Our Origins

The Warehouse Project – presenting an alternative

In 1991 a core group of young people and youth workers began to organize nightclub based Christian events. Building on cooperation between churches and youth organisations it was known as The Warehouse Project. These early events attracted up to 700 young people on a regular basis and started to build a grass roots momentum. Unity and confidence grew - leading to relational street teams, day festivals and the running of The Hub, a youth drop in cafe. The churches, police and council were all appreciative and supportive of the Project and in 1996 Warehouse was given a special award by the High Sherrif of Surrey for helping reduce crime.

The Network – Uniting for the Territory

In 1991 there was one full time Christian youth worker in Guildford. By 1998 there were at least 30 who began to work together with a focus on young people beyond their own groups and programmes. Some were based with local churches while others focused on schools, advice centres, university students, estates or creative events.

The youth workers began to gather and develop a townwide vision – this included street and schools work, events, community projects, mission teams and 24-7 prayer weeks. In February 2000 the launch evening of 24-7 prayer (which originated in Chichester and has since spread to over 95 nations) was held at one of the nightclub events.

The Network itself is not an organization but a relational network united by common values and purpose; this continues to be a hub for much that is developing. It was as this cooperation grew and projects emerged that The Matrix Trust was formed as a resource.