Navigate the future of your church property with confidence
The essential course for transforming church property challenges into long-term impact.
Equip Your Church Board with a new Property Strategy Journey
THERE IS HOPE
Your Church Property Needs Strategy
Relèven’s Property Strategy Course is designed specifically for church leaders and board members facing complex property issues. As an elder, you hold a crucial role in shaping your congregation’s future. This course provides the practical knowledge and tools needed to manage and reimagine your church property, ensuring it supports your mission and serves the community.
are you ready to plan a new future?
In 8 concise modules, this course offers:
An overview of Property Development: From vision to execution, introducing proformas, regulations, and risk management.
Community Impact Frameworks: Align projects with community needs, ensuring equitable benefits for all.
Strategic Partnerships: Guidance on building partnerships with developers and local stakeholders.
Financial Sustainability: Explore revenue options like affordable housing to reduce donation reliance.
Tailored Church Solutions: Real-world insights on governance and regulations to achieve the best use of church assets.
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Meet Jeff, a Church Board Member you may recognize.
When Jeff joined his congregation’s board upon his grandmother's invitation, he faced a historic property with high maintenance costs and dwindling savings. Like many board members, Jeff was uncertain about his options but committed to protecting his church’s legacy. The Property Strategy Course equips board members like Jeff to develop practical, impactful strategies for managing church property and ensuring long-term sustainability.
course modules
SESSION 1 - FROM DOOM TO DELIGHT
Move from Fear to Hope: Embrace positive change by addressing fears and adopting a hopeful outlook for the church’s future.
Ask the Right Questions: Churches need to avoid assumptions and ask questions that drive purpose and innovation.
Explore New Paths: Discover diverse ways for churches to reimagine their role and community impact through real-world examples.
SESSION 2 - A DIRECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY
Define Responsibilities and Purpose: Directors must clarify governance duties and the church’s mission in the community.
Evaluate Financial Health: Assess revenue, expenses, and building needs to ensure sustainability.
Create Urgency for Change: Identifying risks and readiness gaps can prevent issues that disconnect the church from its community.
SESSION 3 - PROPERTY VALUATION BASICS
Value Beyond Finances: Property value includes community needs, housing, and heritage.
Identify Liabilities: Know when property costs outweigh benefits and assess best use for church and community.
Hire Experts: Use skilled appraisers and assessors to navigate complex property decisions.
SESSION 4 - PART 1 - ALL ABOUT HOUSING
Maximize "Highest Best Use": Focus on property value tailored to community needs.
Assess Feasibility with Financial Tools: Use proformas to clarify costs, revenue, and returns early on.
Overcome Decision-Making Challenges: Address risks, regulations, and governance to move from concept to completion.
SESSION 4 - PART 2 - DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PROPERTY
Set Clear Objectives: Decide if the focus is on financial sustainability, mission, or both to guide partnerships.
Balance Development Factors: Ensure accessibility, energy efficiency, and heritage preservation to meet community and regulatory needs.
Build Strategic Partnerships: Form lasting, aligned relationships with government and development partners for mission impact and viability.
SESSION 5 - COMMUNITY HUBS
Reimagine the Community Hub: Plan for the best use of church space to meet local needs.
Evaluate and Fund Repairs: Assess building conditions, repair costs, and grants for equity-focused initiatives.
Create Sustainable Governance: Establish rental models or nonprofits to manage partnerships and community-driven goals.
SESSION 6 - BOTTOM LINES
Decouple Church from Property: Focus resources on mission rather than building upkeep.
Embrace Abundance: Shift from scarcity to a mindset of possibilities and impact.
Ask Transformative Questions: New stories arise from asking the right questions for meaningful change.
SESSION 7 - CAN WE DO THIS ON OUR OWN?
Seek Professional Guidance: Experts in planning, heritage, and reuse save time and prevent mistakes.
Engage Stakeholders Wisely: Understand priorities and constraints of city officials and planners.
Collaborate Across Churches: Partnerships and shared insights help navigate regional regulations and achieve goals.
SESSION 8 - THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE
Active Listening: Engage with the congregation, neighbourhood, and land to uncover goals before planning.
Select a Path: Use studies to choose between property development or community hub options.
Ensure Equitable Value: Unlock property value while sharing benefits with the community for lasting impact.
