Buildings

Buildings are an important part of a church's presence in the community. Where a church has worshipped in their building for many decades, or even centuries, there is a rich history and deep connection to the local area. Church buildings are often appreciated and cherished by people unaffiliated with Christianity, who value the Church's tangible presence within the community. Sometimes unaffiliated people see a church as 'their church,' even if they never attend. On a very practical level, buildings provide much-needed space for worship and for community activities.

Along with the many blessings of buildings, however, come significant responsibilities. Maintaining buildings is costly, both in terms of money and time, particularly for churches that own their building. It is important, therefore, to consider carefully what building space is required for the mission of the church and the circuit when engaged in mission planning. This is not simply a case of 'to keep or to sell'. There are many creative options which can be considered: have a look at some of the inspiring stories on this page.   

People have strong emotional attachments to their church buildings, and facing the possibility of letting them go, or of seeing them change, can be very painful. It is important to emphasise that, even when you conclude that it is time to let go of a building, this does not mean closing the church. It is recommended that you deliberately postpone discussions about buildings until you have a strong sense of your circuit's mission priorities and of the governance structure that will be needed. Discussions about buildings can become an unhelpful distraction if they happen too soon, preventing people from engaging positively with the mission planning process.

For each building under consideration, there are a number of creative possibilities. Here are some examples. They are not all mutually exclusive: some of these options could be combined:

Keep building

a) Carry on as we are

You may decide to carry on using the building in exactly the same way, if it is currently being used to its full mission potential. Consider some of the options below, however - you may find that you are missing out on more God has in store for you.

b) Use the building in new ways, e.g. as a community hub

Embracing new uses for an existing building can bring new life and new connections. This could open up fruitful partnerships within your community, as other community groups may wish to use your building too. However, building and maintaining healthy partnerships is hard work. This option requires not simply that you physically open your building to others, but that you embrace a warm and welcoming approach to the community. You will also need to consider issues of accessibility.

c) Redevelop the building to embrace new uses

You could consider the possibility of working with a housing association or property developer. For example, your site could be developed to provide new homes alongside a worship and/or community facility. This would benefit the community by providing much-needed housing, while allowing other worship and mission activities to take place in the new space. 

d) Replanting a New Place for New People

As explored on the circuit mission planning page, there may be buildings within the circuit that have potential to house a NPNP - for example, if they are near an area where new housing is being built. The existing worshipping congregation could share their building with the NPNP, or perhaps hand over the building entirely to the NPNP team. This could bring new life and a new chapter for an existing building. But there is potential for tension with the existing congregation. Clear expectations and healthy communication would need to be established.

e) Heritage use

Historic places of worship have public value because they are there, offering an open door to a freely accessible quiet space. They are also one of the best freely-accessible collections of important art, architecture, family history, national craft and generations of memory. Their heritage can present creative missional possibilities and can provide a valuable opportunity to explore rootedness, authenticity and purpose, as well as attract tourists and play their part in pilgrimage and heritage trails. Mission through heritage is not about dwelling on past glories, but about sharing good news through telling a story of the past that has resonance for people today. You can find lots of stories to inspire you here.

When considering possibilities for keeping existing buildings, keep in mind The Methodist Church's commitment to Net Zero by 2030. There is guidance here for reducing the environmental impact of church buildings.

Sell building

a) Meet elsewhere

While people have strong attachments to church buildings, it's universally acknowledged that a church does not need its own building in order to be a church. A local congregation can choose to hire a room in a community centre, for example, in order to free themselves from the burden of running and maintaining a building. Depending on the size of the congregation, they could even meet in someone's home. Letting go of a building does not mean ceasing to be a church. 

b) Cease worship

The congregation may discern that the time has come for them to cease to worship, releasing them from all the demands of being a trustee body and maintaining a building. Where this is the case, a good ending can be embraced, in which all that has been is celebrated, giving thanks to God. At the heart of the Christian story is the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians worship a God who, in Jesus, gave up everything, even life itself, and then rose to new life once more. The Ministries Team have put together some resources for enabling good endings.

c) Reinvest for mission

Whether the local congregation choose to meet elsewhere or to cease to meet, the proceeds from the sale of the building can be reinvested for mission. In this way, one ending can serve a new beginning elsewhere. The circuit mission plan will have revealed where extra resources might best be used.

The Connexional Property Team are there to offer advice and support - ask for their help as you discern the best missional use of your church property. For detailed guidance on mission and property, consult the Strategic Guidance for the Use of Property in Mission. If you are discerning a need for a property project, check out the Property Development Pathways.