Church Growth Trust (CGT) recently held its first-ever Fire Risk Assessment training event, and it was a resounding success! Designed exclusively for leaders of churches occupying CGT buildings, the free online session took place on 5 March 2025 and quickly reached full capacity.
This training provided invaluable guidance on how to conduct effective fire risk assessments, helping churches ensure their premises are safe and compliant. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the practical insights and clarity offered during the session.
CGT’s Chief Executive, Giles Arnold commented: “We are delighted by the enthusiastic response to our first Fire Risk Assessment training. It’s encouraging to see church leaders so engaged in making their buildings safer for their congregations and communities.”
Due to the high demand and positive response, CGT is considering running another session later this year. Keep an eye on our website and communications for updates on future training opportunities.
You may have noticed that the emails we are sending to you have changed. We want to stay in touch with you, but it is important that we do this in ways that you find helpful.
We want to give your more choice over the information you receive from us so, we have created a range of emails updates covering different topics:
News update – about legal & charity matters
Available properties – church buildings that we are letting
Tip of the month – advice for managing your church building
Church focus – to encourage and inspire
Update your preferences from your email bulletin
Here is how you can choose which of these emails you would like to receive by updating your preferences in our preferences centre.
Open a recent CGT email bulletin
Scroll to the bottom and click ‘Update your Preferences’ (next to the unsubscribe link). This will take you to our email bulletin webpage
Click the ‘Email me a link’ button
A secure email will then be sent to your inbox containing a link to your details
Click the ‘Update your preferences’ link in the email
Select the information that interests you
Use the ‘Update Preferences’ button to save your settings.
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of every email we send to you. You can also change your preferences as many times as you like!
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for Christian communities all around the world. For independent evangelical churches, planning Christmas events is a significant undertaking, and careful consideration is essential to ensure that the festivities run smoothly and safely.
In this guide, we provide you with top tips for planning your Christmas events, focusing on the key considerations around your building.
Reviewing Fire Risk Assessments – If your Christmas event involves hosting larger numbers than usual, reviewing your fire risk assessments is crucial. Double-check that all your certificates and safety measures are in place. Ensure that everyone knows how to exit the building in case of an emergency, especially when using candles in services such as Christingle. Also, arrange for appliances and boilers to be checked in the autumn ready for Christmas.
Provide guidance for newcomers – People who are new to a meeting may feel uncertain about the proceedings, making it essential to provide clear guidance from the start. Information regarding when to stand, sit, toilet locations, and what to do at the end of the meeting all contribute to the seamless flow of the event.
First aid preparation – Check your first aid kit to ensure it is complete and up to date. Identify who your designated first aiders are and evaluate whether you need one on-site for larger events. Safety should always be a top priority.
Health and safety – There are many things that you can and should do to keep people safe. All churches, places of worship and their associated activities are different, and what works well for one will not be the same for all. The Safer Places of Worship website provides a good introduction to the most important parts of health and safety legislation – Health & safety obligations – Safer Places of Worship (spow.co.uk)
Accessibility audit –To welcome all members of your community, conduct an accessibility audit. This ensures that your building is accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges. Ensure that entrances and exits are accessible and consider the use of ramps or other accommodations.
Insurance – It is important to contact your insurance provider if you are planning an event that could be classified as safety-critical or hazardous. They will advise whether there is enough liability cover in place.
Food and drink safety – If your event includes serving hot food and drinks, pay close attention to food safety and hygiene. Make sure your team follows proper food handling procedures, and if applicable, obtain the necessary permits Church Growth Trust has recently updated its briefing paper on this subject – click here to download it.
Traffic and parking management – Plan for the flow of traffic and parking, especially for larger gatherings. Ensure there is sufficient access for emergencies and consider overflow parking options to minimise disruptions to your neighbours.
Be prepared for the weather! – It is important to be ready for adverse weather conditions. Have salt available for clearing paths and ensure that outside lights are working to prevent accidents. Double-check that all your certificates and safety measures are in place. Check your entrance and exit paths broken slabs and uneven paths, to minimise the risks of falls.
Summer is more than a season of sunshine and school holidays — it is an opportunity for your church to be seen, heard and involved in the life of your community.
While larger outreach events still have a role to play, this year we want to encourage a slightly different focus: connection. It is about engaging with local people, building trust and creating opportunities for meaningful relationships to grow. The summer months naturally lend themselves to this — through your building, your team and your heart for those around you.
So how can your church make an impact this summer?
1. Use your building as a community base
Your church property is more than bricks and mortar. It is a practical and spiritual asset for your local mission. Could you open your doors in ways that say, “You are welcome here”?
A drop-in café offering free refreshments to families
A shaded space or quiet room at community events
Hosting local groups or activities to strengthen community links.
Even small initiatives can create a sense of belonging and offer a glimpse of God’s love in action.
2. Meet people where they are
Summer brings people outdoors, to local parks, school fêtes, family fun days and high streets. This could be a chance to move outside your usual spaces and engage with your community in familiar settings.
Set up a prayer or reflection tent at a local event
Support a school or council-run activity with volunteers
Collaborate with other nearby churches for a shared outreach initiative.
Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen when we step into someone else’s space.
3. Focus on building relationships, not just attendance
It is tempting to measure success by numbers — how many turned up, how many leaflets were handed out. But lasting fruit often comes from quieter, more personal moments.
As you plan:
Think about how people will be invited to stay connected
Promote regular activities such as toddler groups or community lunches
Nominate team members to intentionally engage in conversations
See your summer activity as the beginning of a journey, not a one-off event.
4. Prepare your team to make a difference
Your church community is your greatest resource. Whether welcoming at the door or running a game, every team member has the potential to reflect Christ’s love.
Support your team by:
Sharing the purpose behind the event, not just the logistics
Taking time to pray together before and after
Equipping them with simple ways to start conversations
Kindness, attentiveness and encouragement go a long way in creating lasting impressions.
5. Let the Good News be visible
However light touch your event, consider how it might gently express the message of Jesus. Could you include:
A short, relevant story of faith
Creative ideas to engage with prayer
A leaflet with details of what your church offers this autumn.
People often respond to authenticity, hospitality and hope far more than polished presentations.
Let this be the summer of connection
You do not have to plan something complex or costly. Simply being involved in the life of your community, offering a warm welcome and getting to know people can have a lasting impact.
How we use words is often a direct reflection of the way we think. I have been challenged recently about how this applies to our use of the word “church”. How do you use it and what does it mean for you? When you hear “church” does your mind immediately go to a building (perhaps a typical stone village church building with a tower or spire, or maybe your own church building)? Or do you think of the gathered church, perhaps your Sunday morning meeting (I try not to use the word service, as I am not sure whether this means much to people outside the church!). But are either of these actually the church?
Church is not a building
In everyday parlance the word church is often used to describe a place of worship or a building, but I wonder whether this is helpful. If we associate “church” with a building, this often means that we limit our thinking about the church to a property or a location, that we confine our church activities and who we are as a church to that place. This is not helpful as it implies that the building is what defines us, rather than our faith-filled lifestyles. For non-Christians this can also be particularly unhelpful if the building is dated, unwelcoming, inaccessible, in poor repair and ugly!
The world often tries to limit the church to its building. I recall when I led a small fellowship in our village and we met in the room next to the coffee shop (which we used as a means of outreach), that the talk in the village pubs was that we were a cult because we did not meet in a church building. We must not allow ourselves or the world to limit our perspective of the church.
The Greek word for church in the New Testament is ekklesia, which means “assembly” or “congregation”, but it also carries the idea of being “called out” of “gathered together”. It refers to the people of God and not the building that they might meet in. We are very blessed in the UK to have buildings to meet in, but the building is a resource, not the focus.
This is partly why at Church Growth Trust we try to only use the word church to refer to a congregation rather than a building, so that we are focussing on the real church and not these wonderful resources.
“Going to church” does not make sense
I often hear the phrases, “I’m going to church” or “I was at church”. What does this mean? It may partly make sense as the people of God gathering for worship and fellowship; that is, we are going to be with the church. However, when people say this, they often mean something else, even if they do not realise it. They are limiting the church to a place, to an activity, to a specific gathering and a period of time. This is why so often when I ask someone how their church is doing, they reply by saying how many people attend the Sunday gatherings. They measure the success of the church by the size of the meetings, by the vibrancy of the sung worship and the quality of the preaching.
But church is not just a gathering for corporate worship, although that is part of what we do and are called to do as a church. Church is far more than that. We are church as we are going to a gathering. We are church when we meet in small groups to pray, study the bible or minister to each other in different ways. We are church when we share meals together in each other’s houses, when we meet fellow believers for a coffee, when we pray for each other in the check-out line. We are church when we are community, when we are loving each other in practical ways and sharing our lives.
Changing our vocabulary
Being careful about the words we use helps us to start thinking correctly. Are you going to church or meeting with the church? Are you attending a service or worshipping together with your fellow believers? Is it a church that you go to or are you part of the church? Some would say, “it’s only words”, but if the words we use reflect the way we think, then we need to change our words to align with how we should be thinking. You and I are the church and right thinking about the church will help us to be who God has called us to be with His Church and to play our part in the Body of Christ.
The importance of providing a warm friendly welcome to any visitors to your church meetings and activities is well known, but have you considered whether your church building itself extends the same welcome?
It was often the case that buildings designed for independent churches were often modest and understated, typically featuring a simple frontage with an opaque door, minimal signage and sometimes no windows at all. While these design choices were made with good reason—to align with values and ensure wise financial stewardship—their lasting impact today is that these buildings can often feel austere, closed-off and even unwelcoming to newcomers unfamiliar with the church. Fortunately, even small, budget friendly changes can have a big impact on your building’s appearance and atmosphere.
Building frontage
If your building’s front elevation has a rendered finish, it may be showing signs of wear, such as faded or peeling paint, or it may never have been painted, leaving it with a dull grey appearance.
Applying a fresh coat of paint can significantly improve the look of the building. However, it is important to seek professional advice on the appropriate type of paint to ensure it is suitable for the rendered surface.If your building’s front elevation has a rendered finish, it may be showing signs of wear, such as faded or peeling paint, or it may never have been painted, leaving it with a dull grey appearance.
Great improvements from decoration work
Building frontage before renovation
Front door entrance
If the front entrance door of your building is solid with no glazing, consider replacing it with a predominantly glazed door. This change will not only allow natural light to brighten your lobby but also create a visual connection between the building’s interior and passers-by, making the space feel more open, active and welcoming.
Additionally, to comply with current Building Regulations and the Equality Act, the entrance door should have a level, step-free threshold. Replacing your front door provides an opportunity to address and remove any existing threshold steps, improving accessibility for all visitors.
Welcome area
Does your building have a small, cramped lobby just beyond the front entrance?
Kingsbury – Welcome area outside
If so, you are likely familiar with the challenges this can create. For those entering the building for the first time, a confined lobby can feel awkward and may make it difficult for church members to offer a warm and welcoming reception.
A welcome area connecting outside and in
Many churches are now exploring the possibility of creating a larger lobby or open space, often referred to as a “welcome area.” As the name suggests, these areas provide an inviting entrance, but they can also serve multiple purposes. They are ideal for pre and post service tea and coffee gatherings and can even offer a space where parents with young children can step out of a service temporarily if needed.
Expanding the lobby does not always require extending the building. In many cases, extra space can be created through a simple internal reconfiguration of the front section. However, if you are considering an extension, it presents a great opportunity to enhance the building’s appearance by incorporating glazing, which can create a brighter, more open and visually striking entrance.
Facilities within the building
Newly installed accessible WC
Both the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations require that buildings open to the public include an accessible WC. Part M of the Building Regulations outlines the specific design criteria that must be met to ensure accessibility. Many churches may already have an accessible WC; however, if it was installed many years ago, it may not meet the latest regulatory standards.
It is important for churches to review their facilities and assess whether upgrades are needed to comply with current requirements.
If any significant building work is planned, upgrading the accessible WC to meet current regulations will be a necessary part of the project.
Support available from Church Growth Trust
Newly added ramp and level access
Church Growth Trust (CGT) offer architectural services to independent evangelical churches in providing advice and help with potential building projects, including those to help a building feel more welcoming. These projects can range in scale from modest internal reconfigurations to larger extensions to existing buildings, and Church Growth Trust always seek to work alongside a church to help them find the best approach for their particular circumstances.
CGT can also advise upon what statutory consents may be required for the works proposed, along with providing advice on other relevant matters including Health & Safety relating to building works.
Find out more…
CGT have a variety of ‘Practical Guides’ relating to building projects which you may find useful. These are available as a resource to view and download from the website – go to Practical guides – Church Growth Trust.
If you have any questions about your church property or believe CGT can assist with a building project, please contact CGT’s architect, Jonny Heaney. He will be glad to discuss your project and explore how CGT can help bring your vision to life.
When Atherton Evangelical Church entrusted their building to Church Growth Trust in 2023, their hope was simple but significant: that the property would continue to serve the Gospel for years to come. With a small and ageing congregation, and Pastor Ken Lindsay approaching retirement after over 30 years of faithful service, the church faced an uncertain future.
Around the same time, another local church—New Beginnings, led by Pastor Stan Smith—was experiencing growth and looking for a more permanent home. What began as a rental arrangement between the two churches gradually developed into something much deeper.
As relationships grew, the congregations began sharing meetings and exploring the idea of merging. Church Growth Trust was privileged to walk alongside both churches during this process, offering guidance on key considerations—everything from legal and leadership structures to worship styles and doctrinal alignment.
Building front with the new name
One challenge was choosing a name for the new church that reflected unity without favouring either group. Church Growth Trust encouraged the churches to choose a fresh name that honoured their new beginning together. The result was Grace Church Atherton —a name that beautifully captures the spirit of the merger and the grace required to build something new together.
Since then, Grace Church Atherton has seen new life. An expanded leadership team now includes both pastors, a new elder and two deacons. A monthly men’s breakfast has been launched, along with a growing children’s ministry. One returning visitor remarked how “lovely it is to see young children again.” The congregation now includes three Nigerian families, a lady from Eastern Europe receiving English lessons through the church, and a steadily growing Sunday attendance of 35 to 40 people—up from the original 10 to 15.
Looking back, Pastor Ken reflects:
Walk of Witness, Easter 2025
“Patience! That’s the key, both personally and as a church. You have to be willing to learn and let go.” Pastor Stan agrees: “Taking time to build trust, being open in discussions, and knowing where to seek help have been vital.”
For Church Growth Trust, it has been a joy to support this transition—helping to set up the legal framework for the newly merged church and agree a new lease that reflects their shared future.
Because when churches work together in grace, Gospel ministry can thrive in new and unexpected ways.
CGT explores a new partnership with Historic Chapels Trust to see churches return to historic places of worship.
Church Growth Trust (CGT) is delighted to be exploring a new opportunity with the Historic Chapels Trust (HCT), with a shared vision to see some of the UK’s most treasured and historic chapels returned to their God-given purpose – places of Christian worship.
For many years, HCT has preserved chapels of outstanding architectural and historic importance. These buildings, mostly without active congregations, have often been used for secular purposes or left standing empty. Now, as HCT begins the process of winding down its operations following the loss of core funding, CGT has been invited to consider whether some of these unique properties might once again serve living, worshipping communities.
Eight chapels are currently being considered – from the northern reaches of County Durham to the coastal beauty of Padstow in Cornwall. While some may prove impractical due to their remote settings or the scale of refurbishment required (all are either Grade I or Grade II* listed), CGT is prayerfully assessing each one to see what might be possible.
Giles Arnold, CGT’s Chief Executive, has personally visited all eight sites and says:
Giles Arnold, CGT
“Each of the chapels is different and unique in its own right, often with beautiful architectural features and in stunning locations. Some will be completely impractical for modern church use, but with others we are hopeful that we can find a suitable church and put these properties back into their original use. We are prayerfully considering what the Lord might want us to do to help Historic Chapels Trust and to keep these buildings for the Kingdom.”
At the heart of this partnership is CGT’s ongoing passion – to see church buildings used once again as vibrant spaces where the Gospel is shared, communities are welcomed, and God is glorified.
Burton Sweet, accountants who work with a number of churches and charities, and Woodlands Church Bristol run an annual event for church and charity trustees. This year they asked Giles Arnold, Church Growth Trust’s Chief Executive, to speak on “getting the best from your buildings”. Church Growth Trust (CGT) has considerable knowledge of church buildings; so, this is where Giles focussed his talk.
He spoke about church buildings fitting the God-given vision of the church, secondary uses not detracting from their primary uses, making them suitable for what they are intended to be (being welcoming, modern, cared for and attractive), being compliant with legislation (but not just doing the minimum) and being in good condition (making first impressions count). He managed to pack in several practical tips in the talk; with one delegate stating “It was engaging, fast-paced and covering considerable ground”. Other delegates commented, “It has prompted me to ask more questions about our buildings” and “Giles Arnold’s session on buildings was one of the most relevant to my concerns and I took copious notes!”.
Simon David, one of CGT’s trustees, also attended the event. He and Giles Arnold enjoyed a time after the formal presentations of engaging with individuals who wanted to discuss their particular situations. If you are interested in speaking to CGT about any property issues that you have or would like to see a copy of the notes from the talk, please email Giles Arnold – giles.arnold@churchgrowth.org.uk.
Giles Arnold, Chief Executive of Church Growth Trust, reflects on what truly defines a healthy, growing church. In this thought-provoking article, he shares his response to a question posed by a church leader: What are the two essential elements of a New Testament church?
I was asked recently by one of the leaders of the church that my wife and I are part of what I thought were the two essential elements of a New Testament church. This was in the context of a local church being healthy and growing.
I could have answered by including worship, stressing how important it is for worship to be engaging and vibrant. I could have talked about the prayer life of a church or the importance of handling the Word of God well. And of course, all of these are vitally important ingredients of an evangelical church.
Whether you agree with me or not or whether I am right or not, I found myself saying that the two most important aspects of church are discipleship and being radically different. We are called to make disciples, rather than converts, and I believe that it is vital that we are all discipling others and being discipled ourselves. Discipleship includes all of the above, as we learn to worship God wholeheartedly (because worship is about Him rather than about our preferences), as we grow in our knowledge and love of Him through His word and as we spend time with Him and rely on Him through prayer. But there is far more to being a disciple of Jesus, as we learn to use our gifts within the body, as we enjoy fellowship with our brothers and sisters, as we grow in our faith in an Almighty God and as we delight in the thrill of sharing of our faith with others. We learn that we do not have to do all these things, but that we get to do them. Why would we not want to grow in our relationship with a God who has poured out His life for us?
The reason I think that being radically different is so important, is that this is the fruit and result of our relationship with God and proof of a life that has been transformed by His grace. If we are the same or only slightly different from our neighbours, work colleagues or family who do not yet believe, how are they going to see that Jesus is worth following, be challenged to consider that Jesus is the way the truth and the life, or even ask us to explain the reason “for the hope that we have”.
Being radically different will look different for each of us, but could include demonstrating love even after we have been hurt, being available even when it is inconvenient, opening up and sharing your home with others, being prepared to look weird by sharing a word that you sense the Holy Spirit has given you for someone else (even a stranger).
Jesus said they would know that you are my disciples by the love that you have for each other. Is our love for our brothers and sisters so radically different from the world’s idea of love that people notice the difference? Do we mix with people that the world would not want to associate with? Do we forgive when we are hurt? Do we share our time, our food, our lawnmower, our car, our finances and our lives with each other? How radical are you prepared to be for the Gospel to be real?
As Easter approaches, the spirit of renewal and celebration fills the air! At Church Growth Trust, we have gathered some of the best Easter materials to inspire and equip your church this season. We hope this selection of resources helps you plan your Easter activities—whether for services, outreach, or personal reflection.
Wishing you a blessed and joy-filled Easter celebration!
Free download from Scripture Union – Easter Alive
Scripture Union’s Easter Alive is a free downloadable pack filled with engaging activities, reflections, and resources to help share the Easter message. Ideal for churches, small groups, or personal study. Download here – Easter Alive | Scripture Union
CCLI – Songs, visuals & more
CCLI provides a wealth of Easter-themed worship resources, including song lyrics, music sheets, and visuals to enhance your Easter services. Churches with a CCLI license can log in to access free materials for their Easter gatherings. Explore here – CCLI® – Licensing and solutions for your church [UK]
Book suggestions for Easter – 10ofThose
Looking for great Easter reading? 10ofThose offers a fantastic selection of books for all ages, from children’s storybooks to in-depth theological reflections on the cross and resurrection. Browse books – Easter | 10ofThose
Safer Places of Worship – Helpful Easter Resources
For churches wanting to ensure their spaces are safe, welcoming, and accessible, Safer Places of Worship provides useful guidance and resources. Their materials can help you prepare for Easter services and outreach events with confidence. Find out more – Church activities & outreach – Safer Places of Worship
The Lent Encounter – Bible Society
Prepare for Easter with The Lent Encounter, a daily devotional journey from the Bible Society. These free reflections, videos, and prayers will help you focus on the meaning of Easter during Lent. Sign up here – The Lent Encounter
Spring Harvest Home is back for 2025!
Can’t make it to Spring Harvest in person? Spring Harvest Home is returning, giving you access to their Easter-themed worship, teaching, and seminars online—perfect for churches, small groups, or personal inspiration. Watch from home – Spring Harvest Home is BACK for 2025!
Give Easter eggs with meaning
Out of the 80 million Easter eggs sold in the UK every year, The Real Easter Egg from The Meaningful Chocolate Company is the only one that includes an Easter storybook, is made with Fairtrade chocolate, and supports charitable projects. A delicious and meaningful way to share the Easter message! Order here – The Meaningful Chocolate Company
What do you do when you feel God calling you to move but you have no idea to where? In 2021, Matthew Henry felt convicted to pioneer a new church and so put his faith in God to direct him.
‘Try Bradford,’ suggested his pastor at the Potter’s Church in Harrow. So, Matthew, his wife Liz, and their three children duly went there, but they felt no conviction. However, while driving into Wakefield, they felt God’s peace and found a vacant building in South Elmsall on the outskirts of the town, which they rented from Church Growth Trust.
The church building, South Elmsall, Pontefract
The new church opened on 9th January 2022. From a tiny handful of people, the congregation has grown to around sixty people on Sunday mornings and around forty on Sunday evenings and at Wednesday Bible Study. South Elmsall was a mining village and many of the local families have lived there for generations. A lack of ambition, apathy and disaffection are common. Matthew addressed it head on.
‘I run men’s discipleship classes, explaining that all the men Jesus called were at work at the time. We have seen quite a few people come off benefits and begin to support themselves. One of our original members started her own business and she testified about her new ambition and success. What you celebrate, you cement.’
Street evangelism
But it is taking the Gospel out on to the streets which has caused the congregation to grow so quickly and organically. On Saturdays, a group of church members pray then walk out with flyers and start conversations. Around 75% of the membership came to faith because of this evangelistic outreach.
‘Sometimes we go into the centre of Wakefield. We sing a worship song, then someone gives a testimony, then we sing again. People are fascinated and want to know more. We met a guy on the street last year who was a Freemason suffering with alcohol and drug abuse. He found Jesus, was healed and his life transformed.’
In the last three years, the street evangelism has brought in so many new followers of Jesus that the church is moving. They have very fond memories of their time at the former chapel. ‘It has been magnificent. If we could, we would extend it and stay here. It has served us very well.’
Youth ministry
In just three years, the Potter’s House has amassed some truly inspirational stories. A woman who recently found Jesus told Matthew her experience.
‘You handed me a flyer for the concert just before the church opened. I stuck it in my kitchen drawer and forgot about it. Then we had the kitchen replaced and everything got thrown away. At the beginning of the year, I began to feel that I needed to repent and go to church. I tried three different churches but they were all closed. I remembered the flyer and prayed that I would find it, although I knew it had been discarded. I looked in the drawer and there it was, scrunched up with only the address left. I decided to attend the Wednesday Bible Study. I put the address in my satnav but ended up at a house. I knocked and the guy who answered put on his coat and shoes and took me to the church. We both found Jesus that night! Our lives have been transformed.’ As they move into a bigger building, Matthew has some good advice for churches who want to work on their evangelising.
‘Take the gospel outside your four walls. You will be surprised how many people are open to faith but do not know where to go.’
Church leaders bear a tremendous responsibility for the safety of their congregation and community. One of the most critical areas of compliance is ensuring that the church building is safe from fire.
Watch our latest video from our Property Manager, Jonathan Bennett, as he explains the latest changes to UK legislation and how they may affect your church.
Need more information?
You can access more detailed advice in our online ‘Practical Guide’ where you will find out about:
· Why you need a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
· What an FRA report is and who should compile one
