It started as a simple numbers exercise: a five-year property valuation project designed to ensure the SDA Church had accurate data on its insured assets. But what it uncovered went far beyond figures and insurance premiums.

The condition of Adventist Church-owned properties – ranging from pristine to near-derelict – has sparked serious conversations about risk, stewardship and the very mission of the Church itself.

A Reality Check for Church-owned Properties

For the past five years, professional valuers from Marsh Valuation Services have been systematically assessing hundreds of properties across the SDA Group in Australia and New Zealand. Their reports don’t just list numbers; they include photographs and detailed descriptions that paint a stark picture of the state of Adventist Church-owned properties.

“The valuation project has given us up-to-date data, but it’s also exposed the reality of how we care for our sites,” says Jonathan Hale, Manager of Risk Management Service (RMS). “Accurate valuations allow insurers to price coverage fairly, but they also highlight which sites are well-maintained, and which ones are struggling.”

And struggling, some are. While many church properties are well-kept, others tell a different story. Overgrown grounds, structural damage and even abandoned buildings have been documented in some areas. The implications are significant not just for insurance costs, but for the reputation and effectiveness of ministry.

The Hidden Cost of Neglect

Church properties aren’t just assets; they’re places of worship, service and community engagement. But when a site falls into disrepair, it sends a message; both to insurers and to the people who walk through its doors.

The impact on insurance is straightforward. Sites that show signs of neglect are considered higher risk, leading to increased rates or, in extreme cases, difficulty obtaining cover. On the flip side, well-maintained properties often benefit from more favourable rates, terms and conditions.

However, the bigger issue is one of perception, purpose and ministry resilience. “When a church property looks abandoned or poorly maintained, it doesn’t just affect insurance; it affects mission,” Hale explains. “A rundown site can make it harder to connect with the community, attract new members, or even inspire confidence in the congregation.”

A Call to Strategic Stewardship

As Church leadership changes over time, so do visions for growth. A new building project can be a visible marker of progress, attracting attention and support, whereas maintenance – though essential – happens quietly in the background. When resources are stretched, tough choices must be made, and too often, existing buildings take a backseat to glamourous new constructions.

The valuation project has provided clear data, and decision-makers now have an opportunity to act on this mission blindspot. Many of these sites were built through the diligence, dedication and generosity of past generations, serving as vital spaces for ministry and community. Taking care of them now ensures they remain attractive, welcoming places for mission and connecting with communities for future generations.

As Adventist organisations plan their budgets, past oversights can be corrected. Increasing allocations for maintenance, renovations and repairs, regular cleaning and garden care isn’t just advisable – it’s essential. A well-maintained site is a reflection of the Church’s commitment to its mission.

Let’s take greater care of the land, resources, buildings and communities the Lord has placed in our hands – they are not obstacles to ministry, but instruments of it.