Many churches experience a quieter period in their calendars during the summer months. This provides an excellent opportunity to plan, tackle maintenance tasks and prepare your church building for the busy months running up to Christmas.
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of this time, ensuring your church building remains a welcoming and safe space for all.
1. Clear out and organise storage areas
The lighter summer evenings are perfect for clearing out cluttered storage areas. This not only creates space for new activities but also helps in maintaining a clean and organised environment. Consider setting aside time with your team to sort through stored items, discard anything unnecessary and organise what remains. A well-maintained storage area can greatly improve the efficiency of your church activities and make things safer.
2. Plan for ongoing maintenance
Use the summer to create a schedule or rota for regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, gardening and arranging church flowers. By planning, you can ensure that your church building remains welcoming and in good condition throughout the year. A rota also helps to distribute tasks evenly among volunteers, reducing the burden on any one person.
3. Review your utility contracts
As utility contracts come up for renewal, now is an ideal time to shop around for the best deals. We recommend contacting Church Buying for a no-obligation quote tailored to your church’s needs. This simple step could save valuable time and money, freeing up more resources for your ministry work.
4. Update your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
Fire safety is paramount in any church building. Consider providing training for your staff and volunteers on emergency procedures. Take this time to review your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and ensure it is up to date. We have recently updated our guidance on fire risk assessments to inform churches that they will now need to find a competent and experienced professional to carry out these assessments. Read our new practical guide here for guidance on identifying a suitable professional and details of the key components of a fire risk assessment. This ensures that the responsible person knows what to look for in the report they receive.
5. Conduct electrical safety checks
The summer months are ideal for conducting Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) on your church’s electrical equipment. Regular PAT testing helps to identify potential hazards and ensures a safe environment for everyone who uses your building.
6. Reinforce safeguarding practices
Safeguarding the well-being of children and vulnerable adults is a top priority for any church. Use this quieter time to ensure all staff and volunteers working with children have up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. It is also wise to review and update your church’s safeguarding policy, particularly if your church has introduced new ministries or experienced growth recently. For further training, Christian Safeguarding Services (CSS) offers valuable resources to keep your team informed of the latest practices.
7. Schedule gas safety checks
Even if your boiler seems to be working well, it is crucial to have it checked annually. Many property managers overlook this until it is too late. To avoid missing a service, consider booking the next inspection during this years’ service and ensure you receive a copy of your safety certificates. This proactive approach will ensure your boiler remains certified and in safe working order, providing comfort and safety for everyone using the premises.
8. Review food safety practices
Whether your church hosts regular meals or occasional refreshments, food safety should be a priority. Now is a good time to refresh your knowledge of food safety protocols, including allergen management. Ensuring that your food handling practices are up to date will help you provide a safe environment for all who eat in your church building. You can access our practical guide here.
Further information
For more detailed advice on maintaining your church building and ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming place, Church Growth Trust offers a range of practical guides, including:
- How to Look After Your Church Building
- Electrical and Gas Checks for Church Buildings
- Church and your safeguarding arrangements
- Food Safety and Churches
Taking time now to focus on these areas will set your church up for success in the months to come. Planning ahead and addressing these essential tasks ensures your church property remains a vibrant and safe space for your community.
Read our practical guides
For any additional support or advice, CGT has created a suite of practical guides to help support you with all the topics mentioned here. Alternatively, you can contact our Property Management Team at Church Growth Trust by emailing enquiries@churchgrowth.org.uk.
