Photo by Akira Hojo on Unsplash
by Haiko Cornelissen, Principal – Stewardship Realty
Churches and faith-based organizations often face real estate challenges—aging buildings, underutilized spaces, and financial burdens. Yet, these properties are not just brick and mortar; they are sacred spaces meant to serve God’s mission. At Stewardship Realty, we believe church property should be a blessing, not a burden. Our mission is to help congregations turn their real estate from a financial drain into a resource that sustains ministry and strengthens community impact.
Through advisory services, asset management, and development strategies, we guide churches in unlocking the full potential of their properties. Understanding that every dollar matters, we offer free initial analyses to help faith communities discern the possibilities within their real estate holdings.
A key part of this work is our partnership with FaithX. Their expertise in data-driven discernment helps churches understand their neighborhoods—their strengths, challenges, and opportunities for outreach. While FaithX equips congregations with vital insights, Stewardship Realty provides the means to act on them. Together, we help churches align their real estate with their mission, whether by repurposing spaces, creating sustainable revenue streams, or forming strategic partnerships.
One powerful example of this collaboration is in communities burdened by high housing costs. FaithX data often highlights the need for affordable housing, and through thoughtful development, churches can provide much-needed homes while generating income to support ministry. By reimagining their properties, congregations can extend their mission in ways that meet both spiritual and practical needs.
We have witnessed faith communities experience profound renewal through this work. Churches wrestling with difficult questions—should we renovate, repurpose, or sell? How do we remain faithful stewards of our property—find clarity and confidence in aligning their assets with their calling? In one instance, a congregation struggling with a large, underused property had a great need for affordable senior housing. Combined with local zoning that incentivized senior housing, a direction was created that transformed their liability into a long-term income stream while preserving and expanding their mission at the heart of the project.
At its core, real estate in faith communities is about more than buildings. It is about people, mission, and the future of ministry. When churches steward their resources wisely, they move from fear to faith, from uncertainty to action. They can dream bigger, serve better, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
As we continue our journey with FaithX, we are excited to walk alongside more congregations, helping them discover new possibilities. When faith communities flourish, so do the neighborhoods they serve. And when we work together in mission, we go further than we ever could alone.
