As the snow falls and the days begin to lengthen, I find myself returning to the opening of John’s gospel: “A light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).
That verse has felt especially close this year as I’ve watched congregations wrestle with big questions about their buildings, their neighborhoods, and their call. Many churches are facing aging facilities, shifting demographics, budget constraints, and uncertainty about the future—and yet, in the midst of all of that, there is real light. There is courage. There is holy imagination.
At Realize, we believe church-owned property can be a powerful tool for God’s vision of a world restored and redeemed. We walk with congregations as they discern how to align their buildings and land with gospel-centered mission, community flourishing, and financial sustainability.
Here are a few highlights from what we’ve been up to this past year.
A Practical Framework for Overwhelmed Leaders
Many pastors and lay leaders have told us they feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information about property redevelopment. To help, we created a concise “Seven Steps” cheat sheet on Leading Change to Navigate Church Property Transitions.
This tool doesn’t try to replace a full curriculum. Instead, it gives you a simple, practical framework you can hang in your office or bring to your next council meeting. It’s meant to help you break through the paralysis of “Where do we even start?” and move into a clear, faithful next step.
Showing Up for Affordable Housing
This year, Realize participated in the first Badger State Housing Alliance Advocacy Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The Alliance is a new, non-partisan coalition bringing together people from many walks of life around a shared commitment to affordable housing.
Being in the Capitol rotunda with advocates, organizers, and community leaders was a powerful reminder that housing justice is not an abstract policy issue—it’s deeply connected to our call to love our neighbors. It was also a glimpse of what’s possible when we imagine how church-owned property can contribute to long-term, community-rooted solutions.
Learning Together at Neighborhood Economics
In Chicago, we had the joy of facilitating a panel on church-owned property redevelopment at Neighborhood Economics. The conversation brought together Partners for Sacred Places and a new church-based real estate developer from North Carolina.
Together, we explored how congregations can move from anxiety about their buildings to hope-filled collaboration. The room was full of “what if” questions—what if our church partnered with a mission-aligned developer? What if our undeveloped land became deeply affordable housing? What if our fellowship hall could host a childcare center or community hub during the week?
Those “what ifs” are where some of the most exciting work begins.
Sharing St. John’s Story
During the Madison-Area Housing Week, we shared the story of St. John’s redevelopment and some of the lessons learned along the way.
St. John’s journey is a concrete example of what can happen when a congregation chooses to see its property as a tool for ministry rather than just a problem to manage. Their story continues to inspire churches that wonder, “Is this really possible?” The answer, we’ve seen again and again, is yes—with the right partners, process, and prayer.
A Book for Seasons of Change
We’ve also been hard at work on a new book that we plan to release this coming spring. It weaves together:
- practical “how-to” guidance for navigating property transitions,
- theological reflection on God’s presence in seasons of change, and
- personal stories from the journey.
Our hope is that this book will be a companion for leaders who feel both the weight and the possibility of this moment.
Click here to sign up for our email list, to be notified when the book is released.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We’re already looking ahead to how we can support congregations in 2026 and beyond.
Generosity Extravaganza in Pennsylvania
Peter will be leading a workshop on Leading Change to Navigate Church Property Transitions at the 2026 Generosity Extravaganza in Lansdale, Pennsylvania the weekend of January 24, sponsored by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
If you’re in the region and would like to connect while Peter is in Pennsylvania, he would be glad to visit your congregation and be a thought partner as you discern how your church property can serve both community flourishing and your congregation’s long-term financial sustainability.
New Partnerships & Funding Opportunities
In the coming year, Peter will also be joining Hope Community Capital in a part-time capacity, focusing on the intersection of finance and church-owned real estate projects. This collaboration will help unlock exciting opportunities for congregations seeking to build a viable capital stack for their developments—from predevelopment funding to long-term financing.
Walking with You as You Seek the Well-Being of the City
The prophet Jeremiah calls God’s people to “seek the well-being of the city” where they are planted (Jeremiah 29:7). That call is as urgent now as ever.
As you pray, plan, and take faithful risks with your buildings and land, we are praying that the Holy Spirit will guide you in courage, creativity, and hope. We’re also committed to walking with you so you don’t have to do this discernment alone.
If you’re ready for a deeper conversation about your church’s property and mission, we’d love to connect.
👉 Interested in partnering with Realize as you navigate church property decisions? Click here to schedule a discovery call.
And if you’re looking for a spiritual companion in this season of change, we commend Unholy Hours by Rev. Keats Miles-Wallace, one of Realize’s co-founders—a prayerbook for those seeking God in complex, liminal spaces.