The Rev Scott Rennie highlights the importance of the work of Presbytery Building Officers.

IN this column we have been looking at different examples of how people are reimagining and reshaping the church buildings for ministry and mission today.

If our hinterland as a church is more challenging, God is at the same time asking us to be bolder and broader minded about the forms ministry and mission takes and what that means for the fabric of our buildings. All of this requires a significant skill set in caring for our buildings on the part of congregations.

Perhaps the most significant change in the working of the General Trustees over the last four years has been the introduction of Presbytery Buildings Officers as the new larger presbyteries have formed. Most presbyteries now have one, and in acknowledgement of the difference they are making to the care and maintenance of our Church’s buildings, the General Trustees this year moved to 100% funding of their posts, from the previous agreement of 50%.

The first PBO was the Rev Ian Murray, PBO for the Northeast and Northern Isles. Ian finds mostly his role is helping churches discern how to resolve maintenance issues with their churches and manses, or giving professional advice as opposed to Fabric Conveners relying on building trade advice, which can vary. He explained: “The cost of employing a conservation accredited architect or a surveyor or whatever is seriously expensive, so sometimes congregations are tempted to wing it themselves and hope that they’ve got it right. In the past, sometimes they maybe did get it right and other times they didn’t.”

Ian added: “In the future we have to make sure repairs are done properly for the sake of the buildings.”

Presbytery Building Officers have saved the Church many thousands of pounds in remedial works by offering professional advice, and also learning which firms in a local area undertake the best work at reasonable value for congregations. The local knowledge PBOs are building up is making a difference in the quality of work undertaken.

An unexpected part of the job is an increasingly pastoral side to their role, especially where congregations are having to prepare for the release and sale of a much-loved building and going through a grieving process as well as a legal process.

Ian explained: “We’ve had no part of the decision making and planning process usually, so when people meet us in preparation to sell their building they usually open up and share their emotions, and the sense of loss they feel, especially if they’ve had a long family connection to a church building. We try and listen, and be there for them as much as we can.”

“ Each of the Presbytary Building Officers also has a particular skill or interest they are able to share with the team...

Each of the PBOs also has a particular skill or interest they are able to share with the team, be it conservation, cost control, experience of development work etc. They meet fortnightly online to share experience, talk about different cases they are dealing with and where there might be shared learning across the church. They also work hand in hand with Katherine Isherwood, Head of Buildings and Projects and the other General Trustees at the national offices.

It goes without saying that if your congregation is struggling or wrestling with any fabric issue, then don’t. Get in touch with your Presbytery Buildings Officer straight away she or he will be only too glad to give advice, help and support.

The Rev Scott Rennie is Vice-Convener of the General Trustees.