The Church Office

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. 

Gavin teamed up with Julian Mander from Riverside in Birmingham to hear more about their Community Money Advice Centre. As we approach Christmas, levels of debt are on the rise. It is wonderful that the church is making a massive difference in supporting people to be completely debt free.  Julian previously served as the Operations Director at his church and is now taking a full time position to manage and lead this initiative at Riverside. Julian is very passionate about his work, it was a joy to interview him. 

Gavin teamed up with Becca Staniforth from STC Sheffield to discuss the work that goes on behind the scenes to deliver a Sunday Morning week in week out. They discuss some of the challenges running church events post covid-19. The podcast offers lots of practical help and encouragement.

Gavin teamed up with Penny Clarke from Kings Church in Bolton to discuss some of the challenges that they face with volunteer levels being low in our churches. How do we recruit and care for new and existing volunteers serving in our churches. Lots of great stuff!