The Church Office

Join Gavin Smith and Jonathan Wright as they reflect on the Mind the GAP conference. Together, they revisit the different sessions, share their favourite moments and discuss the ideas that stood out—offering encouragement for those serving in church administration, leadership and management.

Faithful and Limited

Serving behind the scenes in church life can bring great joy, but also the pressure to keep everything running smoothly. With growing responsibilities and limited time and energy, it can begin to feel as though everything depends on us.

In this episode, Gavin shares a personal reflection following the Mind the GAP conferences. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 3, he explores the encouragement found in Paul’s words: we plant and water, but God gives the growth. Our calling is to serve faithfully with the gifts God has given us, recognising our limitations and trusting him with the results.

For anyone serving in church administration, operations or leadership, this is an invitation to work diligently, pray dependently and find peace in the truth that Christ is building his church. Our limitations are part of being human, and our labour in the Lord is not in vain.

After 22 years as a primary school teacher, Janet Sutherland sensed God leading her into a completely new chapter, first as a church administrator and later as church manager.

In this episode, Janet shares honestly about that transition and the growing responsibilities she now carries, from managing buildings, rotas and governance to supporting staff, volunteers and members of the wider community. We explore the joys and challenges of a role in which no two days are the same, the importance of supportive leadership and healthy appraisals, and why church administrators and managers need trusted relationships with others who understand their work.

An encouraging conversation for anyone serving behind the scenes in church ministry, particularly those whose role is growing and changing.

In this episode, we introduce the vision behind the Mind the GAP conference, created for church managers, administrators, operations managers and ministry leaders serving in the space between vision and delivery.

We explore the reality of leading from the “messy middle", translating vision into action, managing competing priorities, supporting senior leaders and bringing staff and volunteers with you. Discover how the conference will equip you with practical skills, greater confidence and the influence needed to help your church or Christian organisation move forward together. 

What does it take to build a healthy ministry behind the scenes? In this episode, Gavin Smith is joined by Zach Cochran, Vice President for Operations at The Gospel Coalition, to explore the often-overlooked role of operations in advancing gospel ministry.

The conversation explores the unique calling of the "number two" leader, the importance of trust, integrity and consistency, and why operational leaders are often called to absorb pressure while enabling others to flourish.

Whether you're a church leader, operations manager, administrator or volunteer, this episode offers practical wisdom on building healthy teams, leading through change, and creating the structures that help churches faithfully fulfil their mission.

 

In this episode you'll discover:

• The story behind The Gospel Coalition
• Why healthy organisations focus on sustainability, not just growth
• The vital role of the church operations leader
• How trust, integrity and consistency shape effective leadership
• Why youth ministry is one of the best leadership training grounds
• Leading through disappointment and organisational change
• How operational excellence supports gospel ministry

A thoughtful conversation for anyone passionate about strengthening the local church through faithful leadership and healthy organisational culture.

 

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 ideas to help churches engage their communities, strengthen relationships, and faithfully reflect the life and mission of the church online.

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. Whether your church falls within the scope of the legislation or not, this conversation will help you think proactively about protecting people and being prepared.

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!