Developing your Church Building
It is increasingly recognised that church buildings are a precious resource and can play a vital role in their communities. A church building can provide space for meetings and activities, offer volunteer help for projects and fulfil the Church's aim of serving the community. While church buildings will need careful assessment, they have potential for hosting a wider range of activities.
Many churches have opened their doors for community projects, cafés, concerts, exhibitions and essential services such as post offices, while still remaining primarily places of worship. Such extended and additional uses provide a sense of community, revive the church building itself, attract new visitors and tourists and can regenerate whole neighbourhoods. The church building itself benefits from more frequent use, regular heating and additional funds and volunteers.
Further Information
Further information on sources of advice and guidance can be found under Funding and Resources for Community Projects.
Some dioceses have development, stewardship, funding or resources officers who can give you further advice and guidance, others have produced more in-depth guides on the topic of developing your church, such as Chelmsford (The Changing Church. A guide to developing and adapting church buildings, 2002) and Southwark (Developing Your Church Building. A guide through the process from ideas to business plan to building, 2001). Contact your diocese for further information.
