Church Property Resource Hub
A project of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Church Property Resource Hub was built in response to requests from synod and local church leaders for support navigating the challenges and opportunities that buildings and land represent for both congregational vitality and the wider mission of the Church.
Find resources and expand your knowledge of church property management through templates, guides, explainers and courses.
Share advice and get support from colleagues with experience answering a wide range of property management questions on our digital forum.
Be inspired by success stories of faith communities using underutilized space in exciting new ways to fulfill their mission.
Courses & Resources
Explore how scripture shapes our understanding of property stewardship and transformation. This four-session study leads congregations through reflective, collaborative discussions about the future of their space.
Explore and articulate how your church lives out God’s call in ways that invite partnership and collaboration with a variety of neighbors, leaders, and stakeholders.
Your congregation plays a vital role in the life of your community! Connect with your neighbors in new ways that enhance and expand your church’s community impact.
Sharing your church buildings with community groups is a great way to expand your mission in the community, strengthen relationships, and support property maintenance.
All congregations will move out of their buildings at some point. Learn how to leave a legacy of your ministry and faithfully transfer your land and buildings to new stewards.
Stories from the Spectrum of Success
Vang’s successful fundraising for its restoration project has been an inspiration in its community and beyond.
FAQs
What is the Church Property Resource Hub?
The Church Property Resource Hub is new initiative that connects congregations and synod leaders to information, organizations, and guidance for effective, faith-driven stewardship of church property. You can find how-to documents, stories of congregations that have found creative solutions to property challenges, and a network of professionals who can answer questions and partner with congregations.
Who is the Church Property Resource Hub for?
The Resource Hub is built for local church and synod leaders to help navigate the challenges and opportunities that buildings and land represent for both congregational vitality and the wider mission of the Church. The Hub includes advice and experience for a variety of contexts across the United States, from downtown urban centers, rural and small-town communities, and those located in suburban areas.
Do we have to pay to use the Church Property Resource Hub?
NO! The Hub is provided as a free resource for congregations and synods.
Can we use the Church Property Resource Hub to answer our property questions instead of calling our synod office?
The Resource Hub provides guidance and information on a broad range of property management topics, and your local synod can give you specific advice and connect you to helpful, local conversation partners who can assist your church.
Does the Resource Hub provide funding for churches?
Not at this time. However, congregations can find potential funding avenues on the hub as well as guidance to help build a case for support.
Is this a shadow play for the ELCA to take over local churches’ property?
NO! As your church already knows, managing property is complicated, and inherently connected to the church’s relationship to its surrounding community. Synods and the Churchwide Organization know that local congregations can and will make the most faithful decisions about how to steward their property. The Resource Hub equips local congregations to make those decisions with information, tools, and connections.
Is the Resource Hub available to congregations outside the ELCA?
Yes! There is no paywall, there is no restriction on access. The ELCA recognizes that our ecumenical siblings need these resources as well and we believe that God’s vision for the Church Universal is strengthened by our collaboration.
