One Church, 100 Uses What’s possible?

Focus on what is possible “The law” more commonly expected to find problems But working out “what is possible” involves knowing the constraints Usually need to talk to lawyers at some point –Normally later in a project –It can be expensive –Lawyers need clear instructions to keep costs down So YOU need to work things out first

Where do you start? Context Reducing services in many areas – needy people A more confusing, untrustworthy world – confused people Need for convenient, non-threatening, accessible spaces Statutory agencies looking for different and cheaper ways of delivering services Recognition of importance of community and role it could play You have something valuable to offer

What have you got to offer? What you have: –Building (a space) –Institution (credibility, values, trustworthiness) –People/congregation (embedded in the community) –Relationships (personal, institutional) These are all assets (may not always feel like that!) What can you do with them?

Using the assets to develop a vision You need a coherent vision or story It needs to be based on –A clear need –The passion of some individuals to meet the need –A basic commercial proposition (Needs to be compatible with your ministry and mission) From this, you can develop a business plan

Developing the vision Being aware of the constraints – 1 Building –Restrictions on use: planning, legal and policy issues –Physical limitations of facilities: parking, disabled etc. –Altering the building: planning and legal consents –Protecting the building, insurance, security of valuable assets

Developing the vision Being aware of the constraints – 2 Institution –How it fits within national policy or guidelines –Local support (Council, Circuit etc.) –These may impact on ability to use the building, to alter the building, to use existing resources –Financial risk to the institution – do you need a separate legal entity?

Developing the vision Being aware of the constraints – 3 Congregation: are they –Involved? –Supportive? –Affected? (It is “their” church) Are there resources within the church to deliver the initiative? (It is not the Minister’s primary responsibility)

Developing the vision Being aware of the constraints – 4 Relationships –Consider impact on other local people and institutions –Support needed? –Potential tensions or conflicts

Do you need a separate legal entity? More likely to be needed if –Substantial income and expenditure which you don’t want/it is inappropriate to put through church accounts –Employing additional people –Entering into contractual commitments (e.g. with local authority or NHS commissioners) –Other potential risks to your church Which legal entity?

You probably need advice on this To get that advice, you need to have developed your vision and basic business plan –Is it a charity or not? –What business is it trying to attract? –If extra funding is needed, where is it coming from? Keep it simple

Getting legal advice Knowing what you want is key –Lawyers usually charge on a time basis –Being uncertain, or changing your mind costs money Try to work out what you want using other resources, and go to the lawyers later in the process rather than earlier Make sure you go to lawyers who have the right experience – give them clear instructions, and check that they have the experience to do the job (don’t take any waffle!) Try to get a fixed price (reduced if possible)

Final thoughts Finding other uses for your church is likely to be easier if it is (or can become) part of your ministry and mission If you are simply doing it as a source of income to support the fabric, this may be more difficult Time is needed to develop the vision, share it with others, and build support Don’t under-estimate the energy and support needed Use all available support