The idea for a new church in Blandford originated in 2018 during a local FIEC conference, where a map of Dorset was displayed highlighting all FIEC-affiliated churches in the county.
It became apparent that there were areas in the county that deserved further attention. At this gathering, both Steven (now pastor of Riverside) and Pastor Tim Gamston of Broadstone Baptist Church felt compelled to explore these possibilities in the future. Through God’s providence, the two connected when Broadstone Baptist hired Steven as Assistant Pastor, leading them to discuss whether the church could establish a new congregation in North Dorset.
During his four years at Broadstone, Steven studied church planting at Crosslands Seminary. This module convinced him and Broadstone Baptist leadership to start a new church in Blandford. They formed a launch team by partnering with local churches, including people already near Blandford and those willing to move. In November 2025, Broadstone Baptist Church commissioned the team to begin their work as a new church in Blandford.