The Church Office

In this podcast Gavin got the opportunity to interview and learn from David Norbury the chair of the Evangelical Movement of Wales. David had a very successful career in education and shares what he has learnt about Leadership and how it relates to the church. David identifies three models of leadership and explores their benefit in the church context.

In this podcast Gavin connects with Lewis Roderick, they are chatting about the up and coming Rebuild Conference. It captures their heart behind the conference and an opportunity to hear about what is planned. ‍Venue: Christchurch Centre, Newport, UK Date: 20th and 21st June 2022 To attend the conference please book here www.rebuldthechurch.co.uk

In this podcast Gavin is talking to Penny Clarke about the latest UCAN roundtable event on Church Finances with Tim Wyatt from Wyatt & Co Chartered Accountants. Their discussion covers the main points from the training session as well as encouragement to those serving behind the scenes overseeing church finances. A very interesting discussion about the tension between faith and stewardship or faith and operations. We hope you enjoy the video.

In this video Gavin talks to Verity Yeates a Parish administrator from St George and St Paul about the weird and wonderful world of church administration. They share stories, highlights and encouragement for those serving behind the scenes in their churches.

In this podcast Gavin had the wonderful opportunity to interview Nigel Ring who has served Terry Virgo and Newfrontiers leadership team behind the scenes for over 40 years. I loved hearing his heart and encouragement for church administrators. During the interview Nigel gives great examples of how to work with a senior church leader. I don't know if you can tell but I loved every minute of this interview with Nigel, grateful for him and his faithful service to the wider church.

Gavin connects with Anna Wood, the Operations Director for Cornerstone Collective in Liverpool. They are reflecting on how they are approaching the new year. Lots of encouragement for Church Administrator to look out and enjoy the grace of God around them. As well as an encouragement to be faithful in everything they are doing for the Glory of God.

In this podcast Gavin asks John Truscott some of the questions that listeners have sent in to The Church Office over the last few months.    1. How do you protect yourself from Burnout? 2. My senior leader is gracious with me but I find it hard to deal with my own mistakes and failures? Can you help? 3. How do you train the next generation for church administration? 4. Do you think there is a recommended length of time someone should stay in post? 5. Aren't church administrators really church deacons? Why do people use a different name? 6. I always feel like I am the person saying No to everything? It creates tension and I don’t know what to do different? 7. Is there a recognised pay scale for church administrators and operation jobs for churches? 8. I need help chairing meetings, what are your top three recommendations? 9. Help, I have challenges with my senior leader/ manager who interrupts governance and policy differently to me. We can’t agree! 10. We don’t have enough volunteers to run a church project, nobody wants to close it down but the burden is falling on me? I can’t keep going!

It has been a brilliant first year for the church office, God has been so Kind and gracious to the team. In this podcast Jonathan Thomas interviews Gavin and asks him what's been happening in the background. They review some of the stats and churches that have been helped in 2021. It's a great opportunity to celebrate the success of the website and podcast in its first year. Thank you everyone who has supported the church office both financially and through prayer. Much Appreciated!

Here at The Church Office, we appreciate that one of the best ways to learn can be to read. And I love passing on a great book recommendation! Our good friend Sharon Clark has recently written a book for Church Leaders offering a personal account and exploration of the Spiritual gift of administration. In this 184 page paperback, Sharon shares her insight and wisdom regarding the challenges, joys and opportunities of being a church administrator, negotiating spreadsheets and prophecy… Available here

In this podcast Gavin links up with John Truscott a church consultant to discuss the topic of Capacity. Your capacity and ability to achieve any task is impacted by a number of external factors and personal issues. The podcast offers lots of practical help and encouragement as we think about this topic.