The Church Office

A church's online presence is often the very first welcome someone receives, long before they ever walk through its doors. In this episode, Jon Wright, Trustee of The Church Office, and Adrian Semerene, church pastor, explore how churches can make the most of their digital presence. Together they discuss websites, social media, live-streamed services, and digital communication, sharing practical i...

Martyn's Law is bringing new responsibilities for many churches and Christian organisations. In this episode, Anna Wood, one of The Church Office Trustees, and Becky Thomas, Director of Governance at the FIEC, join us to unpack what the legislation means, who it applies to, and the practical steps churches can take now to improve safety, prepare their teams, and respond well in an emergency. Wheth...

In our latest The Church Office podcast, Jon Wright is joined by Penny Clarke, one of the Directors of the UK Church Administrators Network (UCAN). Listen in as they discuss what UCAN is, their experiences of being part of UCAN and how you can get involved!

In this episode, Gavin is joined by Rachel Slough to explore the important subject of managing change in churches. Rachel shares practical wisdom and honest insight into why change can feel challenging, how leaders can guide people well through transition, and the importance of communication, culture, and trust along the way. Together they discuss the realities churches face when navigating growth...

In this episode, Gavin is joined by Mark Jones from Edward Connor Solicitors to discuss some of the key employment law changes coming in April and October 2026. Mark explains what these updates could mean for churches, including changes to statutory sick pay, family leave, redundancy consultation, tribunal time limits, and wider workplace responsibilities. This conversation offers a clear and prac...

In this podcast, Gavin speaks with Andy Laws, the new Operations Manager at Slade Evangelical Church in London. Andy shares their church’s experience of undergoing a Back Office Review with The Church Office and the impact it has had on their operations. If you’d like to find out more about booking a Back Office Review for your church,  please e-mail us at info@thechurchoffice.co.uk

What does it take to support a network of churches reaching a city like London with the gospel? In this episode, Gavin Smith is joined by Matthew Dalton, Chief Operations Officer at Co-Mission, a growing network of churches across London. Together, they explore how a relational network, supported by a strong central team, can enable local churches to thrive in their mission. Matthew shares insight...

In this episode, we’re joined by James Brumwell, Executive Lead at Gas Street Church in Birmingham, as we explore the operational side of mission and ministry. Together, we dig into what it really takes behind the scenes to help bring light to a city. James shares practical insights on building systems, leading teams, and creating structures that support meaningful, lasting impact in the community...

Finding funding for your church building or ministry can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Clark from Church Grants, a platform dedicated to helping churches discover relevant funding opportunities. We explore how churches can access grants, where to start, and what funders are really looking for. If you’ve ever wondered how to fund a building pr...

Building a team is one of the most rewarding parts of church leadership. In this episode with Ray Evans, we explore the joy of bringing people together around a shared vision. Discover how trust, encouragement, and clear purpose can help teams grow stronger, work better together, and make a lasting impact for the gospel in our churches and communities.

What does an Operations Director in a church actually do all day? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the real, behind-the-scenes work that keeps a church moving forward. From managing teams and troubleshooting unexpected problems to balancing budgets, safeguarding compliance, and supporting the vision of senior leadership, no two days are ever the same. Whether you’re an Operations Direc...

If you are part of a church team, whether you are the leader, the treasurer or the one holding everything together in the office, you will know how much time and energy the practical side of ministry can take. Gavin talks to Daniel Jones from Stewardship who offer real, hands on support with the financial responsibilities that keep a church running. They can help you grow and manage your giving, t...

In this episode, Gavin explores with Pete Greasley the value of a team retreat — not as a “nice extra,” but as a practical and spiritual opportunity to slow down, seek God together, and realign. When the pace is relentless, it’s easy for teams to drift and simply go through the motions. A well-shaped retreat creates space to reconnect as leaders, clarify vision, and shape a plan that’s grounded in...

In this episode, we take a practical look at reviewing our Systems, Policies, and Procedures. Whether your church office feels overcomplicated, under-documented, or overly dependent on a few key people, this conversation will help you step back and assess what’s really working. We unpack why regular reviews matter, how to spot gaps and risks, and simple ways to ensure your systems support your mis...

Gavin talks Christmas with his friend Mark Parsons, Operations Director at Christchurch Clifton. Together, they reflect on why the Christmas programme is often one of the most meaningful and exhausting moments in the church calendar. Expectations are high, diaries are full, and fatigue is real for leaders, volunteers, and congregations alike. They explore how surviving Christmas well isn’t about c...

Welcome back Tim Wyatt! It was an absolute delight for us to have Tim back on The Church Office podcast to discuss cash flows and reserves. So if you're wondering how much a church should in reserves, or if they should even have them, this is an episode for you!

At The Church Office we love catching up with old friends and that's exactly what Gavin did when he spoke to Graham Daniels from Christian in Sport! How many sports clubs are within a 5 mile radius of your church? Praying for people, playing with people and telling them about Jesus is how Christians in Sport roll. Listen in as Gavin and Graham talk about working as a team, the importance of admini...

Did someone say a church management course?? Join Gavin and Anna Wood, one of our Trustees, as they talk about a project that has been months in the making....our brand new Good Church Management Course! We're so excited to announce that The Church Office's Good Church Management Course will be available from 10th November covering topics such as:   - legal and practical responsibilities of managi...

Introducing.....James Lawrence!   Gavin had the joy of sitting down with James to talk about the work of the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) and how we can support Church Leaders in their roles in our churches.   To find out more about CPAS, head to: https://www.cpas.org.uk/  

In this week's episode, Chris talks to Gavin Smith of the Church Office, where they discuss administration, church management, and how to set up your church to succeed. www.aoggb.com

Listen in as Gavin is joined by Scott Sanders from Reach Ministries Australia to talk through the leadership needed to navigate through the unique challenges of church growth.  We had some great discussion around the leadership challenge, people and change challenge and getting the right systems and structures in place.  If you’re a church leader seeking clarity and encouragement to lead well thro...

In our latest episode Gavin sits down with a good friend of The Church Office, Dave Harvey, to discuss his new book 'The Clay Pot Conspiracy'. Listen in as Gavin and Dave talk through the clay pot conspiracy, the joys and struggles of working in ministry and how God uses us in our weakness. We thoroughly enjoyed the Clay Pot Conspiracy, you can grab your own copy now on Amazon , Eden and 10ofThose...

As churches should we collect data? What difference does it make? Listen in to our latest The Church Office podcast episode as John Truscott, a good friend of The Church Office, joins Gavin to discuss the strengths of data collection when making decisions about mission. From top tips to consider when collecting data to what we can learn from the recent Quiet Revival report, a far bit of ground has...

Andy Geers is back! Gavin had the delight of chatting to Andy last year about PrayerMate and this time we invited him back to share about the exciting The Serpent & The Seed app that's just launched. With a real heart to reach people who don't know the Bible, here's how they would describe it: "Walk through the pages of scripture, take in the beautiful sights and sounds, and along the way you...

Join Gavin and Jon Wright, Operations Manager at Frinton Free Church, as they reflect on their experience at the recent UCAN National Conference. In this episode, they share highlights from the main teaching sessions, personal takeaways, and the encouragement they found in gathering with fellow church administrators and managers from across the UK. It was a real joy to connect with others in simil...