This webinar on church and nonprofit real estate transactions is hosted and sponsored by Ministry Pacific Insurance Services. Ministry Pacific is a property and liability insurance broker exclusively committed to serving houses of worship and charitable nonprofit organizations: http://www.MinistryPacific.com. Many churches face unique challenges regarding their physical spaces. Some congregations thrive with an abundance of members but lack a permanent place for worship. Others possess vast facilities but struggle with dwindling attendance. While these scenarios may seem problematic, our expert guests in this webinar specialize in transforming them into opportunities. Consider these possibilities: Could a congregation sell its property and lease back a portion for worship and ministry?Could a church without a permanent home lease space from an existing congregation, benefiting both organizations?Could a church sell or repurpose part of its property for mission-aligned uses, such as affordable housing, nonprofit offices, or daycare services? Restructuring a church’s real estate assets does not mean abandoning its mission. Instead, reducing financial burdens and shifting property management responsibilities can revitalize ministry efforts and strengthen community impact. Exploring the Challenges In this webinar, Landis Graden and Megan McIver from DCG Strategies discuss the pressing real estate challenges facing churches with underutilized properties. They offer a faith-driven yet strategic approach to decision-making, emphasizing that property transactions should not be viewed solely as financial matters but as crucial extensions of a congregation's mission. Their expertise provides guidance on transforming real estate obstacles into opportunities for sustainability and growth. The discussion highlights how churches in evolving communities struggle to adapt amid changing demographics and rising costs. Drawing from their extensive experience in faith-based real estate, Landis and Megan stress the importance of aligning real estate decisions with a church’s core mission and values. They explore practical strategies for congregations determining whether to sell, renovate, or repurpose their properties. Landis underscores the necessity for church leaders to confront their realities, which may involve reimagining facilities to better serve their communities. This transformation could include leasing underused spaces, selling property to invest in new ministries, or developing partnerships for shared use. Lessons from Success Stories The webinar also features compelling case studies of churches successfully navigating these transitions. One example includes a congregation in West Oakland that repurposed its property to provide housing for vulnerable seniors. Another case highlights a Newark-based church that merged with a neighboring congregation to maximize resources for a stronger community impact. Throughout the discussion, Landis and Megan reiterate the importance of collaboration, patience, and open-mindedness when exploring property solutions. Churches that embrace change proactively can ensure their mission remains vibrant while adapting to evolving needs. Key Takeaways Demographic Shifts: Many churches are grappling with declining membership, shifting neighborhood dynamics, and mounting maintenance expenses. Mission-Driven Decisions: A church’s real estate strategy should be guided by its mission, not just financial concerns. Three Core Options: Congregations can lease, sell, or develop their properties to optimize resources. Transformation in Action: Examples of churches repurposing properties for housing, community services, and ministry expansion. Pastoral Considerations: Real estate decisions involve emotional and spiritual factors, not just financial ones. A Patient Approach: Property transitions require trust-building and careful planning. Rushing the process can lead to unintended complications. Building Bridges: Churches can explore partnerships with neighboring congregations or mission-aligned organizations to maximize property use. Specialized Expertise Matters: Church real estate requires knowledge of unique operational timelines, mission priorities, and risk management strategies beyond standard commercial transactions. Positive Reframing: Restructuring property should be seen as an opportunity for growth, not as a failure. Timestamped Session Overview 00:00:00 - Introduction - Host Roy Harryman welcomes attendees on behalf of Ministry Pacific. - Introduces guests Landis Graden and Megan McIver from DCG Strategies. - Provides background on Ministry Pacific, an insurance brokerage serving churches and nonprofits. 00:01:45 - Guest Introductions - Megan McIver shares her background and details DCG Strategies' mission. - Explains that DCG Strategies is a full-service real estate firm dedicated to faith-based and mission-driven ...
