Retreat to Refocus: Vision, Planning and Prayer

Jan 29, 2026

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

Retreat to Refocus: Vision, Planning and Prayer

In this episode, Gavin explores with Pete Greasley the value of a team retreat not as a “nice extra,” but as a practical and spiritual opportunity to slow down, seek God together, and realign.

Reviewing our Systems, Policy and Procedures

In this episode, we take a practical look at reviewing our Systems, Policies, and Procedures.

January Newsletter

As we step into 2026, we reflect on God’s faithfulness, share encouraging church stories from around the world, and highlight ways we can support you in the year ahead.

Reviewing our Systems, Policy and Procedures

In this episode, we take a practical look at reviewing our Systems, Policies, and Procedures.

Surviving the Christmas Programme

Gavin talks Christmas with his friend Mark Parsons, together they reflect on why the Christmas programme is often one of the most meaningful and exhausting moments in the church calendar.

Surviving the Christmas Programme

Gavin talks Christmas with his friend Mark Parsons as they reflect on why the Christmas programme is often one of the most meaningful and exhausting moments in the church calendar.

Sustainable Ministry: Cash Flow Planning for Churches

Welcome back Tim Wyatt! It was an absolute delight for us to have Tim back on The Church Office podcast to discuss cash flows and reserves.

Sustainable Ministry: Cash Flow Planning for Churches

It was an absolute delight for us to have Tim back on The Church Office podcast to discuss cash flows and reserves. So if you're wondering how much a church should in reserves.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

The Trellis and the Vine with Graham Daniels

Listen in as Gavin and Graham talk about working as a team, the importance of administration but most of all the importance of keeping the gospel central.

Church Administration

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are so thankful for the continued prayers, encouragement, and generosity of those who partner with us. Over the past few months, we have seen God’s provision in remarkable ways especially through t

The Great Work of CPAS

Gavin had the joy of sitting down with James to talk about the work of the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) and how we can together support Church Leaders in their roles in our churches.

Good Church Management Course

Join Gavin and Anna Wood, one of our Trustees, as they talk about a project that has been months in the making....our brand new Good Church Management Course!We're so excited to announce that The Chur

The Good Church Management Course

Join Gavin and Anna Wood, one of our Trustees, as they talk about a project that has been months in the making....our brand new Good Church Management Course!

The work of CPAS

Gavin had the joy of sitting down with James to talk about the work of the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) and how we can support Church Leaders in their roles in our churches.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

Leading through the growth barriers in church

Listen in as Gavin is joined by Scott Sanders from Reach Ministries Australia to talk through the leadership needed to navigate through the unique challenges of church growth.

Church Administration

Prayer points for The Church Office

Pray for The Church Office: wisdom for trustees, blessing on the new Church Assistant pilot, excellence for our upcoming course, and greater reach. Please also consider giving to support this work.

Brand New Video Game- Serpent and the Seed

Gavin had the delight of chatting to Andy last year about PrayerMate and this time we invited him back to share about the exciting The Serpent & The Seed app that's just launched.

Brand New Video Game- Serpent and the Seed

Andy Geers is back! Gavin had the delight of chatting to Andy last year about PrayerMate and this time we invited him back to share about the exciting The Serpent & The Seed app that's just launched.

Church Administration

Reflections from the UCAN National Conference

Join Gavin and Jon Wright, Operations Manager at Frinton Free Church, as they reflect on their experience at the recent UCAN National Conference.

Church Administration

Reflections from the UCAN National Conference

Join Gavin and Jon Wright, Operations Manager at Frinton Free Church, as they reflect on their experience at the recent UCAN National Conference.

The Clay Pot Conspiracy

How do we last in church ministry? Dave Harvey has written down some thoughts that may help.

Free English Classes at All Souls Langham Place

Gavin was thrilled to recently speak with Pelé Ling, Communications and Creative Director at All Souls, Langham Place.

Free English Classes at All Souls Langham Place

Gavin was thrilled to recently speak with Pelé Ling, Communications and Creative Director at All Souls, Langham Place.

5 Common Challenges with Safeguarding in Churches

Christian Safeguarding Services' Paul Harrison joins Gavin to talk through 5 common challenges with safeguarding in churches:

5 Common Challenges with Safeguarding in Churches

Christian Safeguarding Services' Paul Harrison joins Gavin to talk through 5 common challenges with safeguarding in churches:

Church Administration

Church Administration 101

Meet Emma! Emma is the Operations Manager at The Globe Church in London and she recently sat down with Gavin to talk about her role.

Church Administration

Church Administration 101

Meet Emma! Emma is the Operations Manager at The Globe Church in London and she recently sat down with Gavin to talk about her role!

The Role of a Treasurer

Listen in to the latest episode of The Church Office podcast with special guest, Manny Kemp!

The Role of a Treasurer

Listen in to the latest episode of The Church Office podcast with special guest, Manny Kemp!

Manual Handling Policy

Manual Handling is something that our volunteers and staff take part in all the time, this policy gives helpful advice in how to best carry out manual handling.

Employment Policies and Procedures for GB Churches

Beyond the Pulpit: Church Employment Law

We were thrilled to have Mark Jones from Edward Connors join us on the latest episode of The Church Office podcast.

Employment Policies and Procedures for GB Churches

Beyond the Pulpit: Church Employment Law

We were thrilled to have Mark Jones from Edward Connors join us on the latest episode of The Church Office podcast. Listen in as Mark and Gavin discuss key areas of employment law for churches.

The Ultimate Communicator

Does your church need Joyned?

Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Dan Peters and Andy Ferrett from Joyned. Joyned is a secure internal communication platform designed to grow and strengthen in-person communities.

The Ultimate Communicator

Does your church need Joyned?

Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Dan Peters and Andy Ferrett from Joyned. Joyned is a secure internal communication platform designed to grow and strengthen in-person communities.

Church Administration

An Encouragement to Church Administrators this Easter

As you help prepare the way for others to encounter Jesus, don’t forget He came for you, too. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that Easter is something you do to serve others.

Terry Virgo- Building Leadership Teams

In this insightful episode, Terry Virgo, founder of Newfrontiers, shares his extensive experience in developing and building effective church leadership teams. Drawing from decades of service.

The Ultimate Communicator

Should a church use Whatsapp?

In this video, we tackle a simple question with complex implications: Should your church use WhatsApp?

Church Administration

The Church Office Podcast: A Growing Resource for Church Leaders

This week marks a significant milestone for The Church Office Podcast—an incredible 20,000 downloads! God has been kind and it’s been exciting to see how He has used the work of The Church Office so

Security Team Member- Volunteer Role Description

This Security Team Member role description is designed to give members of the security team a clearer idea of what the role entails. Please feel free to adapt this to your church context.

Common Sense for Church Comms

Gavin teamed up with Joe and Hannah from the Gourds and Pomegranate Podcast. Joe and Hannah have a wonderful heart to serve churches by breaking down practical, no-nonsense strategies to help churches

The Ultimate Communicator

Common Sense for Church Comms with Joe and Hannah

Gavin teamed up with Joe and Hannah from the Gourds and Pomegranate Podcast. Joe and Hannah have a wonderful heart to serve churches.

Wise Church Planting with Dan Steel

Dan Steel is a former market researcher who transitioned into pastoral ministry and has been involved in church planting for over twenty-five years.

Wise Church Planting

Dan Steel is a former market researcher who transitioned into pastoral ministry and has been involved in church planting for over twenty-five years. In this podcast Dan talks about his new book.

Pastor's Perspective on Church Administration

Enjoying the Gospel and Building Teams

Gavin and Pete talk about enjoying the gospel, not taking yourself too seriously and finish their discussion by talking about building teams and having a diversity of different gifting.

Is Your Pastor Paid Enough?

Working out the renumeration of your Pastor can be a challenging job for any Trustee or Church Officer. 'How much should we pay our Pastor or Church Leader?' is a very common question.

Is Your Pastor Paid Enough?

Working out the renumeration of your Pastor can be a challenging job for any Trustee or Church Officer. 'How much should we pay our Pastor or Church Leader?' is a very common question.

What is Gospel Coaching?

Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Matt Waldock, co-pastor of City Church Manchester and UK Gospel Coaching Director.

Church Administration

Admin and Ops Check In

Join Gavin and Jon Wright, the Operations Manager at Frinton Free Church, as they talk through the first part of the 2024 Check-in survey.

Church Administration

Admin and Ops Check In

Join Gavin and Jon Wright, the Operations Manager at Frinton Free Church, as they talk through the first part of the 2024 Check-in survey.

Pastor's Perspective on Church Administration

Supporting the Shepherds

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a conference for Elders and church leaders from FIEC churches, where the theme centred around the role of the shepherd.

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

In this episode Gavin talks to Lourens Du Plessis from Stewardship who leads the team that guides and strengthens churches and Christian charities with their governance and finances.

Charities and the Church

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

In this episode Gavin talks to Lourens Du Plessis from Stewardship who leads the team that guides and strengthens churches and Christian charities with their governance and finances.

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

ExpensePlus are back! Listen in as Gavin is joined by Sam and Dan to talk through the most common pitfalls in church finance.

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

ExpensePlus are back! Listen in as Gavin is joined by Sam and Dan to talk through the most common pitfalls in church finance.

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

In this podcast, Phil Swann, the Pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales, shares a little bit about his experience of buying a new church building in just three weeks!

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

In this podcast, Phil Swann, the Pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales, shares a little bit about his experience of buying a new church building in just three weeks!

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

Introducing...Owen Gilham! After working in education (and a brief stint in theatre) Owen now works for Danbury Mission as the Operations Manager.

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

Introducing...Owen Gilham! After working in education (and a brief stint in theatre) Owen now works for Danbury Mission as the Operations Manager.

Church Administration

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

How do we make best use of our buildings for the gospel? Rich Spens has spent many years working behind the scenes at Kings Cross Church in London trying to think this through and put it into action.

Church Administration

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

How do we make best use of our buildings for the gospel? Rich Spens has spent many years working behind the scenes at Kings Cross Church in London trying to think this through and put it into action.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

Hot off the press- Churchsuite have very kindly agreed to sponsor The Church Office podcast! We're really grateful for all the support from Gavin and the team at ChurchSuite.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

Hot off the press- Churchsuite have very kindly agreed to sponsor The Church Office podcast! We're really grateful for all the support from Gavin and the team at ChurchSuite.

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Data protection can often feel like a minefield. We recently asked our followers to submit any questions they had about data and privacy for us to pass on to the experts.

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Data protection can often feel like a minefield, especially in a church context where sensitive data is handled frequently. Listen in as Gavin brings your questions to Harry and Leanne from the ICO.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

Benefits of Church Management

Join Gavin as he concludes our church management series by looking at the benefits of good church management!

Finding out more about ACAT

Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Ashley Ellis, CEO of ACAT, the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers.

Finding out more about ACAT

Gavin recently had the joy of sitting down with Ashley Ellis, CEO of ACAT, the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers.

Church Administration

5 Essential Reminders for Church Administrators

If you are involved in Church Administration then this video is for you. Listen in as Gavin share 5 Essential Reminders to help encourage us in our service behind the scenes in our churches.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

The Awkward Size Church

Would you describe your church as being an awkward size? Listen in as Gavin and Ray talk about overcoming some of the barriers to gospel growth that are faced in our churches.

Church Management is Vital for Spreading the Gospel

Awkward Size Church

Would you describe your church as being an awkward size? Listen in as Gavin and Ray talk about overcoming some of the barriers to gospel growth that are faced in our churches.

Church Administration

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

In the video Gavin got the opportunity to chat to Steffan Job the Assistant Secretary for the Evangelical Movement of Wales. It was great to find out more about their heart to serve smaller churches.

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

In the video Gavin got the opportunity to chat to Steffan Job the General Secretary for the Evangelical Movement of Wales. It was great to find out about the different ways they are serving churches.

Face to Face Scotland

In this video, Gavin got the chance to sit down with David Anderson from Face to Face Scotland. David is an experienced Pastor who provides mentoring, coaching and discipleship to pastors.

Face to Face

In this podcast, Gavin got the chance to sit down with David Anderson from Face to Face Scotland. David is an experienced Pastor who provides mentoring, coaching and discipleship to pastors.

Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time and Gifts

Gavin recently got to sit down with a good friend, Steve Robinson and talk to him about his new book 'Serve'.

Serve- Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time and Gifts

Gavin recently got to sit down with a good friend, Steve Robinson and talk to him about his new book 'Serve'.

Top 5 podcasts

Wondering where to start with The Church Office podcast? Worried about missing out on some of our favourite episodes? Here’s our top 5 podcast episodes…

I HIRED a Church Administrator

Gavin recently caught up with Andy Weatherly from Grace Church, Stirchley about what prompted him to hire a Church Administrator and the difference having one has made.

Pastor's Perspective on Church Administration

I Hired a Church Administrator

Gavin recently caught up with Andy Weatherly from Grace Church, Stirchley about what prompted him to hire a Church Administrator and the difference having one has made.

Church Administration

The Church Office on tour!

Recently The Church Office team has been out and about quite a lot so we thought we’d give you an update on where we’ve been and where we’re going to be.

Church Administration

Update: The Church Office is now a CIO

As of February this year, The Church Office has officially changed from a charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Serving Churches Together

In this video, Gavin sits down with Phil Topham, the Executive Director of the FIEC, to share their passion to better support churches in the area of policy and governance.

Supporting Churches Together

In this podcast, Gavin sits down with Phil Topham, the Executive Director of the FIEC, to share their passion to better support churches in the area of policy and governance.

Should a Church Set Targets?

In this video, Gavin sits down with John Truscott to discuss whether churches should be setting targets and goals. Is it going to help grow and move a church forward?

Should a Church Set Targets

In this video, Gavin sits down with John Truscott to discuss whether churches should be setting targets and goals. Is it going to help grow and move a church forward?

Prayer Mate

In this podcast, Gavin got the opportunity to talk to Andy Gears who leads a charity called Disciple Tech. His passion is to create technology that helps people grow in their walk with Jesus.

Prayer Mate- Technology and Faith Working Together

In this Video Gavin got the opportunity to talk to Andy Gears he leads a Charity called Disciple Tech and has a passion to create technology that helps people grow in their walk with Jesus.

Safeguarding Young People on a Residential Weekend

In this video Paul Harrison from Christian Safeguarding Services helps us to think through how we can best safeguard young people when taking them away on a residential trip.

Vulnerable Adults- Christian Safeguarding Services

Gavin sits down with Paul and Sue Harrison from Christian Safeguarding Services to chat about the services that they provide churches and christian charities.

Christian Safeguarding Services- Vulnerable Adults

Gavin sits down with Paul and Sue Harrison from Christian Safeguarding Services to chat about the services that they provide churches as well as discussing how to safeguard vulnerable adults.

Church Administration

First Week Back to Work

In this podcast, Gavin sits down with Sharon Clarke to talk through their hectic starts to 2024. Gavin has been navigating a long list of jobs.

First Week Back to Work

In this podcast, Gavin sits down with Sharon Clarke to talk through their hectic starts to 2024.

Church Administration

The Diverse Role of a Church Administrator

In the last podcast of 2023, Gavin sits down with Anna Hodgson the Operation Director at Mosaic Church in Basingstoke. Gavin and Anna spend some time reflecting on the diverse roles in church admin

Church Administration

The Diverse Role of a Church Administrator

In the last video of 2023, Gavin sits down with Anna Hodgson the Operation Director at Mosaic Church in Basingstoke. They spend some time reflecting on the diverse roles in Church Administration.

Church Administration

Serving Local Churches- Churchsuite

In this Video Gavin get the opportunity to sit down with Gavin Courtney the founder of ChurchSuite and discuss all the latest from ChurchSuite.

Church Administration

Churchsuite- Serving Local Churches

In this podcast Gavin get the opportunity to sit down with Gavin Courtney the founder of ChurchSuite and discuss all the latest from ChurchSuite.

Church Administration

The Invisible Man/Woman

What does the circus, an orchestra and the secret service have in common? Or to put it another way, how would you describe the role of a church administrator?

Church Administration

Life of a part time Church Administrator

In this video Gavin talks to Karen Coleman a Church Administrator from Fuller Baptist Church in Kettering. Karen shares life as a part time administrator giving us an insight into some of her work.

Church Administration

The Life of a Part Time Church Administrator

In this podcast Gavin talks to Karen Coleman a Church Administrator from Fuller Baptist Church in Kettering. Karen shares life as a part time administrator giving us an insight into some of her work.

Church Administration

What did you enjoy?

In this video Gavin had the opportunity to chat with 5 of our listeners and find out what they enjoyed about the Terry Virgo Podcast. Loads of really good practical advice and reflections.

Gavin Smith

Church Manager

The Church Assistant

Good Church Management Course

Back Office Review

Coaching

Gavin Smith

Gavin serves as the Church Manager for Christchurch, Newport, a role he has been in for the last 21 years. He is passionate about the gospel and strengthening the church by supporting the work that happens behind the scenes.

Retreat to Refocus: Vision, Planning and Prayer

Reviewing our Systems, Policy and Procedures

January Newsletter

Reviewing our Systems, Policy and Procedures

Surviving the Christmas Programme

Surviving the Christmas Programme

Sustainable Ministry: Cash Flow Planning for Churches

Sustainable Ministry: Cash Flow Planning for Churches

The Trellis and the Vine with Graham Daniels

A Heartfelt Thank You

The Great Work of CPAS

Good Church Management Course

The Good Church Management Course

The work of CPAS

Leading through the growth barriers in church

Prayer points for The Church Office

Brand New Video Game- Serpent and the Seed

Brand New Video Game- Serpent and the Seed

Reflections from the UCAN National Conference

Reflections from the UCAN National Conference

The Clay Pot Conspiracy

Free English Classes at All Souls Langham Place

Free English Classes at All Souls Langham Place

5 Common Challenges with Safeguarding in Churches

5 Common Challenges with Safeguarding in Churches

Church Administration 101

Church Administration 101

The Role of a Treasurer

The Role of a Treasurer

Manual Handling Policy

Beyond the Pulpit: Church Employment Law

Beyond the Pulpit: Church Employment Law

Does your church need Joyned?

Does your church need Joyned?

An Encouragement to Church Administrators this Easter

Terry Virgo- Building Leadership Teams

Should a church use Whatsapp?

The Church Office Podcast: A Growing Resource for Church Leaders

Security Team Member- Volunteer Role Description

Common Sense for Church Comms

Common Sense for Church Comms with Joe and Hannah

Wise Church Planting with Dan Steel

Wise Church Planting

Enjoying the Gospel and Building Teams

Is Your Pastor Paid Enough?

Is Your Pastor Paid Enough?

What is Gospel Coaching?

Admin and Ops Check In

Admin and Ops Check In

Supporting the Shepherds

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

The Importance of Good Governance and Gifting

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

The Pitfalls of Church Finances

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

We bought a church building in 3 weeks!

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

The Work of Ministry behind the Scenes

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

Managing and Developing Church Buildings

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

We've got ourselves a sponsor!

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Navigating Data Protection as a Church

Benefits of Church Management

Finding out more about ACAT

Finding out more about ACAT

5 Essential Reminders for Church Administrators

The Awkward Size Church

Awkward Size Church

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

Partnering with Smaller Churches for the Gospel

Face to Face Scotland

Face to Face