About

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One Church. Many Locations.

Our Story

Ruach City Church stands as one of Europe’s largest and fastest-growing charismatic Pentecostal ministries. Since its humble inception in December 1992, the church has expanded to a thriving community of over 7,000 members, with locations across the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates(UAE).

Renowned for its commitment to fostering Christian unity, Ruach has hosted a wide range of interdenominational events. In 2006, it made history as the first Charismatic church in the UK to welcome a serving Prime Minister, Tony Blair, during the landmark Power of One conference. Other distinguished guests have included Rev. Jesse Jackson, Baroness Valerie Amos, Boris Johnson, and Members of Parliament.

Each year, the church hosts its flagship Prayer for the Nation service, drawing civic leaders, law enforcement officials, and political representatives together in a shared commitment to community engagement, unity, and public service.

Our Growth & Locations

1996: First permanent building acquired in Brixton, South London
1998: Expansion to Birmingham
2007: Acquisition of the iconic Gaumont State Theatre in Kilburn — now a vibrant centre for worship and cultural renewal
2010: Third UK site launched in Walthamstow, East London
2011: Secured 26+ acres of land in Norbury, South London for future development
2022: Acquisition of the iconic Streatham Hill Theatre — now a vibrant centre for worship and cultural renewal

Media & Global Outreach

Ruach City Church’s global media ministry, Order My Steps, reaches millions through international networks such as The Word Network, Faith TV, and Impact TV. The church is also a registered UK charity (Charity No. 1204959), committed to service, empowerment, and outreach on both local and global levels.

Awards & Recognition

Ruach has been widely recognised for its community impact and excellence in ministry, including:

Windrush Award for Outstanding Community Service (2003)
Lambeth Civic Award (2005)
Oasis Church of the Year (2006)

About Our Founder, Bishop John Francis

Bishop Francis, the visionary founder and presiding bishop of Ruach City Church, is an internationally respected voice in the gospel and Pentecostal movement. Son of the late Bishop T.G. Francis — a pioneering figure in the UK’s Black church movement — Bishop Francis has carried the mantle of legacy with influence and integrity.

In the 1980s, he co-founded the Inspirational Choir, one of the first gospel ensembles to break into the UK mainstream music scene. Their achievements include a BPI Silver Disc Award and prestigious performances before the British Royal Family.

A trusted advisor in both spiritual and civic spheres, Bishop Francis has been consulted by government leaders, including engagements at 10 Downing Street, and was instrumental in launching Flow TV (now Faith UK), one of the UK’s first Christian television stations.

His accolades include being named among Gospel Today’s Top 10 World-Class Pastors (2006) and appearing on the Power List of Britain’s 100 Most Influential Black People (2011–2016).

He shares leadership of Ruach City Church with his wife, Pastor Penny Francis. Together, they are proud parents to three daughters: Juanita, Teleisa, and Charisa.

Our Statement of Faith

We believe…

In the Bible — that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, serving as the ultimate foundation for doctrine, faith, and daily living.
In the Triune Godhead — one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus Christ dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9); He is fully God and fully man, the exact representation of the Father.
In the blessed hope of the Church — the imminent, personal, and glorious return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In salvation by grace through faith — that forgiveness and cleansing from sin come only through genuine repentance and unwavering faith in the atoning sacrifice and precious blood of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
In the baptism of the Holy Spirit — as experienced by believers in Acts 2:4, available to all who ask in faith. We affirm the continuation of the gifts of the Spirit for the edification of the Church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
In sanctification through the Holy Spirit — who indwells, empowers, and enables believers to live in holiness, spiritual maturity, and obedience to God.
In the bodily resurrection — of both the righteous and the unrighteous: the saved to everlasting life in God’s presence, and the lost to eternal separation and judgment, as revealed in Scripture.
In water baptism by immersion — as an ordinance commanded by Christ, symbolizing the believer’s identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
In the unity of the Church — that all baptised believers are one body in Christ. Jesus is the head of the Church, and each member is uniquely gifted and positioned for service (1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 1:22).
In the Five-Fold Ministry — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — along with eldership, for the equipping of the saints and the edification of the Church, in accordance with the New Testament model.
In the Lord’s Supper — a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ, commemorating His suffering and death, and proclaiming His return.

Our Commitment to Organisational Culture

At Ruach City Church, we are dedicated to cultivating a positive, Christ-centred organisational culture that reflects our mission and values. We strive for excellence in all we do — in our service, stewardship, and spiritual calling — by living out the principles of A.W.A.R.E.:

A – AIMING FOR EXCELLENCE

Placing those we serve at the heart of our mission, prioritising their needs and experiences.
Delivering consistent, high-quality, professional, and Christ-honouring services.
Pursuing growth through continuous learning, innovation, and reflection.
Setting clear, measurable goals to uphold excellence and accountability.

W – WORKING TOGETHER

Encouraging, supporting, and celebrating each other’s contributions.
Collaborating across teams, departments, and ministries in unity and shared vision.
Building strong, Christ-honouring relationships rooted in love and mutual respect.
Promoting clear, open, and effective communication at every level.

A – ACTING WITH INTEGRITY

Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all we do.
Following through on our commitments and stewarding resources wisely.
Ensuring our actions consistently reflect our faith, values, and organisational mission.
Handling sensitive matters with discretion, trust, and grace.

R – RESPECTING EACH OTHER

Taking personal responsibility for our actions and outcomes.
Investing in the growth, development, and God-given potential of every team member.
Treating all individuals with dignity, fairness, and kindness.
Celebrating diversity as a God-given strength that enriches our community.

E – EMPOWERING OUR TEAM

Remaining open, approachable, and available in our leadership and service.
Actively listening to one another and valuing diverse perspectives.
Making balanced, wise decisions grounded in discernment and spiritual guidance.
Fostering a healthy feedback culture — giving and receiving with humility and purpose.