In Autumn 2025, The Greenhouse Christian Centre will be moving from its present home in Burton Road, Poole, to a fantastic new building and location where the ministry can continue and thrive.
We have written the letter below to friends explaining the reasons for the move and answering some key questions. There is also an extensive FAQ section below on this page. If these do not answer your questions, please contact Richard Langmead, our Chair, at richard.langmead@the-greenhouse.org.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul (Philippians 4:7)
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:19
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
My Father’s house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
Isaiah 56:7
Questions about the move
1. How have Trustees come to this decision?
For over ten years we have been convinced that the Lord has wanted to grow The Greenhouse ministry putting it on a sustainable footing that will serve generations to come. For ten years we have prayed and worked hard to achieve this vision at the Burton Road site, but our building is in serious need of multi-million-pound investment, and after years of fundraising we are a long way short of the finances required to do this. Therefore, this vision for another 70 years of ministry will need to be realised at a new Greenhouse Christian Centre. We know that the Church is the people of God and not any particular building; we therefore seek to bless a new location with prayer, with our Christian community and with our God who goes before us.
2. Will the new Greenhouse Christian centre be similar in size and facilities?
At this time, no new site has been finalised, but the aim is to buy a similar sized building with improved facilities, up to date bedrooms and ideally with larger grounds. Our longstanding goal to have a conference centre, break out rooms, as well as an up-to-date kitchen and first class dining facilities all remain priorities.
3. What if significant funds became available before the relocation to the new Greenhouse Christian Centre?
If a significant amount of funds came in, we would prayerfully consider all possibilities and ask what is most honouring to God and all the Greenhouse community in those circumstances.
4. Where would the new Greenhouse Christian Centre be located?
We will give regular updates throughout 2024 as information becomes available. What you can be sure of is that it will be a beautiful site located within its own grounds with access to beautiful walks, picturesque landscapes, towns and villages in the South of England.
5. How will the current Greenhouse run over the next 24 months?
We will run the Greenhouse to the same high standards we have always sought to reach. We are committed to providing the very best service to all our community, whether you are a guest, leader, volunteer, staff member, we will continue to invest in you, and serve you to the best of our ability. To achieve this, Mark Strand and the staff Leadership team are committed to making the next 24 months the best we have ever had.
6. How will you look after our wonderful staff?
We are committed to every member of staff as we go on this journey and will be working to maintain our staff team until we move from the Burton Road site in the Autumn of 2025, 24 months from now. This will mean a significant financial commitment, but our intention is to honour our staff and to continue growing the ministry. Guests and leaders can expect to have the same loving and thoughtful service from familiar faces throughout this journey.
7. If we move sites, what level of disruption will there be to guests?
While acknowledging the disruptions that come with change, we are genuinely excited about the long-term advantages this move will bring and would love to take everyone with us. Updates will be shared throughout 2024. In the meantime we would love your prayers, asking God to make this change as smooth and quick as possible.
8. Will you continue to maintain the facilities of the Burton Road site over the next 2 years?
Yes absolutely. We will continue to provide a beautiful, safe, well-maintained site and will spend finances just as we always would to ensure staff and guests have a lovely place to be.
9. Will the programs and services at the Greenhouse change with the relocation?
It is our clear intention to continue the current ministry of the Greenhouse. We are moving because of our ageing building and are taking bold steps to guarantee our programme and ministry for another 70 years.
10. Will the new Greenhouse Christian Centre be for all your current guests?
Yes, absolutely. Whether you are a guest, a group, or a programme leader, the new centre will be accessible for you. We recognise change and upheaval are challenging, but the aim is to provide an even better experience in easy reach of all our friends. We will update you throughout 2024 but please know we want to relocate so that everybody who stays at, and loves The Greenhouse, can go with us on this journey.
11. What will happen to the Burton Road site?
We will be looking to sell the site to fund the purchase of the new Greenhouse Christian Centre.
12. How can I be praying at this time?
There are many things to be praying for at this time and we will be inviting you to various prayer initiatives over the coming years. In the meantime we would love your prayers for those who find this news particularly difficult, The Greenhouse is a much loved place and we know it will be very tough on many people who have loved their time at Burton Road. Please pray for the staff and volunteers as this will be very significant news for them to digest. Please be praying for the overall ministry too: we have made this difficult choice primarily because we want to preserve and grow The Greenhouse’s ministry. We ask for the Lord’s protection and blessing as he gives more than we can ask for or imagine.
13. How will the transition to another site actually work?
We are looking at a range of opportunities, but our guiding principle is to cause as little interruption as possible and bring as many people with us as possible.
14. How will people’s gifts for the refurbishment project be dealt with?
We express our heartfelt gratitude to each person who has generously contributed to our fundraising initiative, irrespective of the amount. Your sacrifices are deeply honoured, and we want to assure you of our commitment to handling your gifts with the utmost integrity.
As we look forward to the new Greenhouse Christian Centre, we want to suggest two options for your consideration:
- Return of Gifts: At an appropriate time, we can return each person’s gift, whether in part or in full, based on your discretion.
- Contribution to the new Greenhouse: Alternatively, we would love you to continue supporting our growing ministry and allocate your contribution towards the purchase and equipping of the new Greenhouse Christian Centre.
Whichever option is right for you, a member of our team will be in touch with you in the New Year to talk over what you would like to do with your gifts.
15. Who can I speak to at the Greenhouse about this news?
Please write to Richard Langmead, at The Greenhouse Christian Centre or reach out to Richard at richard.langmead@the-greenhouse.org.
Your understanding, patience, and continued commitment to our shared vision are deeply appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or thoughts regarding this significant change.
16. How can we stay updated on progress and receive additional information?
The website will be updated as news becomes available and our regular news email will also let you know what is happening.
17. Will there be any farewell events or opportunities to say goodbye?
Yes, very much so! We have had an amazing 70 years of ministry at the Burton Road site, and we will celebrate and worship our loving God, thanking Him for the past, thanking Him for His presence with us today and thanking Him for the future of The Greenhouse Christian Centre. A 2025 events calendar will be published in 2024 with a huge invitation to a range of summer events.
18. When will all this happen?
Good question. The Greenhouse will continue to operate exactly as it does now until the Autumn of 2025. There will be a range of celebration events across the Summer of 2025 as well as regular updates on our progress.
19. Can we still book for 2024 and 2025?
Yes, you can. We will be running a normal service until at least September 2025, and we would love you to come and stay with us. Please be mindful that you should book well in advance to avoid disappointment.