The Hollywood United Methodist Church is not only a historic and active place of worship—it’s also a sought-after filming location, having been featured in major productions like Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and TV shows like Criminal Minds.
Churches across the country are reimagining their role in the community — and their property is playing a key part. As costs rise and communities evolve, faith leaders are recognizing that land and buildings can do more than support worship — they can fuel mission, ministry, and long-term sustainability.
At DCG Strategies, we help churches move from vision to reality with faith-aligned property development solutions. If your church is considering its next chapter, here are five reasons this year may be the year your congregation explores real estate development.
1. Real Estate Can Fund Your Mission
Your property isn’t just land — it’s potential. Churches finding creative ways to leverage unused or underutilized land to generate income through long-term ground leases, strategic partnerships, and mixed-use development.
Why now? Development can reduce financial strain, support outreach, and sustain ministry for generations to come. By carefully considering your property’s potential for development now, you empower your community to make well-discerned decisions (before things become urgent or too late).
2. The Community Needs You
Affordable housing shortages, access to childcare, and food insecurity are just a few challenges communities face today. Churches are uniquely positioned to meet these needs by repurposing land for service — often in collaboration with nonprofit and civic partners.
Your land can be more than sacred space — it can be a solution.
3. Laws Are Changing in Favor of Development on Faith Land
Legislation like California’s SB-4 is making it easier for churches to develop 100% Affordable Housing projects. With fewer zoning restrictions and streamlined approvals, the door is open — and DCG Strategies is here to help you walk through it.
2025 is a pivotal year for church-led development. The policy landscape is shifting in your favor.
4. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Development sounds daunting, but you don’t have to become an expert. With the right support, churches can partner with experienced developers, preserve their mission, and retain control of their property.
DCG Strategies guides churches through every step — from feasibility to financing, and from zoning to groundbreaking.
5. Planning Now Protects Your Future
Even if you’re not ready to break ground, starting now gives you time to:
👉Evaluate your land’s potential
👉 Engage your congregation and board
👉Build strategic partnerships
👉Prepare for funding opportunities
Smart planning in 2025 positions your church for impact in 2030 and beyond.
Jordan Court is an apartment complex for seniors with limited incomes in Berkeley, California, that was built by a partnership between Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) and All Souls Episcopal Parish (ASEP). Opened in May of 2022, Jordan Court has 34 studio apartments, a courtyard with garden beds, community room, conference room, and community kitchen
Explore What’s Possible for Your Church
You’ve been entrusted with more than land — you’ve been entrusted with opportunity. Whether you’re looking to serve, sustain, or simply explore options, your next step starts with a conversation.
👉 Schedule a strategic consultation with DCG Strategies at www.dcgstrategies.com
Let’s align your property with your purpose — and build a future that blesses both your congregation and your community.
