alt Worship (2000)
From Tim Summers, one of our founding members: This is the story of Foundation's journey told from the only perspective I can reliably offer - my own. I have started with my experiences, in London, of the innovative church movements which were later to influence Foundation.