The Church Office

Finding funding for your church building or ministry can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Clark from Church Grants, a platform dedicated to helping churches discover relevant funding opportunities. We explore how churches can access grants, where to start, and what funders are really looking for. If you’ve ever wondered how to fund a building project, expand your ministry, or simply navigate the world of church funding, this episode is packed with practical insight. 🔗 Learn more: www.churchgrants.co.uk

Building a team is one of the most rewarding parts of church leadership. In this episode with Ray Evans, we explore the joy of bringing people together around a shared vision. Discover how trust, encouragement, and clear purpose can help teams grow stronger, work better together, and make a lasting impact for the gospel in our churches and communities.

What does an Operations Director in a church actually do all day? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the real, behind-the-scenes work that keeps a church moving forward. From managing teams and troubleshooting unexpected problems to balancing budgets, safeguarding compliance, and supporting the vision of senior leadership, no two days are ever the same. Whether you’re an Operations Director, Church Manager, Administrator, or exploring this kind of role, this episode gives an honest look at the challenges, pressures, and rewards of operational leadership in the local church. If you’ve ever wondered who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, this episode is for you.

Daniel Jones, Chief Purpose Officer at Stewardship, oversees purpose and staff at a charity supporting churches. He discusses Stewardship’s 120-year journey, digital growth and scaling services. Short takes cover payroll and freeing treasurers, charity governance and conversions, loans for building projects, generosity research and helping leaders teach about giving.

In this episode, Gavin explores with Pete Greasley the value of a team retreat — not as a “nice extra,” but as a practical and spiritual opportunity to slow down, seek God together, and realign. When the pace is relentless, it’s easy for teams to drift and simply go through the motions. A well-shaped retreat creates space to reconnect as leaders, clarify vision, and shape a plan that’s grounded in prayer.

In this episode, we take a practical look at reviewing our Systems, Policies, and Procedures. Whether your church office feels overcomplicated, under-documented, or overly dependent on a few key people, this conversation will help you step back and assess what’s really working. We unpack why regular reviews matter, how to spot gaps and risks, and simple ways to ensure your systems support your mission rather than slow it down. 

Gavin talks Christmas with his friend Mark Parsons, Operations Director at Christchurch Clifton. Together, they reflect on why the Christmas programme is often one of the most meaningful and exhausting moments in the church calendar. Expectations are high, diaries are full, and fatigue is real for leaders, volunteers, and congregations alike. They explore how surviving Christmas well isn’t about chasing perfection, but about preparation, clarity, and grace: setting realistic expectations, caring for teams, and remembering what truly matters when the pressure is on.

Tim Wyatt, an accountant and church finance specialist, returns to share crucial insights on cash flow and reserves for churches. He discusses the vital difference between cash flow and budgeting, emphasizing why churches should monitor their cash closely. Tim provides practical tips for forecasting, along with insights into how reserves can support mission and vision. He highlights real risks of neglecting cash management, using a cautionary tale from a charity. Governance and shared financial responsibility are also key themes that emerge in their engaging conversation.

At The Church Office we love catching up with old friends and that's exactly what Gavin did when he spoke to Graham Daniels from Christian in Sport! How many sports clubs are within a 5 mile radius of your church? Praying for people, playing with people and telling them about Jesus is how Christians in Sport roll. Listen in as Gavin and Graham talk about working as a team, the importance of administration but most of all the importance of keeping the gospel central.

In this engaging discussion, Anna Wood, a Trustee and operations director, shares insights on the newly developed Good Church Management Course. She highlights its comprehensive modules focused on legal responsibilities, team culture, and identifying administrative gaps. Anna emphasizes the significance of a team approach in sustainable church management and how the course liberates leaders to focus on ministry. Real-life examples illustrate the positive impact of hiring operational roles, making the course a valuable resource for thriving church communities.