Historic Church and Chapel Buildings can be an important tool for mission.
Often we hear:
"The church is not the building; the church is the people". Faith leaders who are struggling to care for ageing buildings while also fulfilling mission and vision sometimes make this point, as do congregations that are affirming their priority to serve people and minister to their needs.
It is true that the church is a body of people who come together faithfully in worship and fellowship. And yet the church is also defined by what it does. The church's action in the world expresses the mission at the heart of its purpose. In countless communities across the country, a church's beloved, but perhaps well-worn façade is a reminder to neighbours and strangers alike of the ministries that it holds to serve people in need, the messages of hope and welcome it sends to the larger community, the leadership it gives at the time of emergency, and the physical presence in the community. In fact, it is the church's presence - the church or chapel building, the spaces that are used to host ministry and the artistry the building contains - that constitutes the most tangible and most powerful expression of the church for the larger community.
A Historic Church or Chapel Building may:
- Have a character that shapes the values and lives of its congregation, including worship but also in its music, education, teaching and outreach to members and non-members alike;
- Embody the histories of communities, congregations, individuals and families;
- Represent decades or centuries of memory and service;
- Add cultural and architectural value to their local community;
- Anchor communities and provide a sense of place and stability over time;
- Custodians of historic churches and chapels may provide a measurable public value to their communities through ministry and activities in the building and grounds;
- Be centrally located in the heart of communities and are therefore uniquely positioned to serve their communities by offering a diversity of space types and sizes that allow for a mixture of gatherings;
- May house elements of the greatest cultural collection in the country, giving unparalleled free access to art, sculpture, music and craft skills of the highest quality across England;
- May be striving to achieve Net Zero Carbon while also providing emergency shelter and sanctuary for those most affected by extreme weather conditions;
- Contribute to the local economy through employment and their use of craftsman, promoting heritage skills.
Walworth Methodist Church Donation Plaques (Chapel of 1965)
Historic Churches and Chapels are an important tool for mission. If you require any support with utilising your Historic Church or Chapel building as a resource then contact conservation@methodistchurch.org.uk
(We would like to credit Partners for Sacred Places for elements of this content).