Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the questions we are most often asked about how Heritage21 serves churches. Have a question that isn’t covered? Complete the form below and we’ll get back to you soon!
Heritage21 is a nonprofit organization that helps Churches of Christ in various stages of their lifecycle. Some are facing important transitions, such as declining attendance or aging facilities. Others are prayerfully discerning whether they have the resources necessary for renewal of their existing congregation to reach their community for the kingdom. Still others are seeking the legal or real estate expertise that the Heritage21 team provides. Our mission is to encourage and facilitate biblical stewardship by supporting Churches of Christ in rejuvenating and resourcing a future empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Heritage21 helps churches Renew, Repurpose, and Replant in God’s kingdom. We provide a process and resources for declining or struggling churches to assess their options, protect their physical and financial assets, and make the best decisions for their future. When renewal is possible, Heritage21 renewal coaches guide churches to infuse new life into their congregation.
For churches that decide the best option is to finish well, Heritage21 becomes a trusted partner through every step: protecting and selling its property, celebrating the congregation’s history, counseling members through the grief of loss, and guiding legacy decisions that distribute assets in legal and God-honoring ways. Ultimately, we encourage churches to use those repurposed assets evangelistically — to plant new churches and resource ministries that bring people to Jesus.
Renewing a congregation through the help of an experienced coach can help the church refocus on God’s mission and ministry.
Repurposing churches are encouraged to spiritually discern God’s will for their future legacy by faithfully stewarding their assets to reinvest in disciple-making and evangelism to expand God’s kingdom.
Replanting initiatives result in exciting new church plants and evangelistic ministries through strategic partnerships and resources.
Many U.S. churches are declining as congregations planted in the 20th century reach the end of their lifecycle. The Churches of Christ are no exception. It is now estimated that approximately two congregations of the Churches of Christ close their doors every week. While this transition may seem disheartening, it is also natural and expected. Yet in it lies a significant opportunity. Prayerfully redistributing assets accumulated by faithful members over many years may be the single greatest financial resource available for future church planting, evangelism, and ministry.
Heritage21 specializes in serving Churches of Christ — typically congregations around 80 members or fewer — who are navigating critical decisions about their future. We serve churches through general church consultation, legal review, and real estate services as they seek to be faithful stewards in God’s kingdom.
Heritage21’s team of attorneys review and update Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, address deed restrictions that could inhibit property transactions, and help churches obtain 501(c)(3) documentation as needed. Further, as churches move through lifecycle stages, their physical assets face very real risks: loss of control to those who do not share the congregation’s values; neglect and inability to maintain facilities; property being controlled by strong-willed individuals or small groups who treat it as their own; and assets being sold or directed towards non-kingdom purposes. Any of these outcomes represent a serious breach of stewardship and a failure of trust placed in leaders by past and present members.
Heritage21 attorneys assist with proper documentation and filing, provide guidance for yearly corporate meetings, and are available to give practical support on other legal matters. Learn more by downloading our Legal Protection guide.
Heritage21’s church and commercial real estate professionals serve churches by providing honest and accurate property evaluations, giving church leaders the clear and informed perspective they need to steward resources well. This might mean assessing the value of land adjacent to an existing property, or using kingdom connections to find a local broker who will bring a property to market. A church that chooses to repurpose their assets can be confident in their commitment to steward kingdom resources responsibly. Learn more by downloading our Church Property guide.
Kingdom stewardship of church property and assets begins by recognizing that God owns everything and we are managers, not owners. Scripture calls us to “prove faithful” in whatever trust we have been given (1 Corinthians 4:2). Practically, this means praying for struggling congregations, identifying early warning signs of decline, seeking legal protections, remaining open to Christian mediation, and, when necessary, exploring alternative title-holding arrangements to preserve assets for kingdom use.
For a deeper look at each of these practices, read our article: Prove Faithful: A Biblical Framework for Stewarding Church Property.
When you reach out to Heritage21, a team member will contact you to gather information and begin discerning how we can best serve your congregation. From there, a consultation typically includes one or more phone calls or video meetings with your leaders to clarify your situation and provide an honest assessment.
You may be asked to complete certain steps to help your congregation prayerfully discern what is next. A Heritage21 team member will be available for ongoing guidance as you navigate potential challenges. An in-person visit with church leaders may be scheduled if deemed mutually appropriate.
No. Heritage21 works with a range of congregations, not just those nearing the end of their lifecycle. Some churches come to us seeking renewal in mission and community engagement. Others determine that repurposing or replanting is the best kingdom stewardship and honors their legacy. Still others need support with legal review, real estate services, or general consultation.
No. Churches can contact Heritage21 at any stage of their lifecycle — whether they are facing major decisions related to growth, noticing early signs of decline, or simply thinking proactively about strategic kingdom stewardship of their assets. In fact, reaching out sooner rather than later allows a church more options for Renewal, Repurposing, or Replanting.
Heritage21’s mission is to encourage and facilitate kingdom stewardship. The Heritage21 team is primarily composed of legal, real estate, accounting, and church consulting professionals who donate their time to serve churches. They serve alongside our small staff to provide pro bono and cost effective services to the congregations that need us most. Contact Heritage21 directly to discuss your congregation’s unique situation.
Start a conversation by completing the contact form on this page or at Heritage21.org/contact or by calling 501-214-0340 to discuss your church’s next steps.