Church Growth Trust (CGT) is seeing a rise in the number of properties and trusteeships it manages each year. This growth is driven by assemblies, churches, and trustees recognising CGT’s commitment to preserving independent evangelical church buildings for future Gospel use. Additionally, many small and elderly congregations are making the difficult decision to close or foresee the need to do so soon. By involving CGT, they can pass on the baton to other evangelical believers to continue the Gospel work in their locality.
Even with the steady increase in new properties, the recent acquisition of four properties and trusteeships in a single day was exceptional. One of these properties was Dagenham Community Church, where CGT has served as custodian trustee for many years. The church decided to close and gift the property to CGT, enabling a new church to continue the Kingdom work. Kingsley Hall now occupies the property and is enthusiastic about making a Gospel impact in the community.
John Duffield, CGT’s newly retired Property Manager, stated, “We had applications from several churches, but after prayerful consideration, we were convinced that Kingsley Hall had the right vision and humility in the way they believe God is calling them to reach the Dagenham community.”
CGT was also gifted Bishopstoke Evangelical Church, Eastleigh, near Southampton. Again, the existing church decided to close, and CGT found a new local church, Junction Church, to take over the building. Junction Church, already established in the area, is thrilled to use the new facilities at a low cost. Trish Noyce, a trustee of the old church, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for your help, support, and just being there. I recently read your leaflet about CGT’s trustee services, and you truly ‘do what it says on the tin.’ Thank you.”
The third property is a small rural timber chapel, where CGT had been the custodian trustee. The fellowship closed and tasked CGT with finding another ministry to use the building or to sell it. So far, no new church has been found.
The fourth trusteeship involves CGT being appointed holding trustee of Bideford Town Mission, a transfer from the Fellowship Property Trust. After appointing CGT, the church decided to close and asked CGT to find a new church to take over the building. This is another challenge the CGT team is ready to face!
CGT’s Chief Executive, Giles Arnold, remarked, “Taking on four properties and trusteeships in one day is exceptional and reflects the growing need for our services. The Lord continues to bless us with the ability to take on new properties and find new churches to occupy them when they become vacant. I am grateful for His faithfulness.”
