The launch of Costa Blanca English Church
Firstly I would like to say a heartfelt welcome and thank you for visiting the website of our humble offering. In this article we will explain a little bit more about the new Costa Blanca English Church, our vision and how you can get involved.
When I say “humble offering“, I don´t speak lightly. We are just starting out this mission and so we really would love to have you onboard. When I say “mission” I refer to the reasons for and why I wanted to launch the Costa Blanca English Church which I will come to as I ramble through this article.
A little bit of background
It is almost 25 years since I first rocked up in Spain. Having travelled to Cataluña as a small child I had always held a sense of calling to Spain but it was only upon coming of age that I was able to take my first solo trip and as I stepped off the plane I knew I had come home – to my spiritual home where I knew I belonged.
Over the years I have spent a little time outside of Spain but I was always pulled back – like a magnet and although I initially frequented a lot of the “typical expat” areas, my heart was pulling me to explore real Spain and integrate with the Spanish lifestyle. Marrying a Spaniard certainly helped with this but going back to those early days when I first moved from an area heavily populated with the English speaking to living in an area where where most had never stepped foot outside of their small Spanish village – never mind seen a foreigner, I learned how difficult real integration can be.
Learning Spanish – You have to stop thinking in English and “translating” in your head
I am very fortunate to have mastered Spanish but it wasn´t an easy ride – far from it. For several years I struggled. Classes just didn´t sink in and frankly many who go to classes, unless they advance to the very high level, often end up with a grasp of only the very basic conversational “scripts”. I was blesses to live in an area where no English was spoken by the locals and on top of that my husband was Spanish so all of the family are Spanish. But that still didn´t make it an easy ride.
My doting other half tried everything with me but one piece of advice has remained with me to this day and I recall it like it was yesterday when he said “you have to stop thinking in English and translating it in your head – THINK in Spanish!”. Easier said than done and frankly an impossibility at the time but one day it just clicked and I remember realising that I was no longer thinking in English. Conversations were no longer an internal 3 way dialogue of translation but English vanished when I was speaking Spanish, even if I didn´t know a word, I would find alternative ways to explain it in Spanish.
But why do I tell you this boring story of my journey with language? Because I know how hard it can be and this is one of the many ingredients that came into the recipe when I decided to cook up a new church on the Costa Blanca – the Costa Blanca English Church funnily enough!
The Religious Background
I come from a long line of religious people. My mothers family were Christian and on my Fathers side, my Grandfather was a Minister and indeed so were all in his blood line. One of the many Bibles that I have contains names of family members who were all involved in the Ministry in one way or another and dates back to the 1800´s.
I was baptised Methodist, raised Anglican and did a bout of Evangelism in my youth until I really distanced myself from religion, at least from being actively involved in it in adulthood. But 2023 was what I can only describe as “my calling” when I experienced a deep spiritual connection.
This experience served as an awakening to me but, as someone with (and I say this as factual, not trying to brag because it´s as much of a burden as it is a blessing) “giftedness” (known as “altas capacidades” in Spanish) and also ADHD/Autism (combined) I had to be able to make sense of my calling and make sense of Christianity because whilst I have always had faith and also spiritual beliefs, I am a person that needs to really know the “why” and “how” for a belief to actually hold water.
Ordination – Why the ULC?
Thanks to my family background and childhood/youth spent in the church, I would never be short of things to say if you were to put me into the pulpit but I had always held personal conflicts with the mainstream religions. This is not a criticism of them but in many cases I have felt excluded because of certain parts of who I am being rejected by them.
I also take issue with wealthy organisations and buildings ladened with gold whilst they preach a message of kindness yet hold riches whilst on their very doorsteps there are people who have nothing to eat so I knew that despite a clear wish to become ordained, my route into doing so would have to be a sidestep from tradition if I was to live my own truth and attract people who share my views and values.
It was then that I came across the Universal Life Church, a USA based organisation that offer ordination to anyone who has a genuine calling or other reason to enter the priesthood. Now they do have some hype around them as they have ordained celebrities and offer a “simple route to ordination” but that it because of the way marriage laws and traditions work in the USA with many people wishing for a friend or family member to carry out their wedding.
Putting all of that aside, the ULC has been the foundation for many ministries all around the world with their multi faith, multi-belief and strong liberal views making for solid foundations for many a minister. I am proud of my ordination with them and also grateful to them for their support and encouragement that they have shown.
The Costa Blanca Church – Our Values & Beliefs
At Costa Blanca English Church, we believe that faith should be a source of belonging, peace, and hope. We are an inclusive Christian community welcoming everyone, whether you are a lifelong believer, a spiritual seeker, or just curious about faith.
Our church is a place where people from all walks of life and nationalities can feel at home—whether you’re an expat settling into life on the Costa Blanca, a visitor passing through, or someone looking for a fresh expression of faith.
Our Mission
- To create an environment, whether that evolves into a physical presence (location), multiple, or smaller meetings where all can feel welcome and included,
- To make life easier for the English-speaking community on the Costa Blanca ,
- To challenge the rigid expectations of some mainstream religions and bring Christianity into the modern age whilst respecting values and traditions,
- To discuss and explain and help bring understanding rather than just sermons and readings – and above all to make it welcoming and enjoyable,
- To help expats to retain their religious or spiritual beliefs but in a way that adapts to their Mediterranean life.
Our Core Values
Inclusivity
We believe every person is a beloved creation of God.
No matter your background, beliefs, age, nationality, gender identity, or sexual orientation—you are welcome here. We celebrate diversity as a reflection of God’s beautiful creation.
Community
We are more than a church service; we are a community.
We offer a space where friendships grow, support is found, and life is shared. Whether you join us in person or online, you are part of our family.
Compassion
We are called to live out our faith through acts of love, kindness, and service to one another. Compassion is at the heart of who we are, and we seek to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Spiritual Growth
Faith is a journey, not a destination.
We provide a safe and welcoming space for people to explore and deepen their relationship with God, at their own pace and in their own way.
Openness and Honesty
We welcome questions, doubts, and honest conversations.
You do not need to have all the answers to belong here. We believe faith is enriched by openness and dialogue.
Simplicity in Worship
Our gatherings are relaxed, accessible, and focused on connection. We offer a simple, meaningful approach to worship, where everyone can participate without pressure or expectation.
What We Believe
✝️ We believe in God, the Creator of all, whose love has no limits.
✝️ We believe in Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings guide us to live with love, compassion, and inclusion.
✝️ We believe in the Holy Spirit, who inspires and empowers us to grow, serve, and connect with one another.
✝️ We believe the Bible is a source of wisdom and inspiration, inviting us to live lives of love, justice, and grace.
✝️ We believe the Church should be a sanctuary for all—a place of safety, hope, and renewal.
Our Vision
To be a welcoming home for English-speaking Christians, spiritual seekers, and anyone longing for a sense of community on the Costa Blanca. We are here to walk alongside you in faith, friendship, and love.
Let´s Grow Together
Despite being planted on strong foundations and with deep roots, the Costa Blanca English Church in itself is just starting out. For now we are building an informal group and this is why we want you to get in touch and be part of it with us. As we grow we will look for places we can meet, perhaps a fixed locations or locations and of course in due course registering as a religious organisation within our own right.
But for now I invite you to get in touch, we are putting together a newsletter, perhaps a whatsapp group (if there is call for it) and we will then organise meetings but as a voluntary group, we really would love you to get in touch now in this early stage and grow with us – whether you are already a churchgoer, perhaps just curious or want to be part of something new. Please click here to visit our contact page.
No Charges Made
As mentioned, we are just starting out but we are not asking for money from anyone. Far from it. I want to do good and hopefully as we build a community we can find ways to help others. It would be a dream to help an animal rescue on the Costa Blanca but I want to involve all those who come onboard from the start in the decision making process of what we can do and how. I just felt it very important to make clear that I give my time on a voluntary basis and there are no fees associated at all.
So there you have it – The Costa Blanca English Church in all it´s glory… well, at least where we are today with a hope to grow into something glorious!
Please, do reach out – it will be lovely to hear from you!
Rev. Steven