A Successful Charismatic Ministry: Michael Reid 1943-2023.
James 
The blog celebrates the life and ministry of Bishop Michael Reid (1943–2023), detailing his work and achievements.
Michael Reid 1943-2023. A Successful Charismatic Ministry
“Truly unique.” —T.L. Osborn
“And the Lord said... father him well.” —Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
“A modern-day Smith Wigglesworth with a difference!” —James Peter Jandu
Bishop Michael Reid’s Global Ministry Impact: From Essex to International Recognition
Bishop Michael Reid established one of Britain’s most impactful Christian ministries, reaching audiences worldwide from its UK base in Brentwood, Essex. Under his leadership, the ministry grew exponentially. In recognition of his service to global Christianity, he was honoured with an award from Oral Roberts University.
The impact of Bishop Reid’s work spoke for itself through:
- Transformed lives and communities
- Growing congregation numbers
- International outreach programs
- Documented testimonies of faith
- Successful ministry initiatives
Overview: Church History & Achievements
1965: Became a Christian at meetings in London and moved to Turner’s Hall.
1966: Moved to Liverpool, preached at Longcroft with Wally North, and helped at the Queens Road Church with Norman Meeton.
1967-1968: Studied at C.F. Mott Teacher Training College for a year.
1969: Excommunicated from Liverpool’s Devonshire Road Christian Fellowship.
1970: Met Ruth, married in Parbold on October 10th, and moved from Liverpool to Burscough in Lancashire.
1971: July – Rachel was born.
1972: November – Matthew was born, and the family moved to Ripon when he was six weeks old.
1973/74: Ian Wilson visited and looked around the bookshop and printing business for one afternoon.
1974: August – Sarah was born.
1975: Moved to Turner’s Hall in January, then to Ongar in the summer.
1976: Started a Bible Study in his home in Bowes Drive, Ongar, Essex, with three people – the birth of Peniel.
1976: November 14th – started the church with Trevor Dearing, speaking at David and Gill Green’s house in Fyfield.
1977: Moved to a large, hired room in the Arts and Activity Centre belonging to Ongar Community Association. They experienced an amazing visitation of God in this room, which birthed the church.
1978: Moved to larger halls in Budworth Hall, also belonging to Ongar Community Association. The numbers steadily increased, fostering tremendous love and cooperation among members. Many physical, spiritual and emotional miracles occurred due to the preached word. The church also ran a public playgroup and managed the entire community centre for Ongar’s residents.
1979: Michael and Ruth Reid travelled around the world with the Millers [Ed Miller] for six weeks, as God led them to see what He was doing in every corner of the globe.
During this time, they started a Bible College to educate the church members in the ways of God.
Also, God spoke to Bishop Reid about starting a Christian school staffed by church members for the church’s children.
1981: Purchased the 49 Coxtie Green Road site to establish a Christian-based school. In April 1981, they found The Bell House.
1982: In January, the Peniel Academy was started.
In May 1982, the purpose-built sports hall was completed. It could accommodate both the church and the school.
They changed the name of the church to Peniel Pentecostal Church.
1984: Received full recognition and approval from the Department of Education and Science for the Peniel Academy.
1984/85: Joined AOG.
1985: A purpose-built school block with classrooms, a dining hall, and kitchens was built. The number of children increased as the church membership increased; more and more people were added to the church because of the miracles in their lives.
1985: Met Archbishop Benson Idahaso at AOG Minehead.
1986: The first edition of The Trumpet Call newspaper was published.
1986: Joined Elim.
1988: The late Archbishop Benson Idahosa visited the church for the second time.
February, Ruth’s cancer was discovered.
Had meetings set up in Argentina for about two months.
1989: The Peniel Choir was founded.
Set up the publishing company Sharon Publications (Later called
‘Alive UK’).
October – Interviewed by Demos Shakarian after decades since Reid’s conversion to Christ through Demos.
1990: Trumpet Call bookshop opened in Brentwood. Sir Robert Macrindle opened the church’s coffee and bookshop in Ongar.
Publication of ‘Whose Faith is it Anyway?’ was Bishop Michael Reid’s first book.
1990: July – Rachel and Philip married.
1991: First visit of Bishop and Dr Reid to the School of Ministry in Benin, Nigeria, at the invitation of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. 1992: Began a church in Holland (Rotterdam).
April 1992: Offering taken by Archbishop Benson Idahosa in the church for Michael and Ruth Reid to purchase 53 Coxtie Green Road as a residence for them.
1993: Instituted the Fellowship of Independent Christian Ministries in Britain (became part of the Global Gospel Fellowship), which includes the interdenominational monthly pastors’ meeting.
1994: The Peniel Bible College was founded, offering a three-year part-time diploma in theology, structured to consider academic study and practical application of the Word of God to everyday life.
1994: Saw the extension of the church building to nearly double the size as more and more people were being added to the church.
1995: Started a church in Belgium.
Michael Reid was consecrated Bishop by Archbishop Idahosa. Commenced bi-monthly ‘Music and Miracles’ meetings in Brentwood and London.
Purchased an additional 29 acres of land for the church and school to accommodate the growth.
1996: Bishop Reid became a member of the International Charismatic Bible Ministry. He was elected European Director of the College of Bishops of the ICCC.
Bishop and Mrs. Reid were introduced to world evangelist T.L. Osborn by Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
1997: Appointed an Associate Regent of Oral Roberts University (‘ORU’) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Peniel College of Higher Education was affiliated with ORU.
1998: A new site, Brizes Park, was purchased to make room for the expansion of the school.
2000: Start of Global Gospel Fellowship (GGF).
2001: The Peniel Academy teams won all eight trophies in the National Schools Table Tennis Championships held at Grantham, Lincolnshire.
2002: TV ministry started.
2002/3: A new classroom block for junior and infant schools was built, having knocked down the old porta cabins.
2006: Affiliation with the University of Wales for Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
1994-2007: Seats added to the church to seat approximately 750 people as more and more came in response to the television ministry. 2007: Project completed and paid for to renovate the swimming pool and put an all-weather Perspex cover over it.
2008: His work was stripped from him and gradually dismantled.
2009: James and Bishop Reid met officially for the first time.
Achievements & Academic Success:
1994: Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Christian Faith University, Nigeria.
1998: Earned Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
2000: Earned Doctor of Ministry from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
2003: Started PhD with Open University, researching ‘Oral Roberts whole man ministry.’
2003: Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
The journey from humble origins to spiritual influence reflects God’s unchanging ways. We thank God for the ministry of Bishop Michael Reid.
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