How Christian legal support helped Alverstoke Evangelical Church futureproof its gospel mission
At Edward Connor Solicitors, we recognise the central role the local church has in God’s plan. We’ve therefore dedicated ourselves to supporting local churches just like Alverstoke Evangelical Church, an active FIEC church in the south coast town of Gosport.
Empathetic Christian legal advice for Alverstoke’s church leaders
Changing charity status to a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) is a big project, even without added complexity. But we know the life of a local church and its leadership doesn’t always go to plan, as was the case for Alverstoke, where church trustees faced the dual challenges of a global pandemic and changes in church leadership.
David Cunliffe, a church trustee at Alverstoke, reflected:
“During 2021 we made little progress with the CIO application or reviewing the draft governing documents with church members.”
ECS’ Christian legal experts – such as Rosie, Charity Associate – had the privilege of walking alongside the church leaders during this time, offering empathetic and prayerful support:
“Rosie kept in contact during this time showing empathy for our situation. It was encouraging to know that we were prayed for by the ECS staff.”
Why would a church become a CIO?
Given the scale of the project and the complicating factors, why did Alverstoke pursue registering their charity as a CIO? A CIO is an incorporated body with a legal personality of its own. This would offer a number of benefits to Alverstoke, such as:
- The ability to enter into contracts in its own name, e.g. in employing staff
- Ownership of property in its own name
- Limiting the personal liability of the church trustees
The CIO process would also provide opportunity for updating the church constitution and other governing documents, making them more fit for purpose, relevant to current needs and better futureproofed for whatever lay ahead. And Alverstoke would register as a charity with the Charity Commission during the process, something that all churches will be required to do before March 2031.
Why choose Christian lawyers?
While many law firms handle CIO work, Alverstoke chose to seek legal advice from a Christian law firm. ECS shares an evangelical basis of faith with Alverstoke, which made us a natural choice for the church:
“As an FIEC church it was natural for us to look to ECS for support in this process.”
Our Christian lawyers not only possess Christian legal expertise, they are embedded in local churches themselves. This personal experience ensures that our legal advice is both practical and spiritually attuned to the needs of church leadership.
But our basis of faith isn’t just a statement – it impacts all that we do. That’s why Christlike care is one of our core values. We want our clients – often church leaders managing the stresses of the role – to know they are loved and cared for throughout their partnership with ECS. David appreciated this Christlike care, stating:
“Much of the hard work that ECS has done in supporting the church leaders has been unseen by the church. However, the support I have witnessed has been of the highest standard. I am immensely grateful for the calm, patient and straightforward support I have received while managing the demands and stresses of my role.”
Why else would you choose Christian lawyers?
Futureproofing the mission of the local church
By the end of 2023, Alverstoke had successfully registered with the Charity Commission, transferred its assets to the new CIO charity, and was officially operating under its new status. Rosie and the ECS team continued to support the church trustees as they finalised the closure of the old charity and registered the new CIO charity with HMRC.
With the protections and opportunities afforded by their new CIO status, a more robust set of governing documents, and charity registration sorted, Alverstoke is looking ahead to a new chapter in its ministry. The employing of an interim pastor will help strengthen the leadership of the church, and supported by prayer, the church hope to employ a new, permanent, pastor in the near future – something much more feasible under its new CIO charity status.
If your church is looking for help in becoming a CIO charity, contact us today to talk through your requirements.
Banner photo by Wendelin Jacober on Pexels
