In this week’s update, we bring together a range of guidance, reflections and practical considerations for churches navigating both global uncertainty and local responsibility. From important Charity Commission advice on supporting those affected by the situation in Iran, to a thoughtful look at how churches might respond pastorally and practically to ongoing global conflicts, there is much to reflect upon.
We also explore encouraging signs of growth within the Church as 2026 unfolds, alongside a timely reminder of the importance of offering a genuine and effective welcome to those who may be visiting your church in the coming weeks. In addition, there is a sobering regulatory case highlighting the risks around financial management and private benefit, as well as a practical prompt to review relationships with suppliers to ensure good stewardship of resources.
As always, we hope these items will inform, challenge and support you in your ministry and governance.
#Charity Governance & Fundraising, #News, #Information Only
With the current conflict affecting Iran and the wider region, churches and charities will be considering how best to provide practical and financial support to the suffering population. This may well include the Iranian underground church, which has flourished in recent years.
With this in mind, the Charity Commission has issued general guidance on the need for care in providing support. It is particularly important that such support is not seen to be encouraging what may be perceived as extremist organisations.
Confidence that funds for practical supplies will reach their intended destination is essential.
Therefore, before any support is given to organisations in the field, study carefully the Commission guidance.
#Church Life & Community, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action.
The continuing war in Ukraine, the Israel–Gaza crisis, and the growing tensions involving Iran, is affecting us all in various ways.
For churches and their members, the economic consequences increase, as do the underlying, deeper faith-related concerns.
How should we respond?
The consensus among Christian denominations suggests focusing on the following:
These suggestions have a very practical aim in view, one which, as church treasurers and trustees, we should also focus on.
When church members are drawn closer through shared concerns, churches tend to become stronger and more attractive to those in the community who are outside the fellowship, seeking answers.
The way we respond to current global conflicts can be a real witness to the difference that personal faith in the risen Jesus makes.
Most denominations are able to provide practical resources for churches wishing to address the issues of faith and conflict.
#Church Life & Community, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action
2025 witnessed discernible growth in the worldwide church. On several occasions, we reported on:
Now that we are well into 2026, the question is whether we are seeing that growth continuing in our local churches?
At this point, it is worth remembering that although our respective church leadership roles may essentially be financial, administrative or governance-based, we should nevertheless have a deep concern to see growth both numerically and spiritually.
So, what are the ‘green shoots of growth’ we should be looking out for and encouraging?
The received wisdom is that even in our secular society, the pronounced atheism of twenty years ago has waned because it offers no solution to the global and personal issues we all grapple with.
But the rising tide will cause seekers to turn not only to all forms of Christianity, but to other religions, paganism and the occult.
With this in mind, it is important that we are aware of these competing spiritual offerings and can discuss them when and where necessary.
Those new to the Christian faith, as well as those who have been ‘on the road for a while,’ can sometimes have unexplained spiritual experiences. The revivals of the twentieth century were certainly accompanied by spiritual experiences which, at one level, were unexplained. However, from a biblical perspective, this was clearly the work of the Holy Spirit.
In circumstances where folk in our churches have spiritual experiences which are hard to explain, it is important that we maintain an open mind.
This, again, is an aspect of church life in which those in leadership roles with more pragmatic responsibilities have a part to play in discerning what is genuine.
It is a fact that the economic challenges of life are not receding. The mental stresses which can come with personal and social conflicts simply add to people’s daily difficulties, which can appear overwhelming.
In these circumstances, opportunities open up for our churches to witness to the difference that faith can make. These opportunities to demonstrate faith in action come in various forms.
The Guardian newspaper reported in January that Bible sales in 2025 had increased by 134% since 2019. It is the younger generations who appear to be fuelling this increase as they look for spiritual truth and meaning for their lives. This places a great responsibility on churches not only to expound biblical truth but also to be open to the inevitable questions which new church members will have.
A question for church treasurers: how much is in the budget for new Bibles?
Those new to the Christian faith or on a journey towards it will have questions, some of which will be a challenge as they seek to relate faith to the world as they see it.
Faced with such questions, it is crucial that respect for the questioner is paramount and dogmatic responses are avoided.
What evidence of spiritual green shoots are you seeing in your church?
#Church Life & Community, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action
It is probably self-evident that a church that prioritises ensuring all visitors feel welcome is likely to grow. It is also a fact that most churches would consider themselves to be welcoming.
With Easter on the horizon, not to mention the summer ahead, it is suggested that a little time is taken to review how visitors are welcomed and what information about your church is readily available.
Resources and ideas, if needed, are readily available.
Some things to consider:
What image does your church project?
Visitor Welcome Packs
A Final Question to ponder:
Realistically, are you doing everything possible to ensure that whoever enters your church, for whatever reason, will feel welcome and will wish to return?
#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Information Only
In 2018, the Allen Trust (charity number: 1146388) was loaned a sum of money by a family member of one of its trustees.
The loan, due to be payable within three years, was subsequently extended in 2021 by a further five years. The Charity Commission became involved following the filing of the charity’s 2024 accounts, which showed the sum of £900,000 as still owing.
The Commission inquiry into whether the original loan was in the best interests of the charity will focus on the following aspects:
The lesson here for all charities, and especially churches fundraising for capital projects, is to be extremely careful when accepting loans from private individuals who may be connected to the organisation.
Comprehensive documentation of the terms of any such loan is vitally important to ensure all parties are protected and should be drawn up by a solicitor.
However, the general view is that if loans are required to fund large capital expenditure items, then finding an organisation specialising in loans, such as a bank, would be the preferred approach to follow. More information about charities and loans can be found from CAF Bank.
#Church Life & Community, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action
Most churches will have preferred suppliers and contractors with whom they have built good relationships over the years.
They may be part of a purchasing arrangement such as the Church of England Parish Resources scheme, or even through a central services department of their own denomination.
The issue for church administrators and treasurers is that whilst it may be easier to use tried and trusted suppliers/contractors, even from a central purchasing service, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best price or most efficient product for the required purpose.
When did you last review your church’s…:
With budgets under pressure, costs rising, and income falling in real terms, I’m sure that the point is well taken.
Stewardship of the financial resources we are provided with demands the most cost-effective purchases of products and services.
