About Us
Christ Church Cottingham started in the 50’s as a small group of Christians meeting regularly in Manor House, Hallgate. They dreamed of a church which exalted Jesus Christ and by 1988 with a congregation of 12 the church was officially opened on Endyke Lane. In 1998 with Pastor Roger the church extended, and the house next door was purchased for children’s ministry. By 2005 with Pastor Steve leading Christ Church, Manna Coffee was launched as a Christian Café in the heart of the village. More land was purchased during 2008-2010 for the expansion plans of the existing church. From 2011 Pastor Scott & Giovanna were appointed to lead this exciting church.
Rev. Scott & Giovanna Tones along with their family have led churches since 1999.
"We are originally from New Zealand and still have a profound and immature appreciation of the All Blacks.
We are Christ followers, BBQ'ers, love anything with an engine, pretend to know how to do DIY and absolutely love seeing people become all they can be. Happiness for us is music, the cafe culture and following Jesus on whatever adventure He has for us. Today, we are thankful that adventure includes partnering with fellow adventurers at Christ Church Cottingham."
Some other things you might be interested in knowing about us:
Giovanna and I have been married since 1995.
We have led Pentecostal, Charismatic and equally enjoyed Evangelical churches over the years. If people are present then that is all that matters. Style is just style. Denominations and groups have their place but church is people.
We serve on a wider National Leadership Team of churches where we have the privilege of leading a network of independent churches. We have relationship with these great churches and leaders and we meet yearly for encouragement and teaching.
We are the proud parents of Jordan, Isaac and Keziah. They keep us on our toes.
We preach a grace based message. We love teaching on Hebrew thought. We love people.
All though an ordained minister, I prefer the title "Pastor" since it expresses what we do rather than the office.
Usually if its official then its Rev Scott but day to day its Pastor Scott. Some people still call me Scooter.
I wear a clerical collar on special occasions. The shirts button up funny. I like dark blue...it makes my eyes stand out.
We are proud followers of Hull City AFC "Tigers"
But seriously...
From late 2011 we and Christ Church started to imagine what the church could achieve for its community if every member was being discipled and released to serve. We planned simple services and eventually created a 9am and 6:32pm service alongside our weekly 10:30am service to create diversity in worship styles. We wanted to create a culture where every person who called Christ Church home could have a part to play if they wished. Most of it began with leadership/discipleship/volunteer development using our 6:40 training sessions. We see the church not as an individual but a collective. A massive thing for church is our cafe CCCoffee.
We see Christ Church living its vision in 6 different environments, our 10:30am, 9:00am and 6:32pm services, our Connect Groups and Discipleship Program and finally our Cafe in the village centre. One church-6 environments.
But we fell the real faith step for Christ Church came when we all decided instead of building the believer by providing ministry to members (that still happens but in our Connect Groups & small group structure more so…)
But that we were going to intentionally build the church by coordinating the ministries of all the members.
This idea did not and will not suit everybody. We accept that but this for us is discipleship.
As you visit or make Christ Church your home you soon discover nobody here is perfect. Everyone is welcome and God is amazing!
-Scott & Giovanna
Rev. Scott & Giovanna Tones along with their family have led churches since 1999.
"We are originally from New Zealand and still have a profound and immature appreciation of the All Blacks.
We are Christ followers, BBQ'ers, love anything with an engine, pretend to know how to do DIY and absolutely love seeing people become all they can be. Happiness for us is music, the cafe culture and following Jesus on whatever adventure He has for us. Today, we are thankful that adventure includes partnering with fellow adventurers at Christ Church Cottingham."
Some other things you might be interested in knowing about us:
Giovanna and I have been married since 1995.
We have led Pentecostal, Charismatic and equally enjoyed Evangelical churches over the years. If people are present then that is all that matters. Style is just style. Denominations and groups have their place but church is people.
We serve on a wider National Leadership Team of churches where we have the privilege of leading a network of independent churches. We have relationship with these great churches and leaders and we meet yearly for encouragement and teaching.
We are the proud parents of Jordan, Isaac and Keziah. They keep us on our toes.
We preach a grace based message. We love teaching on Hebrew thought. We love people.
All though an ordained minister, I prefer the title "Pastor" since it expresses what we do rather than the office.
Usually if its official then its Rev Scott but day to day its Pastor Scott. Some people still call me Scooter.
I wear a clerical collar on special occasions. The shirts button up funny. I like dark blue...it makes my eyes stand out.
We are proud followers of Hull City AFC "Tigers"
But seriously...
From late 2011 we and Christ Church started to imagine what the church could achieve for its community if every member was being discipled and released to serve. We planned simple services and eventually created a 9am and 6:32pm service alongside our weekly 10:30am service to create diversity in worship styles. We wanted to create a culture where every person who called Christ Church home could have a part to play if they wished. Most of it began with leadership/discipleship/volunteer development using our 6:40 training sessions. We see the church not as an individual but a collective. A massive thing for church is our cafe CCCoffee.
We see Christ Church living its vision in 6 different environments, our 10:30am, 9:00am and 6:32pm services, our Connect Groups and Discipleship Program and finally our Cafe in the village centre. One church-6 environments.
But we fell the real faith step for Christ Church came when we all decided instead of building the believer by providing ministry to members (that still happens but in our Connect Groups & small group structure more so…)
But that we were going to intentionally build the church by coordinating the ministries of all the members.
This idea did not and will not suit everybody. We accept that but this for us is discipleship.
As you visit or make Christ Church your home you soon discover nobody here is perfect. Everyone is welcome and God is amazing!
-Scott & Giovanna
