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?

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. 

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 new church opened on 9^th 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.’

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.’

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.’

An update from our Chief Executive

For most churches, a major building project truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It is rare for something like this to happen more than once in a generation. Whether it is a new building or a significant extension, these projects are often the largest financial commitment, the most complex undertaking, and the highest-risk venture a church will ever face. 

Because it is such a rare experience, most churches do not have members with first-hand knowledge of how to manage such a project. This means they are stepping into unknown territory, having to navigate challenges, learn new skills, and make critical decisions – all while trying to make the most of this God-given opportunity. 

This is why I believe it is absolutely vital to work with an architect who not only understands church buildings but also knows how churches operate and, most importantly, shares your vision. Churches use their buildings in a completely different way compared to businesses, residential spaces, or even community centres. A church building must be a place for worship and devotional activities, but it also needs to support outreach and connect with the wider community. To meet all these needs, flexibility is key. 

There are also plenty of hurdles to overcome when it comes to completing a building project. You will need to secure planning permission and comply with Building Regulations, which cover things like disability access and fire safety. On top of that, health and safety requirements must be met. 

This is where having an experienced architect and other professionals who understand church property is so invaluable. They can guide you through every step of the journey, from identifying your needs and designing the building to securing permissions, obtaining contractor quotes, and managing the actual construction. Having someone who can help you think through each stage, make prayerful decisions, and tackle challenges – particularly around budget and project size – can make all the difference. And, most importantly, they can walk alongside you in faith as you bring the project to fruition. 

This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about my role at Church Growth Trust. I love seeing how we can inspire and practically support not only the churches that occupy our buildings but also other church clients with their building projects. Because we deal with church buildings every day, we have learned what works and what does not. And because we share a deep passion for worshipping God and seeing people come to know Him, we understand what churches need to fulfil their God-given missions. 

It is such a privilege to work alongside churches and watch their God-inspired dreams become reality. I feel truly blessed that, through His grace, we at Church Growth Trust are equipped to play our part in building up the Body of Christ. Your once in a lifetime project does not have to be quite so scary when you have others with experience walking with you. 

Need some advice? 

If your church is starting a building project, you do not have to face it alone. Church Growth Trust is here to guide you. We can help with planning, design, meeting regulations, to help bring your God-given vision to life. 

Visit www.churchgrowth.org.uk or contact:

Jonny Heaney, CGT Architect:

Email: jonny.heaney@churchgrowth.org.uk 

Church Growth Trust (CGT) were gifted Clarence Road Evangelical Church, East Cowes on the Isle of Wight five years ago and have worked closely with the church to make improvements to the building. When Giles Arnold, CGT’s Chief Executive, met with the church in 2018 he was impressed with their level of faith in God and His provision. Even though they were not large in numbers or a wealthy congregation, they believed that God would provide for them with the work that was required to the property.

Peter and Sue Young from the church also speak of that first meeting, “We were inspired by Giles’ enthusiasm and him seeing that mustard seed of faith in us. The combination of his spiritual insight and practical approach to the project made it seem possible that it could actually happen. And here we are a few years later with it completed and the building transformed. We are so grateful to God for Church Growth Trust, as we do not think the project would have happened without them.”

The current project began with a need for wheelchair access and an improved entrance. When Giles first visited, he faced a challenging problem with no simple solution. Together with John Quinlan, a consultant architect working with CGT, they determined that the best approach was to create access partway up the hill, allowing entry to the meeting hall at the correct level. While providing full wheelchair access throughout the building was too expensive, they developed a more affordable plan focusing on the hall and entrance area.

Funds for the project have come from sacrificial giving within the fellowship, help with architectural fees from Church Growth Trust and two sizeable grants from a closed Gospel Hall and another Christian charity. The unexpected timing and generosity of these has been such a blessing to the church.

Five years of planning

After five years of planning, the project is now complete. The building now has a welcoming, level entrance, fully accessible restrooms, and a new kitchen for the main meeting and worship area. Improvements also include better lighting, insulation, and new carpeting in the worship space. Essential repairs have also been made to the back, three-story section of the building.

The building has been completely transformed. The steep steps from the street were replaced with a gently sloped side entrance, and all main facilities—lobby, kitchen, restrooms, and worship area—are now on a single level. The space is now fully accessible, more welcoming, attractive, and comfortable, making it ideal for modern church needs. This renovation has breathed new life into the building, giving the church better facilities to reach the town with the Gospel.

Sue Young shared, “I love that we have a worship area without holes in the floor! And now we have hot water in the kitchen and bathrooms. These small things make all the difference.”

The church is already seeing some positive outcomes of the alterations to the building. The second weekend after the works were finished a lady came to the building in her wheelchair. She would not have been able to attend the worship meeting in the past, due to the steep steps, but was now able to come into the new entrance with ease. The following week she brought her daughter and now her granddaughter and great grandchildren are also attending the church meetings regularly! This is a direct result of making the building accessible.

Having seen the building transformed, and God’s provision for this, has built the level of faith with the church. This is helping them be more confident about sharing their faith with others and believing that God will grow His Church in East Cowes. Not only has the building been revitalised, but the church is expectant of God doing the same with them. Giles Arnold again, “We are so delighted that the church building has been transformed and that the facilities are now much better for the church to use for their meetings and outreach. It has been such a privilege to work with the church over the last few years, to see their faith rewarded and their faith grown. I know they are expecting God to not only provide for them with the building project, but also with growing His Church. I can’t wait to hear the next part of this story.”