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Planning a church building project can be exciting, daunting and very rewarding. From developing a clear vision and managing budgets to appointing contractors and understanding legal responsibilities, there are many factors that can influence a project's journey to success. This practical session will share key lessons from real church projects, highlighting common challenges and offering straightforward advice on managing risks, procuring the right team, and overseeing construction works while maintaining church life. It will also inspire clergy, churchwardens, trustees, and anyone involved in church buildings, because the end results, in our experience has inspired the life of the church and brought more people in to encounter the Good News. The session will provide valuable insights to help projects run more smoothly and achieve successful outcomes.
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- Managing energy costs and efficiency
- Heat pumps vs. traditional heating systems
- Insulation solutions for historic buildings
- Solar panels and renewable energy in church settings
- Environmental stewardship and net-zero churches
- Smart building management systems
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With Paul Bulkeley
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Q&A
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Networking break
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- Designing the church building of the future
- How can churches balance heritage with innovation?
- What should churches prioritise in the next decade?
- Navigating planning permission and heritage rules
- Reordering historic church interiors
- Creating welcoming and hospitable entrances
- Integrating modern technology into traditional architecture
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Churches are often passionate about the mission impact of a building project but unsure how to fund it, manage risk, or navigate the various funding options available. Many churches start with: "How do we fund our building project?" The more helpful question is:
"How do we create a project that serves mission, benefits the community and attracts support?"
Rather than focusing solely on grants, we want to help churches understand the wider funding landscape, including generosity, fundraising, loans, community partnerships and long-term financial sustainability.
Speakers
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Mark Perkins, Good News Newspaper
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Across the UK, churches are navigating changing communities, limited resources, and new opportunities for mission. Yet some of the most encouraging stories of growth, innovation, and community engagement are emerging from rural and smaller settings. Join Rural Missions and a host of practitioners from across the country as we explore what mission looks like in villages, market towns, and in local neighbourhoods today. Through practical examples, discussion, and audience interaction, we will consider how churches can build meaningful connections, serve their communities, and help people discover and follow Jesus. Whether you are part of a rural church, a small congregation, or simply interested in effective local mission, this session will offer encouragement, ideas, and real stories of hope from the front line of ministry.
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Helping buildings serve wider mission.
- Designing flexible worship spaces
- Adapting churches for community use
- Hosting cafe's, coworking, and social enterprises
- Creating spaces for youth and families
- Balancing sacred space with community activity
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Over the last 20 years, the world has moved from analogue to digital. What does that mean for church production? This practical session explores how to create a sound, video and lighting infrastructure that is adaptable, usable and creative, whilst positioning your church for future growth.
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A successful church building project starts long before the first brick is laid. This practical and inspiring session will explore how collaborative design can help you create a church centre that reflects your mission, supports your ministry, and meets the needs of both your congregation and the wider community.
In this session, you will learn:
- How to develop a clear and compelling brief for your new church centre
- Practical ways to consult effectively and ensure every voice is heard
- How to translate ministry priorities and church needs into successful design outcomes
- Strategies for engaging the wider community, partners, and key stakeholders
- How to plan, phase, and deliver your project within realistic funding and budget constraints
Whether you are at the very start of your journey or refining existing plans, this session will provide valuable insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and create a building your church will benefit from for generations.
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Britain's communities are increasingly diverse, creating both opportunities and challenges for churches seeking to share the love of Christ. From rural villages welcoming new populations to towns and cities shaped by multiple cultures, mission today requires both confidence and understanding.
Hosted by Rural Missions and OSCAR, this interactive session brings together mission leaders and organisations working across a variety of contexts. Through presentations, panel discussion, and audience questions, we will explore practical ways churches can engage with people from different backgrounds, build meaningful relationships, and share the gospel in relevant and accessible ways.
Drawing on experiences from rural, urban, and multicultural settings, this session will equip churches to think creatively about mission in their own neighbourhoods and discover resources, partnerships, and approaches that can help them reach those around them with the good news of Jesus.
