Our Story

We are a church on an adventure, inviting people into relationship with Jesus and seeking transformation in every part of life.

In 2013 a group of friends moved to Chester to start a church. Led by John and Anna Simmons, the vision was to create a growing community where people were welcomed in to encounter Jesus for the first time, and to seek transformation in our region.

We started with around 12 adults and eight kids. We threw parties, we got to know our neighbours, and we looked for ways to help and serve our communities.

Our community grew, and we saw individuals and families coming to know Jesus and experiencing his love and power. We began meeting together, first in homes, then on Wednesday evenings at the Crowne Plaza hotel, before starting regular Sunday meetings at the Abode, and then Bridge House where we gathered for 9 years. In January 2025 we started a new chapter at the Binks Building.

We love having a church family in many locations — Chester, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire and North Wales. 

Find Out More

  • Vineyard 53 is one of more than 100 Vineyard Churches in the UK and Ireland and one of more than 2500 churches worldwide. Vineyard Churches exist to extend God’s Kingdom together, everywhere in every way. Find out more about what it means for us to be a Vineyard church here.

  • We're glad you asked!

    ​We chose '53' for two reasons:

    First, because our vision has always been for a church that extends beyond Chester to the surrounding regions. We loved the symbol of the M53 motorway which connects us to neighbouring areas.

    Secondly, because of the words of Isaiah 53, a passage in the old testament of the Bible which speaks about everything that Jesus is going to do in the world because he loves us so dearly.

  • We have four core values: we value relationships, big faith, compassion and outward focus.

    To read more about our values, head to our values page.

  • God has called us to establish a growing, regional, Biblically-based Church that exists to passionately pursue Jesus, be an outward-looking community and see transformation throughout the Chester area.

    Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we aim to serve those in need, make and equip disciples, raise up leaders, plant new churches and be a blessing to the wider Church family.

  • Head to our ‘I’m New’ page to find out how you can get involved.