For Sale: Christian Ministry Headquarters

June 3, 2024

Christianity Today reports that it, along with Wycliffe Bible Translators and Lifeway are among the Christian ministries that have chosen to list their headquarters for sale. But it’s not a matter of hard times.

A number of evangelical organizations are putting their buildings up for sale and looking toward a new model of remote work as they move forward.

Wycliffe’s president John Chestnut says the Florida home base of the 82 year old Bible translation organization is for sale as a matter of stewardship. He says, the ministry doesn’t need the space and isn’t using it to full capacity.

The ministry which has helped translate the Bible into more than 700 languages since its founding, has more than 1700 active projects.

Chestnut told Christianity Today, “It’s the strongest we’ve ever been in our history. It’s just been a huge season of blessing. We’re accelerating new translations, engaging or starting with new partners, faster than we ever have.”

Proceeds from the sale of the 272 acre complex will help to fund more translation work in the future.

Remote work was common during the Covid pandemic, causing a noticeable shift toward remote work for evangelical non-profits. For example, Christianity Today has actually increased its staff by 25% over the past 3 years yet only 22 of its 86 employees live within easy driving distance of its longtime headquarters.

People seeing these organizations selling off properties are seeing an adaptation to new and innovative ways to fulfill their missions, rather than a desire to make money or to unload distressed properties.

Photo: top, Credit: Wycliffe Bible Translators