Downsize to Maximize

Context Understood

Royal Haven Baptist Church has a long history in the Dallas Community. Like many churches who are in one location for 50+ years, Royal Haven Baptist Church (RHBC) experienced a dramatic decline of their church due to an aging congregation and a change in the demographics of the surrounding community. RHBC had an 80,000 ft² building, with a sanctuary that seated over 900. The congregation at RHBC had 80 members with an average age of 70 and all the resources were being put into maintaining the facility and grounds.

Options Compared and Solutions Implemented

Church Realty stayed in contact with RHBC as the congregation at RHBC continued to deal with the challenges of a ministry that was in decline. In 2011, RHBC indicated that they would entertain an offer on their building, but they had to find a new campus, turning their current facility into cash for a new campus. SRI was able to find RHBC a building that was less than 40,000 ft² and seated about 350 in the sanctuary that was not on the market. RHBC was able to sell their building, purchase that building and retain enough cash to continue the Mission and Vision of their church. In the first year after relocating their church RHBC doubled its membership.

Ministry Maximized

Church Realty was able to identify options for RHBC that allowed them to take the time, effort and finances that they were using to maintain their building and put it into ministries. A small congregation merged with RHBC shortly after they were settled in their new building which has allowed the two churches to become one church and operate in one building and use the second building for outreach for use by smaller ethnic congregations and ministries. Without the financial burden of their old 80,000 ft² building, their membership and budget doubled and they were able to cut their expenses in half.