“To everything there is a season...” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
As a Christian and a real estate professional in the United Kingdom and Jamaica, I’ve walked with many congregations through some of their most difficult decisions. One of the hardest is when a church begins to consider whether to sell a piece of its sacred ground — the very property where generations worshipped, fellowshipped, and served the community. It's a decision that touches not just finances, but hearts, faith, and legacy.
I want to start by saying, if you are a person of faith, this is indeed a matter to take to prayer. However, I also want to remind churches across Jamaica that not all decisions are final — except, of course, selling. Leasing, sharing, renovating, or even repurposing can often be reversed. But a sale is permanent. That’s why, while we seek divine guidance, we must also make sensible, mission-aligned choices.
Which Churches Are Facing This Question?
In truth, many of our leading denominations are quietly grappling with this issue:
The Jamaica Baptist Union
The Church of God in Jamaica
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica
The Roman Catholic Church
The Anglican Diocese of Jamaica & The Cayman Islands
The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (Jamaica)
These are all institutions with rich histories, and many of them have property assets that stretch back over a century. But with shifts in population, declining attendance in some areas, and the rising costs of maintenance, even the most established churches must ask hard questions.
As Jesus said in Luke 14:28, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” The same principle applies when considering the future of a church building.
4 Jamaican Church Scenarios Where Selling Might Be Right
1. Churches with More Property Than They Need
Some churches in Kingston, Mandeville, and Montego Bay were blessed with expansive land or multiple buildings during times of growth. But now, with reduced congregations and changing community needs, parts of these properties go unused. I’ve seen congregations with empty halls, unused parsonages, or fenced-off lots collecting bush and stray animals. These churches might consider a partial sale or repurposing — something that maintains a mission focus while reducing maintenance burdens.
2. Churches Located in High-Demand Areas
Churches in urban hotspots like Half-Way Tree, Constant Spring, or downtown Montego Bay are sitting on prime real estate. Developers are always interested. While this may create opportunity, it also requires careful stewardship. As I often say to my clients, “Don’t let commercial interest lead your spiritual mission. Let your mission lead your property decisions.”
3. Churches With Burdensome Maintenance Costs
Deferred maintenance is one of the most telling signs. If your roof has leaked for three years, or if your congregation is constantly fundraising just to pay the light bill or replace the water pump, it’s time for a reassessment. God didn’t call us to patch buildings endlessly — He called us to reach souls. If your resources are going into bricks and mortar instead of ministry, that’s a red flag.
4. Churches That Feel Drained, Not Empowered, by Their Buildings
Buildings should bless, not burden. I recall one rural congregation in Clarendon that spent more time managing termites and cracked concrete than they did serving the youth. When they eventually decided to lease the building to another ministry and meet in a smaller hall, their outreach actually expanded. Sometimes, less really is more.
Practical Questions Every Jamaican Church Should Ask
Are we spending more time fundraising for repairs than feeding the hungry?
Could our building be shared with another ministry, school, or social enterprise?
Is our property sitting idle while the community goes underserved?
Are we maintaining tradition at the expense of mission?
These are not easy questions, but they are necessary. And again — leasing, subdividing, or merging are all options worth exploring before selling.
The Role of Denomination and Governance
Most Jamaican churches are owned by their respective denominations, which means decisions around sales often require approval from church boards or trustees. The Anglican Church, for instance, has strict governance structures, while others like the Seventh-day Adventist Church have detailed real estate policies. Make sure your congregation understands these frameworks early to avoid unnecessary delays.
Also, look into zoning laws — a factor particularly relevant in urban centers like Spanish Town or Portmore. Some properties may have residential-only or institutional zoning, which affects their market value and future use.
Stewardship, Not Survival
As I often tell my clients: “You’re not just managing real estate. You’re stewarding a legacy.” And as stewards, we must be both spiritually sensitive and financially wise.
The healthiest churches I’ve worked with are those that see property not as an anchor, but as a tool — something that should serve the mission, not hinder it. Whether it’s through sale, lease, or creative partnerships, the question isn’t just what to do with the building. The question is: What is God calling us to do now, in this season, with what we’ve been given?
Closing Thought
If your church is in this position, don’t panic. Don’t rush. Gather your elders. Pray. Fast. Then sit down with a professional who understands both ministry and real estate. As it says in Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
As founder of Jamaica Homes, my goal is not just to help churches buy or sell, but to help them make decisions aligned with their calling.
This isn’t just about property — it’s about purpose. Let’s build wisely.
To explore faithful real estate strategies for your church, visit jamaica-homes.com or call us at Jamaica Homes today.
Disclaimer: This post is based on personal experiences and general real estate insights. It is not financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making property investment decisions.