Since 2020, the Gift of Place conference has engaged faith communities from across the country in creative ways to reimagine their faith properties to further mission and ministry.
Designed for individuals affiliated with a US-based faith-based organization, this virtual conference will explore how churches can steward their properties to meet critical needs within their communities while creating new revenue streams to support their ministries. Participants will deepen their understanding of the Mission Real Estate Development process by learning from each other and from experts in the field through panels, case studies, and presentations by faith leaders on the successes and challenges they’ve encountered in planning and developing their own mission real estate development projects.
At the end of the virtual convening, we will share more information about our 2026 Trailblazer cohort for churches that are ready to get started. Stay tuned!
This free conference is sponsored by Trinity Church NYC, in collaboration with the Episcopal Parish Network.
Questions? Reach out to us at MRED@TrinityChurchNYC.org
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Featured Speakers & Sessions
Call to Action Sermon
Pastor William Terry Ladd, First Baptist Church
Chattanooga, TN
Pastor Ladd will open our gathering with a sermon that grounds our work in faith and calls us to faithful action in service of our communities. First Baptist hopes to develop affordable housing on the parking lot of its historic church campus.
Discernment Case Study
St. John's Episcopal Church
Jamaica Plain, MA
Leaders from St. John's will share their congregation's discernment journey, including key questions, challenges, and lessons learned along the way, as they work to repurpose the basement of their historic church building to expand their mission in daycare and the performing arts.
Preparation & Pre-development Panel
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
New Carrollton, MD
Faith leaders from St. Christopher's will join a panel discussion focused on shepherding their congregation, community, and leadership toward an affordable housing project and community resilience hub.
"It Can Be Done!" Impact Case Study
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
San Diego, CA
Hear how St. Luke's translated vision into action and created meaningful impact in the North Park community through a 78-unit affordable housing development adjacent to its church property.