Foundations Magazine - Spring 2023 edition

FOUNDATIONS

SUPPORTING KINGDOM BUILDING

TRANSFORMING BUILDINGS

Also in this issue:

WHEN GOD CALLS

PRAYING FOR GOD’S WISDOM

DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO COUNT THE COST

FOUNDATIONS

Change is inevitable, but most of us do not like it! Through experience, I know those who acknowledge this fact and cope with change will survive. But those who can seek out change and embrace it will thrive.

This summer for me is going to be full of changes. My daughter is getting married, we are selling our house and moving to Dorset to look after my parents, managing a building project for our new home and adjusting my role as Chief Executive of Church Growth Trust to part-time from September. Knowing this was going to be stressful I decided to have a two-day retreat in February to seek the Lord’s perspective. He, as always, was very gracious and showed me what I need to do. More importantly, He has showed me where attitudes need to shift for me to cope with the changes. Above all, He has given me a new joy in this!

Changes must happen in our churches for us to not only survive, but also grow and thrive. We do not compromise the Gospel, but we do change the way we present it, to ensure it is relevant and accessible for those we are called to reach. It is great to see so many of our occupying fellowships adapting to the new norm, looking afresh at their vision, their leadership and their ways of discipling and outreach; embracing change to become more effective.

I am also aware of churches that are now recognising that they will no longer be in existence in a few years’ time unless something changes. This might mean finding another church to come alongside them to help with leadership or resources, to merge with, or to act as the senior partner (“takeover”). Church Growth Trust (CGT) and our sister organisations can help with this.

Also, where an assembly is considering closing, this change can be embraced if the fellowship knows that they are passing on the baton to the next generation and their building will continue in Gospel use. Again, this is where CGT can help. It is one of my greatest joys to see the burden lifted from those who have served faithfully over the years and know it is time for a change and for others to continue the race.

My prayer is for you to know the joy of the Lord and that this is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10) in the months and years ahead.

Yours in His service

Giles Arnold, Chief Executive of Church Growth Trust

Transforming buildings

The seaside town of Hastings sits on the south coast of England in East Sussex, its shingle and sand beaches washed by the English Channel and its buildings tumbling down towards the seafront on a series of low hills. A medieval Cinque Port, it became popular with tourists in the nineteenth century, and today still draws much of its income from visitors. Unusually for these times, it has the largest beach-based fishing fleet in the UK.

The town has many beautiful buildings in a mix of architectural styles and periods, but one of the most imposing is the

mid-Victorian Holy Trinity church building designed in the Gothic Revival style so popular in the nineteenth century. With a town centre location, the ornate exterior and opulent interior so typical of its architect, Samuel Sanders Teulon, and its Grade II listing, when structural changes need to be made, many challenges present themselves. This is now occupied by a Holy Trinity Brompton church plant, which is growing fast. However, its work from the building is limited by these challenges.

Round the corner from this another midVictorian building of architectural interest,

but thankfully not listed, is The Tabernacle. Church Growth Trust (CGT) were gifted this property in 2018 by the outgoing congregation and The Tabernacle is proving to be the answer to Holy Trinity Hastings’ prayers. Jonny Heaney, CGT’s architect, takes up the story.

“We knew that we would have to carry out works at this building to provide better access for people with disabilities. My predecessor at CGT produced a set of drawings around the beautiful front entrance porch. She faced several challenges, as this part of the building is architecturally important and we had to make sure the design was sensitive to that. Given the constraints of existing levels and limited space at the front, it would not have been possible to create a ramp through the front of the porch that complied with Building Regulations. We decided that a side entrance, with the shallow ramp running in through the side of the arch in the porch, was the most appropriate way to carry out the work. Keeping the planners happy was quite a tricky job, but working closely with them and the church, we feel happy that the building is now accessible and secured for the future.”

Holy Trinity Hastings (HTH) took on the tenancy of The Tabernacle, primarily to house their children’s and youth work having not been able to adapt their main building for this. They have refurbished the basement, put in a kitchen and café area and redecorated the main hall. CGT have installed an accessible WC, as well as the new ramp to ensure it is compliant with disability legislation.

Edward Gosnell is responsible for all of HTH’s buildings.

Drawing of proposed ramp

Edward Gosnell and new ramp

Before ramp

“The work has presented quite a challenge. Post-Covid, many builders have struggled with recruiting a workforce and sourcing materials; ours was no exception. The job has taken longer than forecast as complications arose in the main hall necessitating the removal of large areas of Victorian plasterwork which had been dropping on us from above the false ceiling. However, working with Jonny has been amazing. He takes a great deal of trouble to make sure that everything runs smoothly, has visited us to keep an eye on the progress of the work and checks in with the builders on a regular basis. The design for the ramp is very much in keeping with the rest of the building. If anything, it has enhanced the look of it.”

Since HTH moved into the building, their numbers have been growing steadily. Their basement, with the original Victorian bricks, now sandblasted and cleaned, is an inviting and airy space. It is used not only for the children’s and youth work but by a number of people from the ever-growing Ukrainian community in the town, who use it to meet every week. Now the ramp, and the accessible WC are complete and in use, the entire building is accessible to everyone and fully compliant with the Equality Act. Edward is excited about the future.

“Now we have the main hall back and refurbished, we hope to be able to restore activities there with youth and kids work while also using it, as in the past, for courses such as Alpha. When the work is completed, our second Victorian building will be fit for purpose for many years to come and will continue to offer a warm, safe, engaging and compliant space to the people of Hastings.”

“As Edward says, this was a much longer and more complex piece of work than we were expecting. The congregation of the outgoing assembly made a generous restricted gift towards the installation of the ramp, for which we were enormously grateful. We always planned to put in an accessible WC and now the ramp is in place this will be fully used. The complexity of working with a Victorian building and the challenges presented by its layout meant the siting of the ramp required an imaginative yet simple solution. Additionally, it was difficult to find an engineer qualified to assess

John Duffield is the Property Manager at CGT and oversees the letting of the building.

...and after

The basement before refurbishment...

the work needed to install it. It was also problematic finding an available builder also within budget. Before the works began, a flat roof to the rear of the building began leaking and had to be mended. However, there was good news to come from this tough situation. Holy Trinity did a wonderful job of refurbishing and redecorating the basement and recarpeting and redecorating the ground floor. Their investment has led to Hastings having a fully compliant and completely refurbished landmark building at its heart. While the project had several difficult hurdles to overcome, there was mutual professional respect throughout. CGT and Holy Trinity have worked well together to deal with these challenges, finding effective answers to a myriad of questions.”

Giles Arnold, CGT’s Chief Executive, has the final word on the latest work at The Tabernacle.

“I had worked for a number of years with the former pastor of the church, Barry Osborne, who was still a trustee of the property trust. We thought the church would continue in the building, but soon after the decision to gift the property to CGT the elders felt it was time to close. We then looked for another church to occupy the building. Holy Trinity Hastings were growing fast and because of space constraints in their building, they were searching for a place to run their children’s and youth work. We knew that the building did not meet compliance regulations. Fortunately, on either side of the porch was a gap of approximately one metre between the building and the pavement over the basement, which meant we could run a ramp along the front of the building and bring it through the railings.

This well considered design was sensitive to the architecturally important building, preserving the look of the front porch in particular and making good use of spare space. As always, Jonny worked closely with the church, taking their activities and vision into account. As John says, HTH have carried out a comprehensive programme of redecoration and refurbishment and we are all delighted with the result. CGT’s vision has always been to partner with churches in the Gospel and to help make their buildings fit for their God-given purpose.”

Church Growth Trust exists to help churches thrive and succeed in their mission work in their communities. Working in partnership with them, the aim is to ensure that church buildings continue to be used for the preaching of the Gospel and the sharing of the good news of Christ. CGT loves to see them fit for purpose and ready for the next generation, just as The Tabernacle now is.

By Ruth Leigh

Thanks to Ruth Leigh for writing this article. Ruth is a freelance writer and published author who works with a number of Christian charities

When God calls

Four stories of building projects

One service that Church Growth Trust provides to evangelical churches and charities is assisting and advising with building projects. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) lays out six key steps when considering any kind of construction work, including preparation and briefing, concept design, spatial co-ordination, technical design, manufacturing and construction, and handover. Church Growth Trust (CGT) works closely with clients and occupying churches to ensure that building work is carried out to the highest possible standards. CGT has worked with many different churches through each stage of a building project. Here we share the stories of four of these projects.

Ten years ago, Terry and Margaret Wilkes answered God’s calling and opened the doors of the Windmill Community Church in Wolverhampton. In 2018/19, they worked with CGT to restore a derelict church building in Finchfield and by 2020, an extension was needed. Later Terry spoke to the local authority and found a redundant youth centre in the Compton district that needed a great deal of work. Having received an unmistakeable call from God, Terry knew what to do next.

“God called us to plant three churches in Wolverhampton. The first was Finchfield and in July 2022, we secured a 100-year lease on the old Henwood youth centre. Working closely with Jonny Heaney, CGT’s wonderful architect, we have completely restored it and made it fit for purpose. There is now a fitted kitchen, toilets (including accessible ones) and window security shutters. We plan to resurface outside and construct a car park with accessible parking and we cannot wait to open in spring. We could not have achieved these projects without CGT. We know that God has a third plant in mind somewhere in Wolverhampton, but for now, we are concentrating on our new building reaching out into the community.”

Windmill Community Church, Wolverhampton

In Wood Green 18 years ago, Grace Baptist Church began to lease Alexandra Hall. Barry King was the pastor at that time. “The building is Victorian and served us well for many years. Originally, we hired it for training courses for church planters and evangelists, day conferences and joint prayer meetings. However, we wanted more flexibility with the building to accommodate other events such as toddler groups and a drop-in centre for local Albanian speakers. Our original plan involved adding a first floor residential flat and a ground floor extension. CGT obtained planning permission, but the costs were unfeasibly high. Jonny Heaney of CGT drew up a revised plan, taking out the flat and, bearing in mind that we were quite tight on space, giving us an extension with a new meeting room, kitchen and accessible toilet. We are delighted that it will be ready by spring this year.”

Wood Green is a vibrant mix both economically and socially. The London

Borough of Haringey, of which it is a part is the most ethnically and culturally diverse borough in Greater London. Green Lanes runs through it like a dividing line, with social deprivation increasing on the east side towards Tottenham while to the west it is more affluent.

Ryan King has been pastor of Grace Baptist Church for the past 10 years. “We want to serve our community,” he says. “Wood Green is densely populated, diverse in every way, and an area of significant deprivation. There are also between 150 and 300 languages represented in our local schools and there are real people with real problems all around us. Our Albanian community is growing and we are delighted to be able to use the hall for an Albanian language worship service every week. It is hoped that the new extension will help us serve more people and that together with other renovations, the building will be fit for purpose as we look to the future with God’s grace.”

Barry adds, “We have been delighted with CGT’s professionalism and Christian ethos. For them, it is not just bricks and mortar, but

Toddler group at Alexandra Hall, Wood Green

Work inside Henwood Youth Centre

Albanian language worship at Wood Green

about the spiritual concern and interests of those with whom they work.”

Giles Arnold, Chief Executive at CGT, has been closely involved with the project. “At Wood Green, we were able to recommend the wonderful Christian builders from Romania with whom we worked at Roe Green Hall, Kingsbury and they did a marvellous job. As Barry and Ryan have said, the planning took longer than expected, but the additional time allowed us to reconsider our priorities. We focussed on building an extension at the back to create a muchneeded extra meeting room. As with so many things, we could see God working all things together for good.”

Potter’s House Church has occupied CGT’s Coleman Street Chapel in Southend since 2015. When the church moved in from another of CGT’s buildings, they installed a temporary accessible ramp for disabled access. However, as Jonny Heaney notes, more work needed to be done to make the building fit for purpose.

area and new internal stairs to the gallery has made a huge difference and are really benefiting the church.”

“There were several challenges with this building. Located on a residential street near the town centre, space was tight. We had to design a dog-leg ramp to meet Building Regulations. We also had to work out a way to construct a new staircase up to the gallery, as the old one was very narrow and went outside! We wanted to transform the entrance and add an accessible WC at the front. The glass door, larger welcome

Steve Gabriel was the pastor at Potter’s House Southend while the work was going on. “Our first idea was to put offices in the gallery on the first floor. The original architect and structural engineer advised us that steel supports and new foundations would be needed, causing estimates to soar in price. We decided not to go ahead with the offices and when Jonny came on board, he was extremely helpful and kept on top of everything. He never cut corners, had a keen eye for detail and kept the contractors on their toes. Our church doors were black, rather forbidding and looked as though they came from a workhouse. Now we have attractive glass doors with modern handles and an accessible WC at the front of the building. Having a modern, accessible building really is a feather in our cap. When a wheelchair user visits the church, we do not have to worry about their safety or our compliance. The chapel has been transformed.”

New Life Church in Emerson Park began to rent their building from CGT in 2016 and, like Potter’s House, are on a residential estate. Post-pandemic, team leaders Ernest and Wola Akwenuke have been delighted to see their attendance on Sundays grow to around 20 most weeks. CGT has just completed a refurbishment of their hall.

Ramp at Southend

New entrance at Southend

“The building looked shabby and uninviting and since it faced out on to the main road, we wanted to make sure that passers-by would find it more attractive and welcoming. CGT set up a new lease with us and organised all the work to the building last year. We now use the space for children’s work, mental health support, tutoring and our neighbourhood chaplains’ programme. The brief was to make the space clean, welcoming and attractive. So, CGT added a new door to the entrance, double-glazed dark-grey framed windows, painted the exterior in a fresh off-white, replaced the old fascias and soffits with white uPVC and laid new vinyl flooring in the WC and kitchen. Since then, we have received emails from local churches remarking on the transformation, we have watched people walk past and stare, and we have been approached by groups wanting to hire it. We are praying through what we can offer and how we can open doors into our community.”

Working with Jonny and CGT has been an entirely positive experience for Ernest and Wola.

“We could not have asked for a better partner than CGT. Jonny gave us such helpful advice and explained everything as we went along. His professionalism and expertise were invaluable. The contractor discovered that our electrics were in a poor state, and they now meet the current regulations. We know that our building looks attractive, inviting and is safe and compliant. We run a children’s play and craft day, we are getting to know parents and families in our neighbourhood and answering when God calls.”

Giles Arnold again, “At Emerson Park, we were able to put Ernest in touch with our partners at Counties and Partnership to help them grow as a church. We applied for two grants to help with the costs of the work and obtained the Charity Commission’s approval to use funds from another Trust to pay most of the costs. We are delighted that the building is more attractive and welcoming, which is benefiting the work of the church. To see the congregation growing and hear that the community is engaging so much more with the church is wonderful.”

Church Growth Trust is all about safeguarding buildings for Gospel use in the future and making them fit for their Godgiven purposes. CGT loves to see healthy, growing churches sharing the news of Jesus Christ with their communities, as all four of these churches are doing.

If your church is considering a building project of any kind, you may find CGT’s booklet “Your Guide to Church Growth Trust’s Architectural Services and RIBA Workstages” useful, as it helps you think through what would be involved in your project. It can be accessed on the CGT website, or you can request a paper copy by emailing

enquiries@churchgrowth.org.uk.

Emerson Park Evangelical Church, Hornchurch - old and new frontage

Church Growth Trust (CGT) moved to the present offices six years ago and has just agreed to a renewal of the lease for a further year. This will give the team time to work out what is needed for the next step of the journey as the CGT team continues to grow.

Since taking on the lease in 2017, CGT has grown from a team of five to a team of nine and has reached capacity for the space. As Giles Arnold, CGT’s Chief Executive, says, “We moved from our previous office because we were taking on a Property Manager and could not physically fit into the old space. The new office, a converted barn, provided ample space to grow, so we did not envisage being at capacity again within six years! But this is a great problem to have. We are taking on more staff so we can offer better services to our

occupying churches and clients. Our entire leadership team is excited to continue to build and grow in a way that ensures church properties continue in Gospel use for the future.”

Gary Anderson

The two most recent additions to the team are Gary Anderson, as CGT’s Building Surveyor, and Sharon Short, CGT’s Communications Manager. Gary is working for three days per week helping Jonny Heaney,

Praying for God’s wisdom as the ministry continues to grow

CGT’s Architect, with the many building projects he manages. He also conducts condition surveys in both newly owned and existing CGT properties. CGT is now providing this service as part of its standard tenancy agreement to help occupying churches manage building repairs and to keep up to date with compliance issues relating to the use of the building. It fulfils CGT’s aim to ensure its buildings are as fit as possible for their God-given purpose. Previously, occupying churches were required to carry out a condition survey in the fourth year of their tenancy, but many simply forgot or did not have the expertise to do so. By CGT taking this responsibility the church benefits from CGT’s experience of church buildings. With a consistent approach to all its properties, CGT works closely with the occupying churches to prioritise, organise, resource and fund the work required.

trusting relationships with independent evangelical churches across the UK and make them aware of CGT’s services. This is particularly important when we are trying to ensure that independent evangelical church properties are safeguarded for future Gospel use. Sharon will be spending half of her time speaking with churches across the country to find out how they are doing, what help they might need and making sure CGT stays connected with the right people. As Sharon says, “We know many churches are struggling to find the help they need and we want to make sure they are aware of the services that we provide, so we can help them in the most effective way. We love building relationships that last for years, so churches know where to turn when they need support.”

Sharon Short

Sharon Short has been helping CGT as a consultant for the last few years and is now working for two days per week to build good

As Giles Arnold says, “It is exciting to have Gary and Sharon onboard and to see the impact they are already making within our team and with churches. We are praying for wisdom to know what office accommodation we need that will allow for both the expanding team and to help us improve on the services we are able to bless churches with.”

Church Growth Trust Meet the team

2010

Staff team of two (General Manager & Office Administrator)

2013

Staff team of three (General Manager, Office Administrator, Architect)

Gary Anderson, Building Surveyor

Gary.anderson@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 647505

2015

Staff team of four (General Manager, Office Administrator, Architect, Operations Manager)

Mob: 07729 082 500

Gary delivers a broad range of surveying and project management services to independent evangelical churches across the UK with particular focus on condition surveys.

Giles Arnold, Chief Executive

Giles.arnold@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 647164 Mob: 07721 666 660

Giles leads Church Growth Trust (CGT) with the expansion of its work and to fulfil its vision, mission and strategic objectives with promoting CGT’s trusteeship services to independent church property trustees.

Carol Brown, Administration Assistant

Carol.brown@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 201339

Carol provides regular office administrative support with specific focus on preparing documents for CGT’s DocSafe service. Carol also keeps the CGT offices clean.

John Duffield, Property Manager

John.duffield@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 647163

Mob: 07729 082 502

John takes day to day responsibility for managing CGT’s church properties and partnering with the occupying churches in their Gospel work.

Mandy Harris, Office Administrator

Mandy.harris@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 647160

Mandy provides ongoing administrative support to the work of CGT, ensuring the office functions efficiently, with a significant responsibility in finance administration.

2017

Staff team of six (General Manager, Office Administrator, Architect, Operations Manager, Property Manager, Cleaner)

2019

Staff team of seven (Chief Executive, Office Administrator, Architect, Operations Director, Property Manager, Property Administrator, Administration Assistant)

2022

Staff team of nine (Chief Executive, Office Administrator, Architect, Operations Director, Property Manager, Property Administrator, Administration Assistant, Building Surveyor, Communications Manager)

Jonny Heaney, Architect

Jonny.heaney@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 647162 Mob: 07729 082 501

Jonny provides design and surveying services to CGT’s own occupying churches and clients to assist churches to achieve growth and make best use of their resources. The range of work is from small alterations to major building projects to transform church properties.

Elaine Roberts, Property Administrator

Elaine.roberts@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 647165

Elaine provides ongoing administrative support for CGT’s property management services and is the champion for maintaining the records that assist CGT’s objective to make church properties fit for their God given purpose.

Sharon Short, Communications Manager

Sharon.short@churchgrowth.org.uk Tel: 01536 647506

Sharon develops CGT’s range of communications, to build relationships with independent evangelical churches across the UK and make them aware of CGT’s services.

Garryl Willis, Operations Director

Garryl.willis@churchgrowth.org.uk

Tel: 01536 647161

Garryl provides ongoing support in delivering the strategic goals that promote CGT’s growth, as well as increasing CGT’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Meet Church Growth Trust’s trustee

Richard Jones

What was your understanding and knowledge of the work of Church Growth Trust before you were approached to consider becoming a trustee?

I was aware of CGT through the various magazines received at church but had little idea of the expertise, depth and extent of the work.

Being one of the newer trustees how did you feel joining an already established trustee team?

I was immediately struck by a lovely balance of being welcomed as a brother in Christ, a humble and prayerful approach to the work combined with excellence and professionalism.

Since becoming a trustee what skills have you brought to the team?

I am a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and have over 30 years of experience in the construction industry specialising in school buildings. I have also been an elder and trustee of a local church for 20 years and recently stepped down. CGT has been such a blessing that it feels that they have brought more of the skills to me than the other way around!

How would you summarise the work of CGT?

CGT is a great supportive service to churches. Property related matters from statutory compliance testing and maintenance to building projects and land and legal matters are key strengths. However, it is the ability to enable churches to grow that is what it’s all about. CGT’s connection with other sister organisations such as Counties, GLO and Echoes International can really help

strengthen and revitalise the local church too.

Excellence is a core value of CGT; how do you see this displayed in the work from your perspective as a trustee?

Excellence was what I saw from the beginning, through the quality of the people, detailed information and in the timely manner the organisation functioned. But it was not just the excellence in business terms that I saw; it was the way that CGT wanted to honour the Lord Jesus Christ in all it did that shone through.

How do you see the work of CGT developing over the next few years?

I would love to see dozens more churches engage with CGT each year and benefit from the support that is on offer. It is an ideal opportunity for a church to use a very cost-effective service that gives assurance to property matters while supporting its local mission within the great commission. Hearing more stories of how churches are growing will be a great encouragement not just to CGT but also to other churches too.

How do you balance the responsibility of a trustee with other commitments you have?

I have laid down some of my responsibilities to help with the work of CGT and my employer has been flexible in enabling me to attend meetings, so I have been able to balance the time overall. There is clearly a time commitment, but it is offset by the joy

and experience of working with brothers and sisters in Christ at CGT, knowing we are helping to support churches in their mission.

How important is your faith in helping you fulfil your role as a CGT trustee?

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is of key importance. Seeing how the work of CGT is grounded in scripture and prayer brings assurance in the knowledge that the Lord’s hand directs the work. There have been times that CGT has stepped out in faith in its decision making and in showing generosity to others. Looking back and hearing stories of church growth spurs me on.

Discipleship A CALL TO COUNT THE COST

Every Christian is called to a clear and dedicated life of discipleship, whatever the personal cost may be. The call to discipleship is a call to self-denial, to surrender all. Noted German evangelist and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, follower of Christ during Nazi Germany, said in his book The Cost of Discipleship: ‘When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die’.

Jesus was so plain speaking about the cost of discipleship and its demands that many of His initial enthusiastic followers, having considered the cost, walked with Him no more. Jesus exemplified for us this self-denial from an early age when searched for in the temple by His parents, His response to their rebuke was ‘didn’t you know I would be about my father’s business’ (Luke 2:49). At the end of His earthly ministry battling in the Garden

By Beverley Bedford

Beverley Bedford has worked as a nurse and part time Counties

evangelist but has recently been appointed as Counties training officer and manages the training programmes.

of Gethsemane He prays to His Father, ‘not my will but yours be done’ (Luke 22:42). Jesus’ life was a surrendered life from start to finish; totally laid down for God’s purposes and plans.

I confess growing up in Northern Ireland shaped a negative view of the word surrender in my mind and heart. The word surrender culturally was often viewed as defeat, where

you had fought something or someone better or stronger than you and, if they ultimately won, then you might forfeit your freedom and independence. Yet the Bible teaches that the surrendered life is where liberty truly lies; when you recognise a better strength, a better way to live. To surrender to God is to acknowledge that His way is the better and best way and the pathway to true freedom and is the most positive choice for your life.

So, the nature of true discipleship is a call to self-denial and a surrendered life. It is the process of coming to the end of ourselves, laying our lives down to pick up the life of Jesus. Martin Luther used a Latin phrase to describe the state of a person without the life of God. Luther said that person is incurvatus meaning bent inward into oneself. Surrender calls us to face our pride and ego and say I need God’s grace, strength and help to live well and for eternity. If all I have is me, I will not make it.

Discipleship is a call to count the cost; it is learning to live a surrendered life. Jesus said ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it’ (Matthew 16:24,25).

• To deny ourselves is to lay down our own lives knowing we cannot fulfil God’s purposes while focusing on our own plans.

• To take up our cross is to be willing to identified with Jesus and His sufferings.

Here lies the challenge, if Christ was living your life what might it look like? Paul knew that he was crucified with Christ, that he no longer lived but Christ lived in him (Galatians 2:20).

• To follow Jesus is to walk in close proximity to Him. It is living with Jesus at the centre of your life, making what He wants the priority of your life.

Paul pleads with the Roman Christians in most striking terms, ‘I appeal to you therefore

brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship’ (Romans 12:1,2). The picture here is that of the Hebrew worshipper bringing the lamb for a sacrifice. When the priest lifts the lamb on to the altar, the worshipper knows that he will never get his offering back again. To lose our lives is to say my old life is finished; the person that used to be is no more. Yet let us not forget in losing our lives we find them. It is our willingness to die that opens the door to LIFE in Jesus.

The surrender of ourselves to God means that our longings, our rights, our plans, our ambitions, our desires, our affections, our will, our choices, our hearts, our minds, and our emotions all must be fully and finally surrendered to Jesus. At the cross we are invited to lay down our broken lives and take up the abundant life of Christ, identify ourselves with the crucified one and live as a sacrificial cross-shaped follower.

William McDonald in his marvellous little book ‘True Discipleship’ has a chapter on commitment. He says, ‘Surrender must be everything or nothing. There can be no half-hearted allegiance, no divided loyalty. Therefore, no person should consider discipleship if they are not prepared to be fully yielded to Him. Yielding all is not giving everything to God but taking our hands off what already belongs to Him’.

Jonathan Edwards’ words stir my heart, ‘I have this day been before God and have given myself – all that I have and am - to God, so that I am in no respect my own. I have given myself clean away’.

John Wesley, when asked what he would do if he knew Jesus Christ was coming that day outlined his itinerary and then stated, ‘I wouldn’t change my programme’. Wesley had no last accounts to settle. Everything given over, everything in order.

Oh, that God would give us more of this consecrated attitude and spirit. Is your life yielded? Are you utterly His? Is He Lord of all? God waits for your wholehearted consecration. Are we living this and expecting this of those we are discipling in our churches?

Over the last year or so Church Growth Trust (CGT) has been gifted or appointed sole trustee of 12 different properties and every one is unique. This makes life interesting as different situations often bring unique challenges.

The challenge might be the condition of the property. This was the case with West Street Gospel Hall, Hucknall, a “temporary” building that has a lot of asbestos, including guttering that is literally falling off the building, singleglazed metal windows that are at the end of their life and electrics that may need some major work. With the assembly closing at the time that the property was gifted to CGT, finding a new church tenant that is willing to work with CGT on the repairs, as well as the compliance issues with the property, has been difficult. The Lord however has provided a church and priorities on the work have been agreed.

Hey Street Evangelical Church, Cleethorpes was a property with a number of issues and CGT thought that it might be a problem to

Every one is different

find a new church to occupy the building. This was partly due to the size, as it is an old workshop that has been converted to church use, but can only seat approximately 40 people. The layout also did not work, as the WCs were accessed from outside and the front of the building looked tired. Church Growth Trust was delighted when One Church Grimsby took on the building and are making the most of it. CGT is working closely with them and has drawn up plans and specifications for work to transform the building. The fully accessible WC is now accessed from inside the building, the kitchen has been refurbished, the worship area has been given a new lease of life and the front of the building now looks much more attractive and welcoming.

Taking on properties that are not compliant with legislation, particularly in relation to disability access and the Equality Act, is also a challenge. Hilmarton Chapel near Calne already had a WC, but this was not fully accessible. Drawing up plans and working with the church and contractor has enabled the church to come up with a cost-effective and simple solution.

New frontage of building - Hey Street Evangelical Church, Cleethorpes

Hilmarton Chapel, Calneproposed plan

One property in Nottingham where the trustees started speaking with CGT six or seven years ago was recently gifted, at the point where the existing church decided to close. A new church has been found to occupy the building, but are already struggling for space, particularly for their children’s work. CGT has been working with them to consider different options for extending the building.

With our property, architectural and surveying experience, we are able to work with our occupying churches to find the best solution to each challenge, to help them to deal with these. There is never a dull moment!”

Working with the Fellowship Property Trust, FIEC’s trusteeship services, to take on a number of trusteeships, continues to generate a lot of work. This has so far included taking on six owned and sole trusteeship properties, nine holding trusteeships and there are still a further 17 trusteeships to take on over the next six months, along with a considerable number of other properties and trusteeships where CGT are being asked to help.

Providence Baptist Church, Westbury are looking at renewing the heating in the building and CGT, who are now the sole trustee of the property trust, have been advising on the different types of heating systems that would be suitable for various parts of the building.

Every property and every situation are different and as Giles Arnold, CGT’s Chief Executive, says, “we enjoy the challenge that each new property brings with it. In many ways this is precisely why trustees want Church Growth Trust to hold their properties.

If you think Church Growth Trust can help you with your property or trusteeship issues, please contact Giles Arnold on 01536 647164 or email giles.arnold@churchgrowth.org.uk.

Networking and collaboration

Martin Erwin, CEO of Counties, writes about the changes that have been taking place with Partnership UK and Counties, two sister organisations that Church Growth Trust has worked with over many years.

For a number of years, Church Growth Trust (CGT) has been a solid partner and friend, seeking to support church growth and evangelism here in the UK.

As CEO of Counties, it has been great to work closely with Giles Arnold and his team on a variety of projects. CGT was a partner of the Church Planting Initiative (CPI), and working with GLO, Counties and Partnership, set the tone that things could be done better and were more God honouring, if done together. Perhaps this is best shown through the image below.

For years, we have been part of a movement that is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, to ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel’. And certainly, our churches have sought to demonstrate the love of God to our neighbours through acts of kindness and practical demonstration of the love of God for people.

However, our movement, born as it is from a passionate independent streak, has often faltered in the area of collaboration. It is often easier to press ahead with a project or mission, and the pioneer spirit is indeed fundamental to getting anything done. But to sustain a work, and perhaps to see greater spiritual power in a work of God, we must demonstrate the unity of the body where such efforts bring greater long-term blessing.

The Church on mission

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be on as we are one- I in them and you in me-so that they may be brough to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:22-23)

Whilst church planting is now part of the core work of GLO and Counties and CPI is part of the past, CGT has stood firmly with us in church planting. Counties Planting Network, the main inheritor of CPI’s legacy, is supported by CGT, and it has been great to see new plants begun in old Gospel Halls, such as Wollaston, led by Jordan and Lacey Armstrong.

Much more is happening collaboratively too.

Living the Passion was birthed by the four organisations, and later joined by Echoes International. This flagship conference continues to provide a space for believers to fellowship, grow and be blessed as we seek to push forward in mission in our nation.

There are other areas too, such as the Church Revitalisation Project, where we work together, to provide Church Health Checks for local churches, offer advice and even the possibility of finding support for a worker.

In recent months, Counties has taken on the Regional Coordinators who had been part of Partnership. Together we are seeking to support renewal, church growth and create spiritual pathways for making disciples, revitalisation and church planting. The CEOs and Chairs of these key organisations meet regularly to discuss and pray over these matters, and we are hopeful to see progress in networking soon.

For too long many independent local churches have been struggling alone. Our desire for ‘independence’ has in some ways blinded us to the New Testament principle of ‘interdependence’, where apostolic teams, missionary groups and other godly people served together to establish and grow local churches who were deeply connected to one another. In 2022 a proposal was put forward

and agreed in principle by a working party known as the Delivery Group. It is our hope in 2023 to work together, as organisations and local church leaders, developing plans for greater mutual support, training and discipling pathways to enable a new season of collaboration, networking and growth.

CGT, Counties and GLO (with Partnership having stepped aside), value your prayers. We do not pretend or imagine that we represent a whole movement, but together we are committed to the Gospel of Christ being preached across our land. We believe that much can be better done together rather than apart. Together we have committed to seek to engage with local church leaders, with a desire to partner together to equip God’s people for works of service, so that we may more effectively evangelise and make disciples in the world where God has placed us.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know more about the new plans for networking and collaboration for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.

Martin Erwin CEO of Counties

Tel:

01373 823013

Email:

martin.erwin@countiesuk.org

Free resources: helping you take care of your church and building

Church Growth Trust (CGT) is passionate about creating resources for planting, growing, resourcing, connecting, inspiring, and equipping independent evangelical churches. Here are some of the most recent resources, all free to read online or download and share.

Your guide to planning a building project

Considering embarking on a building project? Projects can vary from reordering existing spaces, building an extension, or an entirely new building. Whatever the project size, it is highly likely that any church embarking on such work will benefit from following the Plan of Work devised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). These are set out in CGT’s booklet “Your Guide to Church Growth Trust’s Architectural Services and the RIBA workstages”

Go to the “Your Guide to” section of CGT’s website to read or download the information.

www.churchgrowth.org.uk/category/your-guide-to/ Recently updated briefing paper

Food safety at your church

From running a café to providing tea and cakes at events, preparing food is a common activity in the life of a church. There is no reason why you should not prepare and sell food to support your mission in this way. Whilst instances of food poisoning and allergic reactions are rare, these are more likely to occur if poor food safety practices are adopted.

Although you will have fewer responsibilities if you only handle, prepare, store or serve food occasionally and on a small scale, all food supplied, sold, or provided at charity or community events must comply with Food Hygiene Regulations and be safe to eat.

CGT has recently updated its briefing paper on this subject, particularly adding details of how to deal with food allergies, food intolerance and coeliac disease, as well as applying the requirement of “Natasha’s Law”, which came into force in October 2021.

You can find CGT’s recently updated guidance on food safety in the briefing papers section of the website.

Email bulletin

Church Growth Trust produces a quarterly email bulletin, which is full of practical tips, new legislation, and updates to its briefing papers, case studies and other resources. If you would like to sign up to receive the email bulletin, please go to www.churchgrowth.org.uk/stay-informed/ where you can complete the form for this.

Thank you

Now spring has arrived, there is an excitement about the opportunities and hope ahead. For Church Growth Trust (CGT) it is also an opportunity to look back on what the Lord has done over the last year.

You will have seen some of their faces and read some of their stories. These are the churches CGT has worked with over the year. They have been remarkable and their commitment inspiring. So often it starts with trustees who take the bold step of passing on their buildings CGT to allow other churches to continue the Lord’s work in their communities or because they want to benefit from the help that CGT can give them.

CGT’s staff and trustees rejoice in the work the Lord enabled them and the churches they have worked with to do over the last year and have some highlights to share with you:

• In 2022, CGT was gifted or appointed as sole trustee of 10 church properties;

• Seven new custodian/holding trusteeships were taken on;

• 26 churches were helped with advice on building issues or potential building projects;

• Six building or refurbishment projects were either started or completed for CGT’s occupying churches; and

• Two new staff members and one new trustee were appointed.

The staff team at Church Growth Trust is truly grateful to God for all that has been achieved during the last year. He has been faithful in providing for the ministry with the resources that were needed, keeping everyone going through busy and stressful times.

Also, CGT would like to thank you for working with the team in many different capacities. For encouraging them, for speaking well of CGT and for being gracious if expectations have not been met. CGT looks forward to working with you and seeing the Kingdom grow further in 2023.

May the Lord give you fresh vision and direction for the year ahead as you seek His will.

SAVETHEDATE|SAVETHEDATE|SAVETHEDATE

Chief Executive: Giles Arnold

Operations Director: Garryl Willis

Property Manager: John Duffield

Trustees:

Neil Walker, Richard Canham, Trevor James, Richard Jones, Susanna Sanlon, Paul Withams.

25th-27th October 2024

Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre

Staffordshire

With guest speaker Ed Shaw

Church Growth Trust is a charitable company which holds and accepts independent church properties (as owner or trustee); blesses churches which occupy its buildings by granting concessionary rents; helps these churches to keep their properties in good condition, compliant with legislation and suitable for modern church use, including helping to fund building projects; provides professional property and architectural services and guidance in church practice and governance, including encouraging churches to make best use of their properties, and supports church planting and revitalisation of independent churches.

The Barn

1 Manor Farm Barns, Baines Lane, Seaton, Oakham, LE15 9HP

01536 201339

enquiries@churchgrowth.org.uk www.churchgrowth.org.uk

Charity number: 1138119