D044 Task Force on Church Property Development
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 81st General Convention create the Task Force on Church Property Development, whose mandate is to (1) collect information and resources useful to churches and dioceses considering redevelopment, including success stories from around the church (2) identify any gaps in the information available and hurdles to redevelopment, (3) make recommendations on how to leverage existing church property and financial assets to further the work of mission and ministry, including congregational redevelopment, church planting, and evangelism, and (4) propose or establish a group, network, or para-church organization that can assist churches in future efforts; and be it further
Resolved, That the Task Force begin its work no later than January 1, 2025, with the Task Force concluding its work at the conclusion of the 82nd General Convention, unless its mandate is extended by the 82nd Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That this Task Force be appointed jointly by the Presiding Officers, with 12 members, 3 of whom shall be bishops, 4 of whom shall be clergy, and 5 lay persons, including members with experience in the development of church property, church planting, and entrepreneurial ministry; and be it further
Resolved, That the Episcopal Church Building Fund, Trinity Wall Street Mission Real Estate and Development (MRED), and Episcopal Parish Network shall each appoint a representative to serve as a consultant to the Task Force; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention request that the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance consider a budget allocation of $30,000 for the implementation of this resolution.
Explanation
Decline in membership, aging facilities, deferred maintenance, and increasing costs for personnel all require the church to be more creative, imaginative, and wise in the stewardship of our land and property. This resolution seeks to further the conversation and resources available so that we can be good stewards of our property and maximize the assets available for the mission and ministry of the church, rather than acting from a mindset of fear and scarcity. The Task Force’s work should make it easier for congregations to consider how to generate revenue to support ministry, create missional partnerships (i.e. affordable housing), and creatively use their property and buildings to further their ministry.
Information and resources to guide decisions about church property are sparse, and conversations on this topic are often siloed. Congregations and dioceses often take on these challenges on their own, often without past experience or expertise in real estate and development. A coordinated repository of resources will make it easier for lay and clergy leaders to make informed and empowered decisions. A clearer understanding of options and processes, and how they intersect with the values of The Episcopal Church, will make it easier to plan for the future. This Task Force will gather information and resources at regional and churchwide levels so this work can be done more efficiently and effectively.
We hope this resolution also calls dioceses to be thoughtful in land banking property for new churches and in the use of revenues when a church or property is sold. Rather than putting those assets into operating funds, they could be thoughtfully invested for the long term mission of the future church. By highlighting successes and sharing information, this Task Force can support creative visions for the church of the future.