Batley Central Methodist Church is a Grade II listed church in the heart of Batley town centre, serving an ethnically diverse community experiencing high levels of deprivation. Alongside worship, the church provides vital partner-led community support through activities including a weekly drop-in, food support, social groups and youth provision.
Over the last three years, Futurekraft has worked alongside the church to clarify its identity, develop a clear strategy for growth based on the community consultation we delivered, and secure funding to expand its community impact and plan for long-term sustainability.
What was needed
The church recognised the need to move from reactive activity to a clear, sustainable and community-led mission. Support was required to:
- Clarify identity, vision and missional priorities
- Engage congregation and community in shaping future direction
- Develop a realistic strategy to grow congregation and community reach
- Build a strong evidence base through community consultation
- Secure funding for both revenue activity and capital development
What was achieved
Futurekraft provided strategic development, consultation and fundraising support, working closely with church leaders and the wider congregation. This resulted in:
- A comprehensive community consultation, identifying gaps in local provision
- A clear identity framework and articulated vision
- A missional programme and phased project plan
- Successful fundraising outcomes, including 7 grants totalling £88,000 to expand community activities, including two multi-year grants and funding to recruit a Community Development Worker
- A further £10,000 grant for development costs towards capital works, enabling plans to improve accessibility, flexibility and welcome within the building
As a result, Batley Central Methodist Church now has a clear sense of purpose, secured investment in people and programmes, and a clear plan to transform its building into a welcoming community hub. Our next step is to support them in the capital fundraising which will take place over the next two years.
“Futurekraft helped us listen to our community, clarify who we are and turn that into a clear, fundable plan. We have felt supported at every stage. As we progress with our plans, we now have the confidence, direction and resources to further our church mission and better serve our local community. ” – Batley Central Methodist Church