This project originated from the vicar of Rotherham Minster and Chapel on the Bridge, who recognised that people visiting churches were not made to feel welcome and could not find the information they wanted about the heritage of the buildings.

Initial regeneration funding from the local authority (Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council) in 1998 triggered interest from several other churches in the Rotherham area. Over time, the extent to which church tourism benefited the economy was recognised and resulted in the Rotherham Churches Tourism Initiative which aimed to:

• increase access to heritage within churches (through visits and events)
• improve interpretation, providing an explanation of church related heritage
• increase community and visitor awareness through targeted publicity
• provide training courses for volunteers

Community involvement was an important aspect of the initiative. This led to developing an appreciation of the heritage of the area, and promoting and supporting heritage as part of the wider regeneration of Rotherham.

Churches also participated in a Welcome Host programme, which outlined best practice in welcoming new visitors to the church.