Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Workshop Highlights Consensus, Clarity, and Courage in Church Property Discernment

Consensus, clarity and courage

A workshop at Stewardship Kaleidoscope identifies the three Cs of property discernment

Decisions about church property often involve a complex mix of emotion, theology, tradition, history, finance, and stewardship. Church leaders are called to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and use their spiritual gifts to navigate these challenges.

At Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2026, a conference co-hosted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Rev. Sandra Moon and Dr. Corey Schlosser-Hall presented a workshop on property discernment. Moon, Vice President of Church Finance and Property and Adaptive Initiatives at the Presbyterian Foundation, and Schlosser-Hall, Senior Director at Presbyterian Life and Witness, emphasized the importance of involving God’s people in stewarding God’s property.

Moon encouraged church leaders to begin the process early and form a small group of trusted individuals to guide the congregation. This group is tasked with prayerful discernment to reach agreement on the church’s path forward. Schlosser-Hall introduced the concept of “urgent optimism,” a framework from Jane McGonigal’s book *Imaginable* (2022), which promotes mental flexibility, realistic hope, and future power. These qualities are essential for navigating the property discernment process.

Both presenters highlighted that expertise in real estate or property management is not a prerequisite for participating in these decisions. They urged church leaders to trust in the wisdom of the community and to seek God’s vision for the future of their property.

The workshop emphasized that the process should be guided by consensus, clarity, and courage. Consensus involves gathering input from a diverse group of stakeholders, while clarity ensures that the congregation understands the options and implications. Courage is needed to make difficult decisions and to act in faith, even when the path is uncertain.

By integrating these principles, churches can approach property decisions with humility, wisdom, and a commitment to stewarding God’s gifts responsibly. The process reflects a call to serve with integrity and to seek the Lord’s guidance in all aspects of church life.

Micah 6:8 reminds us that God desires justice, mercy, and humility in our actions. The workshop’s focus on consensus, clarity, and courage aligns with this biblical vision, encouraging church leaders to act with faith and responsibility in stewarding their congregations’ resources.

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