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.