#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, Encouraged Action
A currently recurring theme is that of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its use in various aspects of church life and ministry.
Our ACAT Weekly – Week 32 2026 post contained a warning from the retiring Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, who expressed concern not only about the pace of AI development but also about the extent to which it is under control.
With that very much in mind, the AI Christian Partnership has produced some useful guidance for churches to assist in the use of AI. This is based on good practice and some basic principles to follow.
The AI Christian Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation made up of Christian organisations, theologians, technologists and academics who share a common concern about how AI will impact the church, work and ministry.
Their focus is on encouraging AI literacy among Christians by formulating a practical response to AI wherever it is used, but particularly in the context of church life, leadership, and ministry.
It is suggested that the use of AI should be based on six ethical principles:
In addition to the ethical principles, the following summary guidelines are suggested when using AI:
The central point that emerges is that AI is now a fundamental part of all our lives, including that which supports the ministry and outreach of our churches. In saying this, it is all too easy to be accepting of technological change without challenging it.
At the heart of what we do, whether as financial administrators or in wider governance and leadership roles within our churches, is a responsibility to uphold “what is true.” That responsibility extends to all aspects of our work.
Anything sourced or produced by artificial intelligence must be carefully scrutinised, as with all things, ultimate responsibility for what happens within our church remains with the governing body.
The governing body is a group of human beings.
#Finance & Fundraising, Opinion. #Encouraged Action.
Management of church finance is a challenge. That goes without saying.
The question arises: to what extent do we at least try to make things less stressful by adopting a, dare I say it, more businesslike approach? Something we frequently avoid.
Resourcing ministry needs, whilst balancing fluctuating giving and ever-increasing costs, can be a constant headache.
Adopting a structured approach based on what might be termed a series of key financial building blocks can not only be helpful but also reduce the stress of managing church finances.
Smart Church Management has since 2012 advised churches on all aspects of day-to-day management, producing various resources and guidance in the areas of employment, finance and administrative scheduling.
A current article available via their website offers 6 practical financial management suggestions to help church leaders improve their approach and strengthen the resilience of their finances.
These are summarised as follows:
Effective church financial management goes beyond simply balancing the books. It involves establishing simple tools such as:
Whilst I suspect that most of our members who are actively involved in the management of their church finances will have some elements of planning in place, an objective review of its effectiveness might be appropriate.
#Faith & Theology in Action, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action
What sort of welcome do we give to visitors, folk who have just moved into the area, complete strangers? Or even people we may meet casually and fall into conversation with? A conversation which may include expressions of hopelessness at the state of the world and where it appears to be heading. If the notion of what faith in Jesus might have to offer is introduced, would we consider following this up by inviting our conversationalist to our church?
What sort of welcome would they receive?
An encouraging piece in The Tablet published on 28 July illustrates the opportunities for conversations which present themselves and the possibility of introducing folk to a totally different community. One which sees Christ as the hope of the world.
But that still begs the question: how warm would the church’s welcome be?
The sad truth is that churches are frequently less welcoming than they believe they are.
The Methodist Church has undertaken some research into how churches welcome strangers/visitors and offers ten questions to encourage churches to be more welcoming.
A church that is truly a place of welcome will be a growing church. Word gets around and that’s what we all hope for: Growing church communities that welcome the stranger who becomes an integral part of the fellowship as a result, knowing and loving God.
#Church life & Community, #News, #Encouraged Action
It’s that time again. Exam results. Results that could be of critical importance in determining a possible future career direction.
How sensitive are we to the stress which our young folk, including their parents and loved ones, are especially subjected to over the next three weeks or so?
The Methodist Church Youth President, Genesis Padgett, has published the following prayer, which I would suggest we might consider using or something similar.
Loving God,
We thank you for all our amazing young people who are awaiting their exam results, at whatever stage they are at.
Lord we pray that they get the grades they deserve and will know to seek you in their rejoicing.
Lord we also pray for those who may not quite get the results that they desire, but we pray that they know their grades do not define them, only your love does.
Lord we thank you for your patience and your guidance at these times.
Amen
#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Information Only
According to the Charity Banking Report 2026, published by the Charity Finance Group (CFG), UK charities collectively spend an estimated 12 million hours a year on banking administration. This is equivalent to around 6,000 full-time staff doing nothing else.
There’s some good news: difficulty changing signatories on account mandates, long the top complaint, has fallen from 75% of charities in 2024 to 53% in 2026, following closer work between CFG, banks and regulators.
But new pressures are growing. Around four in ten small charities are now being charged for routine services like paying in cash and cheques, and difficulty accessing in-person banking has jumped from 4% in 2024 to 31% in 2026 as branches close. This is hitting rural charities particularly hard, reflecting comments we hear from members who live some distance from their nearest bank.. CFG reports that some charities have resorted to workarounds such as storing cash at home or routing funds through volunteers’ personal accounts when they can’t get old mandates updated, which brings its own governance risks. As churches, we need to make sure we have robust policies in place that set out how cash from collections and other sources should be stored and paid into the church bank account.
CFG is urging banks to simplify processes further and review fees for small charities. In the meantime, treasurers and trustees are encouraged to stay “bank fit”. This means keeping mandates and governance records up to date and checking whether their current bank still meets their needs. Although changing banks can come with its own problems, it may help in the long run.
#Faith & Theology in Action, #News, #Information Only
One indicator of church growth is the extent to which members are prepared to share their faith with friends, family and those they meet.
A Faith in Action report published by Christian Today suggests that young Christians, and in particular those in the 18–34 age group are more prepared to share their faith, involve themselves in church life whilst continuing to engage with a wider culture.
Particular aspects of this appear to be:
The 21st-century world, dominated as it is by social media, may be a challenge for those of us of a certain age. However, in the context of outreach, including faith proclamation, the opportunities are immediate and endless.
This is a world which young members of our churches inhabit and are familiar with.
The question for us is: to what extent are we encouraging and supporting young Christians in our churches in their faith witness?
As we do, we should see growth, numerically and in the overall spiritual health of our church life.
#Church Life & Community, #News, #Information Only
Some encouraging news for Anglicans, which hopefully has also been replicated in other churches and denominations.
According to statistics published recently, attendance at cathedral services in 2025 increased by 8% compared to the previous year.
Statistics on Christmas and Easter services indicate higher attendance than the previous year.
That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that attendance is generally still below pre-pandemic levels.
Whilst experience teaches us to be cautious when attempting to draw too many conclusions from statistics, the general feeling over the past twelve months has been one of steady numerical growth in church attendance, which hopefully has led to a greater faith commitment.
Is this also the experience of our ACAT members? We’d appreciate hearing from you.
