Membership Criteria

The Greater Churches Group consists of a network of members, linked together for mutual support who operate by the following objectives:

In the past when a church has approached us regarding membership, we have asked them to consider the criteria which we tend to look for:

1.  Size of building. Some of our member churches are ancient monastic foundations and bigger than a number of cathedrals. Certainly a major ‘fabric’ is a criterion – with all the problems this often raises.
2. Number of visitors. This is often appreciable in our members and a ministry to    visitors and pilgrims is considered a vital part of our work.
3. A ministry which is wider than that of the ‘ordinary’ parish church – be that civic or university etc
4. The presence of a paid staff in addition to clergy – administrator, verger, musicians, etc. Certainly a ‘pay-roll’.
5. A church which is open most days all day.

You might like to consider the above criteria and whether or not you feel you fit into some/most of these categories and whether, on the face of it, we could be of help to you.

When we have had a response from a church enquiring about membership, we consider that response with our committee and then may offer ‘observer’ status at our next bi-annual conference when an applicant can see if they like us and whether we feel our group is right for the church concerned. This doesn’t mean that we are ‘picky’ – it simply reflects the fact that we are of necessity a small group and seek to tread a narrow dividing line between being welcoming to new members and keeping the group manageable – and thus able to fulfil its purposes for its members within our limited resources.

When sending in an application it is helpful if any appropriate literature, i.e. guide book, is also included.

Current membership fees are £70 per annum which go towards running the conference and other administrative expenses.