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Hi all.

We are a newly formed church in Sheffield, known as New Jerusalem Gospel Church. We are aiming to plan towards acquiring our own church building in the near future.

Though uncertain at this point of what we need to do in order to proceed, or what the next steps are. We would appreciate any insights and advice anyone here can offer on how we should go about securing this.

Delphin

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David Knights Staff PANEL

Strategic Communications & Marketing Consultant at Knightshouse Ltd 2 years ago

Hi Delphin

A lot depends on whether you want to find a traditional church building or a building that can be converted into a church. There are pluses and minuses to both. A significant number of church buildings are being closed by all denominations across the UK. These buildings are often reused for alternative purposes or sold as possible residences, offices etc, depending on heritage listing, existing covenants and other considerations. Listed buildings come with significant challenges, and once they reach the point of official closure, can often have significant costs associated with repair and maintenance. An alternative would be to find an old community hall or school building. There is also a good example of a church in North London which was converted from the old RAC headquarters. The alternative of course is to find a suitable plot for building and build new - there is a good selection of specialist church architects who could advise.

Whichever route you pursue you will face change of use (if it was not previously a church or worship space), significant planning requirements (depending on what you want to do) and large costs. You could however give a lease of life to an important historic or landmark building.

Although none in your area at present, the CofE sell off buildings all the time and there is a listing on their website (https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/parish-reorganisation-and-church-property/closed-churches/closed-church-buildings#na) which lists and has details of the current crop. I believe other denominations do similar things, but I haven't managed to find the equivalent pages on their website. Hope some of this is helpful.

Are you intending or are already affiliated to a wider denomination? There are associations for most denominations who will be able to help you, if you are.

Good Luck!

David Knights

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New Jerusalem Gospel Church Staff PANEL

Church at New jerusalem Gospel Church 2 years ago

Dear David Knights, thank you so much for your insightful advice. I appreciate it and we will share this information with other church leaders. Would you maybe elaborate a little more on the affiliation of wider denomination? Do you have some suggestions to share with us?
Thank you so much.
Delphin

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David Knights Staff PANEL

Strategic Communications & Marketing Consultant at Knightshouse Ltd 2 years ago

New Jerusalem Gospel Church sorry for the delay. I meant are you members or intending on being members of organisations like The Evangelical Alliance, the Baptist Union, the Federation of Reformed Churches, the House Church Network, the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches. There are quite a few similar denomination charities and networks, but obviously it will depend on your style of worship and what you believe in order to decide which is right for you. Hope that adds some detail for you

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Iain Smith Staff PANEL

Relationship Director at CAF Bank 2 years ago

The Weston Property Manual (Weston Property Manual – Property Help) is worth a read. It's a guide specifically for the voluntary sector when purchasing property.

Good luck

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Christina Quek Staff PANEL

Director at Sonia Community 2 years ago

Before you consider the building, perhaps you want to look at your vision - in terms of what you are doing for the community. If you are able to rent a place from the council (belongs to the council), and serve the local community, the property can be converted to community asset. If the property is converted into community asset, the rent you are paying might be low or no rent. Some council at times, might sell the property at a low cost. Alternatively, you can check with your local council what are the properties they have and are they selling any. Sometimes you can buy a property from a council for £1 but of course you have to do a lot of work in developing the property. Another suggestion would be checking on your local brownfield sites. Sometimes, you can buy a brownfield land from the council. However there are pros and cons with brownfield sites.

Hope this help. If you need further conversation, you can contact me.

Blessings.

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A CharityConnect User Staff PANEL

at 2 years ago

Christina Quek Re the above suggestion, the old county records office near me (and so used to belong to the county council) is now home to a thriving church. There is a large main hall (mainly used for services) plus a number of side rooms/offices and some of these are rented out to local charities etc, which help with a regular income and sustainability. (The charity staff are there during the week when the building would often be left empty but are less likely to be there during the weekend when the church is more active.) The main hall is also rented out to other groups for use which help with running costs too.

You might need to narrow down your criteria when looking for a building too - how big/small? Accessibility? Rent or buy? Are you prepared to do some renovations perhaps or prefer not to? Are you aiming to run any other services, such as food banks, mid-week services or groups too? Are you happy to share your building with other people - charities are often looking for small offices and meeting places? All these will colour your search.

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Linda Hodges Staff PANEL

Head of People, Culture and Place at Stewardship 2 years ago

Hi. Contact Your experts in church properties - Church Growth Trust or if you wish to raise finance to purchase your own building, further information can be found at Loans (stewardship.org.uk)

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Rose Cruickshank Staff PANEL

Performance Marketing Manager at CharityJob 2 years ago

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Might be helpful to know what size/capacity building you're looking for in the Sheffield area?

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