Property
Property
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), all church property — whether used by a congregation, a regional governing body, or some other church entity — is “held in trust” for the benefit of the PC(USA), according to the denomination's constitution.
That “trust clause” is built on the understanding that the PC(USA) is a connectional church and that church property “is a tool for the accomplishment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world,” as the Book of Order states.
Because of that connectional relationship, the presbytery typically plays a role when a congregation is involved in a significant transaction involving real estate, such as selling, mortgaging, or leasing property. It’s the presbytery’s responsibility to dissolve congregations, organize new congregations, merge two or more congregations, or dismiss a congregation to another Reformed denomination in consultation with the congregation’s members.
Many congregations make space available in their buildings for community groups and nonprofits, food pantries, immigrant fellowships, and new worshiping communities. Some congregations gather for worship without owning a building. When land is sold, presbyteries and congregations often earmark some or all the proceeds to support mission work or for reparations.
