
The Church Office
The Church Office exists to support the work of ministry that happens behind the scenes. Bringing helpful and encouraging content to equip and support those involved in Church Administration, Church Leadership and Structuring Church Life.
Latest episodes

Dec 18, 2024 • 45min
What is Gospel Coaching?
"One of the things that struck me about Matt during our conversation was his wonderful heart to serve leaders in Christian Ministry."
Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Matt Waldock, co-pastor of City Church Manchester and UK Gospel Coaching Director.
If you have not heard of Gospel Coaching then this is a really good introduction into what it is and the benefits of having a gospel coach.
https://www.cmmnet.org/pages/uk

Dec 7, 2024 • 48min
Admin and Ops Check In
Join Gavin and John wright, the Operations Manager at Frinton Free Church, as they talk through the first part of the 2024 Check-in survey. They enjoyed talking through the results that related to the pressure points that admin and Ops roles faced this year and where people had experience grace at work in their churches.
During the podcast John also shares a little bit about his experience of partnering with UCAN (UK Church Administrators Network). We hope you enjoy the podcast.

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting
In this Episode Gavin talks to Lourens Du Plessis from Stewardship who leads the team that guide and strengthen churches and Christian charities with their governance and finances.
It was great to talk to Lourens about the challenges that churches are facing in the area of good governance. It was also a joy to talk about the gift of administration and how effective it can be in a local church. We hope you enjoy todays podcast.
www.stewardship.org.uk

Oct 15, 2024 • 54min
The Pitfalls of Church Finances
This session dives into the most common pitfalls of church finances. It stresses the importance of having skilled individuals involved in budgeting. The conversation highlights the challenges of outdated financial systems and the need for modernized practices. Listeners discover how enhanced financial reporting can aid decision-making and transparency. The hosts also discuss simplifying financial processes to boost team engagement and the crucial role of treasurers in maintaining financial health.

Sep 28, 2024 • 42min
We bought a church building in 3 weeks!
In this podcast, Phil Swann, the Pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales, shares a little bit about his experience of buying a new church building in just three weeks! It's a wonderful story of adventurous faith and God's wonderful provision. We absolutely love having Phil on the podcast and enjoy his passion for the gospel and reaching the lost.
To find out more about the church please check out their website:
https://www.lfec.org/about/building-project

Sep 13, 2024 • 42min
The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes
Owen Gilham, the Operations Manager for Danbury Mission with a background in education and theatre, shares insights into the behind-the-scenes work of church management. He discusses the importance of policies and procedures for smoother operations. Owen highlights the challenges of adding a new Sunday service and the coordination it entails. The conversation also touches on the vital role of governance and the necessity of support structures for smaller congregations, emphasizing collaboration for effective ministry.

Aug 21, 2024 • 41min
Managing and Developing Church Buildings
How do we make best use of our buildings for the gospel? Rich Spens has spent many years working behind the scenes at Kings Cross Church in London trying to think this through and put it into action.
Listen in as he chats with Gavin about how he's managing and developing his church, including an idea to take the church roof off!

Jul 24, 2024 • 49min
We've got ourselves a sponsor!
Hot off the press- Churchsuite have very kindly agreed to sponsor The Church Office podcast! We're really grateful for all the support from Gavin and the team at ChurchSuite and can't wait to work alongside them.
Listen into this special episode as Gavin Courtney joins us to talk about why the team wanted to sponsor the podcast and everything that's new at ChurchSuite.

Jul 5, 2024 • 1h 21min
Navigating Data Protection as a Church
Data protection can often feel like a minefield, especially in a church context where sensitive data is handled frequently. We recently asked our followers to submit any questions they had about data and privacy for us to pass on to the experts.
Listen in to this Church Office special as Gavin brings your questions to Harry and Leanne from the ICO.

Jun 28, 2024 • 34min
Finding out more about ACAT
Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Ashley Ellis, CEO of ACAT, the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers.
Listen in as they discuss what ACAT has to offer and why no church accountant or treasurer should feel alone.
The ACAT Team have a wonderful heart to serve local churches and those serving in the area of church finances.
For more information please visit https://www.acat.uk.com