Congregations across the country are trying to figure out what to do with buildings that no longer serve their purpose.

Even thriving congregations may struggle to maintain buildings that no longer align well with their mission and ministry. Often silently, sometimes aloud, pastors, lay leaders, and religious support organizations are asking the question, “What should become of these buildings?”

As hard as the struggle may sometimes be, congregations should not feel alone. The problem of church building is generating significant conversation and creativity across America.

The question of what happens to church buildings means different things, depending on the context. The following is a very limited list of how some churches transition the assets:

• Donate the real estate to a denominational entity. Many times, the denominational entity will work with a church plant in the area to bring in a new Gospel ministry.
• Work/merge with a new church plant in the area.
• Work with a larger, stronger church to enable their ministry to grow and utilize the real estate as a campus or satellite location.
• Partner with a foundation to sell the property and establish an endowment that will generate funding for ministry in perpetuity (or until Jesus returns).
• Liquidate the existing real estate and relocate to an area that is more suitable for the congregation to flourish.

WHO CAN HELP?
There are several organizations within the Southern Baptist community that can assist your congregation. They include your local association, your state convention, The Baptist Foundation of California, and The North American Mission Board.

The main idea is to seek a trusted partner with understanding of the area, opportunities in the area, and sufficient resources to execute a plan forward.

The first step is a set of actions that every church can and should take right now:

• Start a conversation in your congregation about how buildings are a tool for ministry and mission.
• Build a wider web of relationships in your community. With denominational leadership, they will be essential to any future actions.
• Expand your imagination about possibilities for the future use of real estate.
• Seek a trusted partner who can assist and develop
  a customized plan based on the unique context and set of circumstances for your church.

You are not alone in your concern about the future of church buildings. There is a growing community of believers who understand your challenges and have the expertise to help you meet them.

Your Baptist Foundation of California stands ready to assist you as the need arises. 

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