Real estate has been at the heart of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s story from the beginning and now once again could offer a financial lifeline. Faced with an unspecified but clearly significant financial problem, the Fort Worth, Texas, seminary has…
Before you make church property decisions, consider your mission and calling
Congregations must put faith and calling before revenue when contemplating renting, leasing or selling church property in response to declines in giving and attendance, said Dominic Dutra, author of Closing Costs: Reimagining Church Real Estate for Missional Purposes. Church leaders…
Southwestern trustee chairman addresses president’s departure; seminary may sell more land
The chairman of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s trustees made his first public statements about the resignation of former President Adam Greenway Oct. 18, citing “dysfunctionality amongst senior leadership” and financial mismanagement among issues of concern. The board also was told…
Southwestern Seminary lists 24-acre parcel for sale
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has listed for sale a student housing village that encompasses nearly 24 acres of prime multi-housing real estate currently appraised at more than $11 million. Carroll Park apartments encompasses 184 one- and two-bedroom units arrayed in…
Georgia Baptists hit snag on sale of 16-year-old headquarters property in suburban Atlanta
A state Baptist convention’s planned sale of its multi-million-dollar office building has hit a snag with county zoning officials. The Georgia Baptist Mission Board needs to sell its 40-acre property located in Gwinnett County, Ga., and it has a buyer…
Lifeway’s new headquarters is much smaller, designed for collaboration, not offices
In the span of six years, Lifeway Christian Resources has downsized its headquarters twice, moving from a 15-acre campus with nine buildings to its newest intended location that will be 46,000 square feet — about the size of an average…
7 dos and don’ts when considering the redevelopment of church property
More and more houses of worship are shuttering their doors. Declining membership, increased internet streaming and COVID-19 pandemic pressures all have conspired against traditional, steepled structures. Faith communities are trying to hang on and even prosper by analyzing how to…
Lifeway sells its three-year-old office building to downsize again
Lifeway Christian Resources announced the sale of its three-year-old office building in downtown Nashville for $95 million and its plans to move to a downsized space reflective of its transition to a nimble and remote workforce. A combination of declining…
Pastor puts entrepreneurial skills to work this time to get people vaccinated
Dallas pastor Richie Butler has blazed a trail through the worlds of real estate and ministry in Texas and nationwide, developing more than $500 million in urban properties, leading iconic Black churches and launching initiatives to combat racism and deliver…