MVP Training & Formation

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Formation for faithful leadership. Explore courses for CREs, pastors, elders, deacons, and other church leaders.

Training scheduleLeadership pathsCatalog source: Church Commons

Course information is maintained by Church Commons and refreshed automatically on MVP. Course numbers identify curriculum areas, not a learner’s experience. Prerequisites apply only when listed.

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POL 204 · 200 Series

Building Management and Property Stewardship

Leading Structures and Stewardship

About this course

Church buildings are more than assets to maintain; they are tools entrusted to the church for ministry and mission. This course introduces students to the practical and strategic aspects of property stewardship within congregational life. Participants will explore the responsibilities associated with caring for church facilities, including maintenance planning, risk management, insurance, accessibility, capital improvements, vendor relationships, and legal considerations.

Attention is also given to the theological and missional dimensions of property stewardship. Students will examine how buildings can support—or hinder—the mission of the church and will consider strategies for aligning property decisions with congregational vision, community needs, and long-term sustainability. The course equips leaders to make informed decisions about facilities while balancing stewardship, ministry effectiveness, and financial responsibility.

Course objectives

  • Describe the responsibilities associated with church property stewardship.
  • Develop basic facility maintenance and replacement planning strategies.
  • Understand common issues related to insurance, liability, safety, and risk management.
  • Interpret the role of trustees, sessions, property committees, and other leaders in building oversight.
  • Evaluate building use in relation to congregational mission and community engagement.
  • Identify common facility challenges and develop appropriate response strategies.
  • Assess the financial implications of property decisions, maintenance, and capital improvements.
  • Apply principles of stewardship to decisions regarding church facilities and property.

Additional course information

Engagement and Evaluation Evaluation will be based on participation, practical application, and reflection. Students will: Review case studies involving church property management and facility decisions. Assess a congregational property using a structured evaluation tool.

Participate in discussions regarding stewardship, risk management, and building sustainability. Develop a basic property stewardship plan or facilities assessment for a congregation or ministry setting.

Who may participate?

All church leaders unless a prerequisite or a particular offering states otherwise.