Most properties that Church Growth Trust holds are architecturally simple and relatively modern (compared to some of the denominational properties in the country). This makes the Grade II star listed Great Warford Baptist Church near Alderley Edge in Cheshire an unusual challenge, as Church Growth Trust has been appointed sole trustee of the property Trust.
Giles Arnold, Church Growth Trust’s Chief Executive, comments, “The chapel is a beautiful and interesting building. It appears that when the Trust Deed was set up for the property in 1713, the trustees took on an old timber and brick barn with an adjoining cottage and converted the barn into a place of worship. The cottage was later added to the chapel, and some modern additions have been in keeping with the historic building. The chapel still has its box pews and raised pulpit, along with a small gallery and the two-storey converted cottage has several small meeting rooms. The existing fellowship has done an amazing job at keeping the property in good condition and negotiating its way through the listed building requirements of the local Council.”
There are however challenges ahead for Church Growth Trust. Firstly the fellowship is now down to five members, three of whom are in their 90s. Finding other believers in the locality or other churches to work alongside them to help the church grow will be challenging.
This is compounded by the limitations of the building. As attractive as it is, the lack of flexibility with the worship area (the box pews cannot be removed) and the limitations on the other meeting space, means that any Gospel work carried out at the building will not involve large gatherings but is more likely to be focussed on smaller meetings.
Giles Arnold again, “Although this may limit the churches that may be interested in helping with the work, it has the advantage of each meeting being small and therefore more intimate and relational. It brings a challenge for the church using the building to seek the Lord’s specific vision for them in reaching the local community and the activities, events and meetings that will be appropriate to do so. We look forward to seeing what the Lord is going to do in this situation. No challenge is too great for Him!”
