Church Development Officer

Ben Stoker

Churches are a fundamental part of the built heritage of Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire but they have not passed into history. Churches are living buildings that we all share, where people can worship, pray, socialise, think quietly, attend an event or activity, or appreciate the splendour of the art and architecture. Churches are for all these things and many more besides.

Ben's role as Church Development Officer is to assist PCCs and communities to expand the use of their church buildings; initiate, build upon and sustain community-focused activities and events, including arts and heritage projects; and improve intellectual access to the church building through interpretation. Ben also offers guidance to PCCs as they make adaptations to their church buildings, including the installation of lavatories and meeting rooms, and can provide practical advice and assistance on fundraising, publicity, writing Statements of Need, opening the church more regularly and creating a warm welcome for visitors. 

NEW
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has launched its new Grants for Places of Worship (GPOW) scheme. This new funding opportunity replaces the scheme formerly adminstered by English Heritage. As before, it is available to listed places of worship seeking to undertake urgent, high-level repairs; however, the new scheme also makes available an additional 15% of the total project costs for improvements to facilities, such as heating and lighting, and interpretation, such as guidebooks. The Church Buildings Department has produced an HLF Grants for Places of Worship - Application Guidance document which should be read in conjunction with and not as a substitute for the HLF's guidance.

Ben and Becky Burrows (Historic Churches Support Officer) have produced a comprehensive Resources Pack to help you care for and sustain your church building. Ben and Becky also offer training on all aspects of the Resources Pack; plus training for Church Guides. Please contact Ben for further details.

Address: Church Development Officer, Edward King House, Minster Yard, Licnoln, LN2 1PU 

Email: ben.stoker@lincoln.anglican.org      

Telephone: 01522 50 40 49  

Follow the Church Buildings Department on Twitter: @LincsChurches   

Resources Pack  

Acquiring Faculty
Amenities - Lavatories, Meeting Rooms etc.
Applying for Grants
Charitable Grants For Churches
Events and Activities - part I
Events and Activities - part II
Guide to Chancel Repair Liability - NEW
HLF Grants for Places of Worship - Application Guidance - NEW
Interpreting Your Church
Maintenance Audit
Opening Your Church
Publicity for Your Church
Repairs and Alterations
Statement of Need - part I
Statement of Need - part II
Statement of Significance - part I
Statement of Significance - part II
Top Ten Tips for Churches 
Useful Links
'Your Church, Your Visitors' Survey