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Developing your church building

Every parish has a mission to its community. Some parishes will seek to articulate this, or develop it, in different ways.

The most important task for any parish is to try to work through, honestly, objectively, and prayerfully, what it means to be the people of God in their own community, location and circumstances. So working on a mission statement for the parish is the first step, which must underpin any proposals to change or develop the building. But if new activities, and reordering of the building, do seem the right way forward, these pages should help you.

Remember though that every church building really is unique, as is its community. Some churches are best suited to remaining in their traditional use: a quiet place of prayer, without additional activities. Others thrive on encouraging a busy and varied range of activity throughout the week. Both models, and the whole spectrum in between, are equally valid; what matters is that they are carried out with care, sensitivity and conviction. But what is right for one context may not be right for another, however similar the circumstances may seem to be. It is important for each parish to assess what is right for it - not for its neighbour down the road.

If you want to develop your church building and open it to the community for activities beyond regular worship -whether this means hosting a project, service or commercial activity, or helping to fulfil a local need - you will need to sit down first and think your proposal through. Careful planning at the beginning is essential to ensure the success of the project.

Phil Thomas can offer advice, ideas, and put you in touch with other churches who have successfully developed their church building.

The East Yorkshire Historic Churches Group recently held a day-conference on 'Facilities in Churches'. Speakers included the Revd Liz Kitching, Vicar of Cloughton & Burniston with Ravenscar and Staintondale on providing facilities; Andrew Boyce Dip Arch RIBA RIAS, Architect, Ferrey & Mennim on getting help from your architect; Phil Thomas, Church Buildings Officer and Secretary of the Diocesan Advisory Committee on how the diocese can help; and Revd Stephen Cope, Vicar of Withernsea with Owthorne and Easington with Skeffling and Holmpton on obtaining funding. All the presentations can be viewed or listened to here.