A Strong City Conference - Welcome
An opportunity to gain skills and knowledge that will help you develop your church building whilst networking with others involved in church regeneration.
The day begins with a talk by Fran Beckett of the Church Urban Fund, followed by a workshop (your choice of one of the 5 on offer); then lunch, a talk by Sarah Parry of Shoreditch Tabernacle Baptist Church, and another workshop of your choice.
We finish the day with questions and answers and a plenary discussion. There will also be representatives from relevant charities and other organizations and printed material to take away with you.
Key Message:
- Mission is central to your building and any renovation projects you undertake
- There are many resources available to help you
- If you get your church building right, it can be extremely beneficial to your community
What we believe about Church Buildings:
- Church buildings are often the biggest buildings in a community and a strong symbol of life events and faith (marriages, funerals, christenings)
- Church buildings are the place where people of all ages still meet and this is rare in a time when most people gather with people of similar age
- Church buildings need to be seen as the mission opportunity that they are- they are sometimes the biggest and best resource a community has
- The complex needs of a community cannot be possibly met through statutory services alone
- Church buildings use so much resource (time, energy and money) that it is imperative to make sure this is well-spent and benefiting people on the margins of the community
- Church buildings can bring in much-needed revenue to a church community but it is essential that this is planned well
Main speakers:
- Fran Beckett OBE, Chief Executive of Church Urban Fund
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Fran has been Chief Executive for the Church Urban Fund since 2002 and has many years experience in senior management. She currently is involved with many urban churches that are exploring what to do with their buildings. Previously she worked as Chief Executive for the Shaftesbury Society.
- Rev. Sarah Parry, Shoreditch Tabernacle Baptist Church
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In 2001 the Shoreditch Tabernacle (a Baptist Church) had the choice of selling the semi-derelict school building next to the church to developers or renovate it for use by the local community. They decided on the latter. With a consistently faithful and courageous congregation, Sarah has been through the process of creating a thriving centre used by a wide range of people from the local community and beyond and generating an income to ensure its future.