Partner with us
For the Rescue and Renewal of Northeast England
Meet the Bentleys
Shon & Christina Bentley have served in local church ministry for 28 years as pastors with a passion for equipping God’s people for mission. Together, they bring a rich blend of wisdom, leadership, and relational warmth shaped by a deep love for Jesus and his kingdom.
They are the proud parents of four boys—Kyle, Bryn, Theo, and Judah—who continue to be a source of joy, inspiration, and adventure.
Shon & Christina currently serve at The Square in Smyrna, Georgia, where they inspire followers of Jesus to become compelling, missional disciples—people who know Christ deeply and carry his message of renewal into the world.
Whether through teaching, mentoring, or hospitality, the Bentleys are committed to seeing lives transformed and the church equipped to live out the Gospel with courage, clarity, and compassion.
Our Story
There are moments in our lives when the story God is writing suddenly becomes clearer. When a whisper becomes a word, and a word becomes an invitation. We are living in one of those moments.
For more than twenty-eight years, we’ve poured our lives into pastoral ministry – steadily, faithfully, wholeheartedly. We’ve discipled generations, walked with friends through joy and pain, and given ourselves to Jesus’ church. Our time at The Square in Smyrna, Georgia has been the greatest gift of all – a place to shepherd, teach, and serve a family that we deeply love.
But in August, something shifted.
While visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne – a thin space where heaven brushes against earth – we experienced a supernatural encounter with God. Through a miraculous and unmistakable sign, the Spirit spoke to us:
Plant a church in Northeast England. Resurrect the ancient rhythms that once brought revival and renewal to this land.
It was a holy interruption. A new beginning. A commissioning.
What God has placed in our hearts is nothing small. It is bold and beautiful, and we know it is Spirit-breathed: to plant a thriving church in Newcastle and to establish missional outposts in the surrounding communities.
We’re dreaming of prayer rooms for people to encounter the presence of God.
Mercy ministries that heal and restore neighborhoods.
Biblical literacy and theology training centers that transform followers of Jesus.
Communities of prayer, mission, and education – “new monasteries” – scattered across the north of England.
This isn’t nostalgia. This is renewal. This is the Spirit breathing again on ancient soil.
To step into this calling, we are inviting our friends, our family, and our church to partner with us through two phases of support.
Phase One – now through the end of 2025 – will help cover personal expenses, training, and travel costs while we prepare to go and to lay a foundation for what is ahead.
Phase Two – beginning in 2026 – will cover immigration and relocation costs, establishing a new home, ongoing salary support, and the initial funds required to plant a church and launch missional outposts across Northeast England.
We want to say this plainly - we cannot do this alone.
God calls people, but he sends communities.
Your friendship, prayers, and support mean more to us than we can express. We are humbled to invite you into this story and excited for the day many of you will stand with us in England and witness firsthand what God is doing.
As you consider giving, please know this – every gift matters.
Whether small or large, each one is a seed of faith sown into the soil of revival. Each one carries weight – spiritually, practically, eternally. Each one helps us say yes to Jesus.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in what God is doing. Thank you for helping carry this movement of renewal into the north of England.
With love, gratitude, and expectation,
Shon & Christina Bentley
Prayer Requests
01.
Guidance and Provision for the Church Plant in Northeast England
Pray that God would continue to confirm his calling to plant a church in Newcastle, guiding every decision and providing all the resources needed to build a thriving, Spirit-led community.
02.
Spiritual Preparation and Strength
Ask God to strengthen and prepare the Bentleys spiritually, emotionally, and practically as they step into this new commissioning, carrying forward the vision birthed during their encounter on Holy Island.
03.
Financial Support
Pray for God’s provision in raising all the resources they need to cover immigration, relocation, and church-planting costs. Pray for the Bentleys to receive visas easily and quickly.
04.
Favor and Open Doors in England
Pray that God would go before them—opening doors in Newcastle and surrounding communities, preparing hearts, and establishing relationships that will support prayer rooms, mercy ministries, and educational centers.
05.
A Movement of Renewal Across Northern England
Pray for the Spirit to breathe renewal on ancient soil once again—igniting prayer, mission, discipleship, and “new monasteries” that bring revival and transformation to communities across the region.
Give
Everything we have belongs to Jesus.
