Nov 17, 2024

Pastor's Perspective on Church Administration

Supporting the Shepherds

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a conference for Elders and church leaders from FIEC churches, where the theme centred around the role of the shepherd.

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

In this episode Gavin talks to Lourens Du Plessis from Stewardship who leads the team that guides and strengthens churches and Christian charities with their governance and finances.

Charities and the Church

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

In this episode Gavin talks to Lourens Du Plessis from Stewardship who leads the team that guides and strengthens churches and Christian charities with their governance and finances.

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

ExpensePlus are back! Listen in as Gavin is joined by Sam and Dan to talk through the most common pitfalls in church finance.

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

ExpensePlus are back! Listen in as Gavin is joined by Sam and Dan to talk through the most common pitfalls in church finance.

Manual Handling Policy

Manual Handling is something that our volunteers and staff take part in all the time, this policy gives helpful advice in how to best carry out manual handling.

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

In this podcast, Phil Swann, the Pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales, shares a little bit about his experience of buying a new church building in just three weeks!

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

In this podcast, Phil Swann, the Pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales, shares a little bit about his experience of buying a new church building in just three weeks!

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

Introducing...Owen Gilham! After working in education (and a brief stint in theatre) Owen now works for Danbury Mission as the Operations Manager.

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

Introducing...Owen Gilham! After working in education (and a brief stint in theatre) Owen now works for Danbury Mission as the Operations Manager.

Church Administration

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

How do we make best use of our buildings for the gospel? Rich Spens has spent many years working behind the scenes at Kings Cross Church in London trying to think this through and put it into action.

Church Administration

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

How do we make best use of our buildings for the gospel? Rich Spens has spent many years working behind the scenes at Kings Cross Church in London trying to think this through and put it into action.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

Hot off the press- Churchsuite have very kindly agreed to sponsor The Church Office podcast! We're really grateful for all the support from Gavin and the team at ChurchSuite.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

Hot off the press- Churchsuite have very kindly agreed to sponsor The Church Office podcast! We're really grateful for all the support from Gavin and the team at ChurchSuite.

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Data protection can often feel like a minefield, especially in a church context where sensitive data is handled frequently. Listen in as Gavin brings your questions to Harry and Leanne from the ICO.

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Data protection can often feel like a minefield. We recently asked our followers to submit any questions they had about data and privacy for us to pass on to the experts.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

Benefits of Church Management

Join Gavin as he concludes our church management series by looking at the benefits of good church management!

Finding out more about ACAT

Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Ashley Ellis, CEO of ACAT, the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers.

Finding out more about ACAT

Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Ashley Ellis, CEO of ACAT, the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers.

Church Administration

5 Essential Reminders for Church Administrators

If you are involved in Church Administration then this video is for you. Listen in as Gavin share 5 Essential Reminders to help encourage us in our service behind the scenes in our churches.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

The Awkward Size Church

Would you describe your church as being an awkward size? Listen in as Gavin and Ray talk about overcoming some of the barriers to gospel growth that are faced in our churches.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

Awkward Size Church

Would you describe your church as being an awkward size? Listen in as Gavin and Ray talk about overcoming some of the barriers to gospel growth that are faced in our churches.

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

In the video Gavin got the opportunity to chat to Steffan Job the General Secretary for the Evangelical Movement of Wales. It was great to find out about the different ways they are serving churches.

Church Administration

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

In the video Gavin got the opportunity to chat to Steffan Job the Assistant Secretary for the Evangelical Movement of Wales. It was great to find out more about their heart to serve smaller churches.

Face to Face

In this podcast, Gavin got the chance to sit down with David Anderson from Face to Face Scotland. David is an experienced Pastor who provides mentoring, coaching and discipleship to pastors.

Face to Face Scotland

In this video, Gavin got the chance to sit down with David Anderson from Face to Face Scotland. David is an experienced Pastor who provides mentoring, coaching and discipleship to pastors.

Serve- Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time and Gifts

Gavin recently got to sit down with a good friend, Steve Robinson and talk to him about his new book 'Serve'.

Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time and Gifts

Gavin recently got to sit down with a good friend, Steve Robinson and talk to him about his new book 'Serve'.

Top 5 podcasts

Wondering where to start with The Church Office podcast? Worried about missing out on some of our favourite episodes? Here’s our top 5 podcast episodes…

Pastor's Perspective on Church Administration

I Hired a Church Administrator

Gavin recently caught up with Andy Weatherly from Grace Church, Stirchley about what prompted him to hire a Church Administrator and the difference having one has made.

I HIRED a Church Administrator

Gavin recently caught up with Andy Weatherly from Grace Church, Stirchley about what prompted him to hire a Church Administrator and the difference having one has made.

Church Administration

The Church Office on tour!

Recently The Church Office team has been out and about quite a lot so we thought we’d give you an update on where we’ve been and where we’re going to be.

Church Administration

Update: The Church Office is now a CIO

As of February this year, The Church Office has officially changed from a charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Serving Churches Together

In this video, Gavin sits down with Phil Topham, the Executive Director of the FIEC, to share their passion to better support churches in the area of policy and governance.

Supporting Churches Together

In this podcast, Gavin sits down with Phil Topham, the Executive Director of the FIEC, to share their passion to better support churches in the area of policy and governance.

Should a Church Set Targets?

In this video, Gavin sits down with John Truscott to discuss whether churches should be setting targets and goals. Is it going to help grow and move a church forward?

Should a Church Set Targets

In this video, Gavin sits down with John Truscott to discuss whether churches should be setting targets and goals. Is it going to help grow and move a church forward?

Prayer Mate

In this podcast, Gavin got the opportunity to talk to Andy Gears who leads a charity called Disciple Tech. His passion is to create technology that helps people grow in their walk with Jesus.

Prayer Mate- Technology and Faith Working Together

In this Video Gavin got the opportunity to talk to Andy Gears he leads a Charity called Disciple Tech and has a passion to create technology that helps people grow in their walk with Jesus.

Safeguarding Young People on a Residential Weekend

In this video Paul Harrison from Christian Safeguarding Services helps us to think through how we can best safeguard young people when taking them away on a residential trip.

Vulnerable Adults- Christian Safeguarding Services

Gavin sits down with Paul and Sue Harrison from Christian Safeguarding Services to chat about the services that they provide churches and christian charities.

Christian Safeguarding Services- Vulnerable Adults

Gavin sits down with Paul and Sue Harrison from Christian Safeguarding Services to chat about the services that they provide churches as well as discussing how to safeguard vulnerable adults.

Church Administration

First Week Back to Work

In this podcast, Gavin sits down with Sharon Clarke to talk through their hectic starts to 2024. Gavin has been navigating a long list of jobs.

First Week Back to Work

In this podcast, Gavin sits down with Sharon Clarke to talk through their hectic starts to 2024.

Church Administration

The Diverse Role of a Church Administrator

In the last podcast of 2023, Gavin sits down with Anna Hodgson the Operation Director at Mosaic Church in Basingstoke. Gavin and Anna spend some time reflecting on the diverse roles in church admin

Church Administration

The Diverse Role of a Church Administrator

In the last video of 2023, Gavin sits down with Anna Hodgson the Operation Director at Mosaic Church in Basingstoke. They spend some time reflecting on the diverse roles in Church Administration.

Church Administration

Serving Local Churches- Churchsuite

In this Video Gavin get the opportunity to sit down with Gavin Courtney the founder of ChurchSuite and discuss all the latest from ChurchSuite.

Church Administration

Churchsuite- Serving Local Churches

In this podcast Gavin get the opportunity to sit down with Gavin Courtney the founder of ChurchSuite and discuss all the latest from ChurchSuite.

Church Administration

The Invisible Man/Woman

What does the circus, an orchestra and the secret service have in common? Or to put it another way, how would you describe the role of a church administrator?

Making the Most of Christmas Events

Listen in as Gavin chats with Neil Tallamy from Baglan Community Church about why and how we can be making the most of Christmas events in our churches.

Church Administration

The Life of a Part Time Church Administrator

In this podcast Gavin talks to Karen Coleman a Church Administrator from Fuller Baptist Church in Kettering. Karen shares life as a part time administrator giving us an insight into some of her work.

Church Administration

Life of a part time Church Administrator

In this video Gavin talks to Karen Coleman a Church Administrator from Fuller Baptist Church in Kettering. Karen shares life as a part time administrator giving us an insight into some of her work.

Church Administration

What did you enjoy?

In this video Gavin had the opportunity to chat with 5 of our listeners and find out what they enjoyed about the Terry Virgo Podcast. Loads of really good practical advice and reflections.

Church Administration

What did you enjoy?

In this video Gavin had the opportunity to chat with 5 of our viewers and find out what they enjoyed about the Terry Virgo Podcast. Loads of really good practical advice and reflections.

Pastor's Perspective on Church Administration

Interview with Terry Virgo

It was an absolute pleasure to sit down and chat with Terry Virgo about the role church administration and our good friend Nigel Ring played in enabling his work and ministry to take place.

Church Administration

An Interview with Terry Virgo

It was an absolute pleasure to sit down and chat with Terry Virgo about the role church administration and our good friend Nigel Ring played in enabling his work and ministry to take place.

Church Administration

12 Recommendations that help people to serve

Every church we know has faced a shortage of volunteers over the past few years. Gavin takes the opportunity to chat to John Truscott about his 12 recommendations that help support people in church.

Church Administration

12 Recommendations that Help People to Serve.

Almost every church we know has faced a shortage of volunteers over the past few years. Gavin takes the opportunity to chat to John Truscott about his 12 recommendations that help support service.

Church Administration

Bad Habits of a Church Administrator

Join Gavin and Anna Wood, the Operations Director for Cornerstone Liverpool, as they talk through the third part of our results for the Check-in survey, the Bad Habits of a Church Administrator.

Church Administration

Good Habits of a Church Administrator

Join Gavin and Anna Wood, the Operations Director for Cornerstone Liverpool, as they talk through the second part of our results for the Check-in survey, the Good Habits of a Church Administrator.

Church Administration

The Results Part 2

Here's part 2 of our results from The Church Office 'Check-in' Survey!

The Results

Part 1 of the results are in from our 'Check-in' survey!

Where are you experiencing grace?

Join Gavin and Lewis Roderick, one of the pastors at Christchurch Newport, as they talk through the first part of the results to the 'Check-in'.

Church Administration

Do More with Less

In this Video Gavin and Penny share their thoughts and takeaway point from the recent UCAN Cutting Edge Conference. The theme this year was all about Doing More with Less.

Church Administration

Doing More with Less

In this podcast Gavin and Penny share their thoughts and takeaway points from the recent UCAN Cutting Edge Conference. The theme this year was all about Doing More with Less.

Church Administration

Story of Union

Gavin had the opportunity this week to chat to Joel Morris the Executive Director of Union. Joel serves behind the scenes co-ordinating and leading administration and operations.

Church Administration

My To Do List

Ever wondered what a Church Administrator gets up to in the week? Gavin and Becky share their to do lists on the podcast, encouraging each other and enjoying the huge diversity of the tasks ahead.

10ofthose, a Ministry to Resource and Serve Churches

10ofThose is a book ministry that hand picks the best books from across a wide range of publishers; ensures that they hold to the Bible; and then discounts them so that more can go out.

10ofthose, a Ministry to Resource and Serve Churches

This week we had the opportunity to speak to Jonathan Carswell, the Founder and CEO of 10ofThose.

Church Administration Grounded in the Gospel

Welcome to The Church Office blog! Join Gavin as he talks about the struggles of keeping the gospel central in behind the scenes work and how we hope this blog will encourage you.

Church Administration

Caring for your Pastor

In this Video Phil Swann the Pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales, shares a little bit about his experience of partnering with the church office.

Church Administration

Caring for my Church Leader

In this podcast Phil Swann the Pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales, shares a little bit about his experience of partnering with the church office. Great for Pastors!

Ministry behind the scenes at Newday

Gavin had the opportunity this week to chat to Gaz Sim's one of the staff members behind Newday, tasked with organising this brilliant event for young people.

Ministry behind the scenes at Newday

Gavin had the opportunity this week to chat to Gaz Sim's one of the staff members behind Newday, tasked with organising this brilliant event for young people.

What is Forecasting?

Gavin chats to Tim about the difference between Budgeting and Forecasting. A really helpful conversation with loads of wisdom for those in churches who are serving in the area of finance.

Setting a Deficit Budget

Many churches run on deficit budgets, especially in the current financial climate, but what should we be considering as we map these budgets out?

HR Support for Churches

In this video Gavin talks to Andy Bagwell one of the Executive Director of UCAN who has helped launch a new HR Support Service for Churches in the UK.

Human Resources Support for Churches

In this video Gavin talks to Andy Bagwell one of the Executive Director of UCAN who has helped launch a new HR Support Service for Churches in the UK.

What kind of gifting do you need on a Church Planting Team?

In this video Gavin sat down with Nigel Ring to have a chat about the kind of gifting that you need on a church planting team. I loved the way Nigel starts the conversation talking about character.

Managing Church Finances

In this podcast Gavin got the opportunity to talk to Tim Wyatt about Managing Church Finances and provided some practical examples around budgeting and forecasting.

Managing Church Finances

In this video Gavin got the opportunity to talk to Tim Wyatt about Managing Church Finances and provided some practical examples around budgeting and forecasting.

Church Administration

Good Church Managment

Is there a link between Church Growth and Good Church Management? Join Gavin and Nigel Ring as they chat more about this question.

Church Administration

Work Flows

Join us as Gavin talks to Mark Parsons from Christchurch Bristol about a really helpful seminar he did on work flows behind the scenes.

Church Administration

Work Flows

Whether documented or not, we all likely follow some type of work flow. Sometimes they can be a bit random or inefficient, other times they can work really well.

Celebrating Grace

When I was watching an NFL match recently, one of the most striking observations I made was how much they celebrate. What would it look like to celebrate the wins in our churches?

How do you sustain a long service in Christian Ministry?

Working in Christian Ministry is a tough role with different pressures, temptations and difficulties that many are unaware of. In spite of this, how do you sustain a long service with a joyful heart?

Making the Most of Christmas Events

Listen in as Gavin chats with Neil Tallamy from Baglan Community Church about why and how we can be making the most of Christmas events in our churches.

Thanking Church Members

Join Gavin and Nigel Ring as they discuss how encouraging, honouring and thanking church members for faithfully serving can make a real difference to the volunteers personally.

Link SERVING and DISCIPLESHIP Together

Where do you start when recruiting volunteers? How do you link their serving and discipleship together? Listen in as Nigel and Gavin talk about recruiting volunteers into different church ministries.

The Art of Stamping: God of Goodness

Not only does goodness describe God's character, but it also describes His work. So how can we bring expression to God’s goodness through our roles serving behind the scenes in church life?

Good News | Great Joy

In this podcast Gavin interviewed Nick Coles the Uk Director for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas Project that sends shoe boxes filled with gifts to children around the world.

Great News | Great Joy

In this video Gavin interviewed Nick Coles the Uk Director for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas Project that sends shoe boxes filled with gifts to children all over the world.

Homeless Not Helpless

In this podcast Gavin got the opportunity to interview Fran Richley the Operations Director for Eden Gate. Fran is passionate about sharing Jesus and caring for the most vulnerable folk in our city.

Toy Offering

In this podcast Gavin got the opportunity to interview Naomi Hodges from Renewal Church in Solihull. Naomi leads the brilliant Toy Offering Project in her church.

Toy Offering Check List

A big thank you to Naomi Hodges from Renewal Church in Solihull, Naomi leads the brilliant Toy Offering Project in her church and has kindly put together a checklist for others to use.

Toy Offering

In this video Gavin got the opportunity to interview Naomi Hodges from Renewal Church in Solihull. Naomi leads the brilliant Toy Offering Project in her church.

Church Safeguarding Review

Church landscapes have gone through major changes in the past few years. So what do we need to consider when we start updating our policies and procedures to reflect the current climate?

Acts 435

In this video Gavin got the opportunity to talk to Jenny Herrera. Jenny is Acts 435's Executive Director and has been involved in the charity since operations began in October 2009.

Acts 435

As a local church we have hugely benefited from our partnership with Acts 435, we would highly recommend every UK church partner with them, the podcast will explain why!

The Conference Manager- Top Tips

If you are thinking about running a conference then this video is perfect for you to watch. It is full of top tips and a helpful step by step guide to running a church conference.

Gavin Smith

Church Administrator

Gavin Smith

Gavin serves as the Church Administrator for Christchurch, Newport, a role he has been in for the last 18 years. He is passionate about the gospel and strengthening the church by supporting the work that happens behind the scenes.

Supporting the Shepherds

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

Manual Handling Policy

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Benefits of Church Management

Finding out more about ACAT

Finding out more about ACAT

5 Essential Reminders for Church Administrators

The Awkward Size Church

Awkward Size Church

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

Face to Face

Face to Face Scotland

Serve- Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time and Gifts

Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time and Gifts

Top 5 podcasts

I Hired a Church Administrator

I HIRED a Church Administrator

The Church Office on tour!

Update: The Church Office is now a CIO

Serving Churches Together

Supporting Churches Together

Should a Church Set Targets?

Should a Church Set Targets

Prayer Mate

Prayer Mate- Technology and Faith Working Together

Safeguarding Young People on a Residential Weekend

Vulnerable Adults- Christian Safeguarding Services

Christian Safeguarding Services- Vulnerable Adults

First Week Back to Work

First Week Back to Work

The Diverse Role of a Church Administrator

The Diverse Role of a Church Administrator

Serving Local Churches- Churchsuite

Churchsuite- Serving Local Churches

The Invisible Man/Woman

Making the Most of Christmas Events

The Life of a Part Time Church Administrator

Life of a part time Church Administrator

What did you enjoy?

What did you enjoy?

Interview with Terry Virgo

An Interview with Terry Virgo

12 Recommendations that help people to serve

12 Recommendations that Help People to Serve.

Bad Habits of a Church Administrator

Good Habits of a Church Administrator

The Results Part 2

The Results

Where are you experiencing grace?

Do More with Less

Doing More with Less

Story of Union

My To Do List

10ofthose, a Ministry to Resource and Serve Churches

10ofthose, a Ministry to Resource and Serve Churches

Church Administration Grounded in the Gospel

Caring for your Pastor

Caring for my Church Leader

Ministry behind the scenes at Newday

Ministry behind the scenes at Newday

What is Forecasting?

Setting a Deficit Budget

HR Support for Churches

Human Resources Support for Churches