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TOGETHER JULY – AUGUST 2022
Greater Things
RETAILER FOCUS Christian Bookshop

John Saunders reflects on fifty years of serving the community of Rugby.

Our bookshop in Castle Street, Rugby, which
occupies three floors, opened fifty years
ago this year. We were able to purchase the
premises a few years later and therefore pay
no ongoing rent. This is probably one of the
main reasons we have been able to remain
open. Sadly, nine other Christian bookshops in
nearby towns have closed with long-serving
and knowledgeable staff lost to our trade. We
have always employed our staff and have had
occasional volunteers to support the work. The
charity, Greater Things (Rugby), was formed
eight years ago, broadening the original vision
to more of a community focus. As part of the
charity work we have supported missions
worldwide, and over the last thirty-two years
have sent teams to India to evangelise and
train indigenous pastors. We have also
supported young people who go on short-term
mission trips to various parts of the world.
Like many Christian bookshops, trading over
recent years has been more challenging partly
due to customers having a wider choice of
where and how to buy their books, both from
Christian and secular online retailers. Sadly,
a lack of church support has sometimes also
been an issue for some retailers. Greater Things
believe bricks and mortar shops have much
more to offer than online shopping! Personal
service, being able to see and handle what
you are buying at the point of purchase and
one-to-one customer service, not to mention a
knowledge of books and a guiding hand to find
appropriate literature for ‘seekers’ and those The Greater Things team
of other faiths or no faith at all, and a friendly
member of staff to talk to or pray with.
Greater Things is more than a shop, it is a place of welcome
Even when the shop was closed during the
Covid pandemic lockdown we continued and support. We have held a prayer/healing centre in the
to keep in touch with our customers by shop for five years.
telephone, email and our Facebook page,
arranging delivery and pick-up opportunities. a prayer/healing session in the shop for five churches and charities to use our first-floor
To broaden our range and to provide a wider years on Wednesday afternoons when the shop meeting room for leaders’ meetings, prayer
customer appeal we have in recent years is closed. A board outside invites anyone with meetings etc. This is fully kitted-out for training
added new product lines including ‘Sea Gems’ a need to come in for prayer and support. Our and teaching sessions.
quality silver and enamel jewellery from team of Christians are from various churches
Cornwall and ‘Lanka Kade’ Fair-Trade wooden with the skills to listen and pray as required. The future for the Christian bookshop in Rugby
toys for younger children. Books remain an is unknown, but our intention is to continue
important part of our stock line. Our policy This has been well received by many, including to serve the community around us with good
is to keep only one copy of most titles which non-Christians, and there have been some Christian literature and a warm welcome. Our
enables us to have an extensive range. We wonderful answers to prayer. prayer is that this article will encourage and
do not have a second-hand book section but During the Covid lockdowns, as we were unable inspire existing as well as new people to
rather recommend Book Aid to those offering to have our open Wednesday sessions at the ‘have a go’ to take the place of those who
us books. shop, we continued meeting via Zoom and have gone before.
Greater Things is more than a shop, it is a prayer requests were upheld. We are hoping As for Greater Things, we give God all the glory
place of welcome and support. We have held to be able to re-open soon. We encourage for all He has done for us.
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