Advice and support on buildings for Resource Church Leaders

The Church of England’s church buildings form the nation’s single largest ‘estate’ of built heritage. Churches are the most public indication of the Church’s role in the community, both as the places in which public worship takes place and as a focus for many events which reach beyond the worshipping congregation to society at large. They have also been integral to this country’s history and development.

Though first and foremost places of worship, churches are also often the oldest building in a settlement still in continual use. Many are the largest, most architecturally complex, most archaeologically sensitive, and most visited building in their village, town or city.

There are a lot of things to consider in maintaining and developing buildings with lots of legal responsibilities to make sure that the buildings are safe to use. If the buildings are to be changed then there are a lot of regulations and rules to take into account.

For the avoidance of doubt  The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication (CCX) does not recommend these suppliers or service providers to you. It is important that you (church/parish) do your own research and satisfy your leadership/governing body (e.g. PCC, church trustees, leadership team) that any type of support service you intend to engage is a ‘good fit’ and can supply the relevant expertise for your specific needs within the budget available to you. You may wish to consider what your diocese can provide.

Where can I get help?

The following are offered in good faith as examples of the types of service that you may wish to explore along with others. Examples show the range of services provided for free advice. It is highly likely that organisations will need help from professional contractors for implementing a lot of this advice. Local dioceses can usually provide some and advice and may be able to advise on which contractors to use as they will have experience of operating in the geographical area of the organisation. The most helpful website to use as reference is Churchcare which can be accessed via the Parish Resources website.

Churchcare 

Churchcare is the Church of England’s national resource to support all those in parishes, dioceses and cathedrals caring for their buildings today and for the enjoyment of future generations. It has been developed by the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Archbishops’ Council, and seeks to be a comprehensive source of information for everyone managing a church building.

Heritage and Conservation 

The Conservation Section of the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division supports parishes in the appropriate use and care of the Church’s built heritage, specifically furnishings and artworks of artistic and historical significance. You can find practical advice on managing conservation projects and how to look after the historic contents of your church building.

Open and Sustainable 

Open and Sustainable Churches is a ChurchCare initiative to encourage wider, more imaginative and more strategic use of the Church of England’s 16,000 buildings. Help on understanding your church building and its potential and exploring the possibilities of sharing the building, funding, legal issues, project management etc.

Funding and Grants 

• Parish Resources: offers a range of Funding Guides to help parishes raise funds for large fundraising appeals (building projects) as well as funding the on-going mission of the church.
• Churchcare: offers information on various grants programmes that support parishes in the conservation and repair of historic church buildings and their various contents. They also provide a list of other sources of funding to help your fundraising.
• Crossing the Threshold Toolkit: this helpful toolkit was produced by Hereford Diocese as a response to demand from parishes at the start of their journey down this road towards returning their buildings to their communities. This is an easy to follow, step-by-step resource containing exactly the sort of information any parish will need to know.

Making changes to your building or churchyard

Visit the Churchcare website to explore the steps of a major building project.