Marston / Faith Based Development
Our Mission
The Marston Foundation partners with faith based organizations across the U.S. to unlock the full potential of their real estate for community benefit and long term financial sustainability. We help churches and religious institutions transform underutilized land into mission aligned developments, affordable housing, schools, community facilities, and cash flowing projects, so they can better serve their congregations and neighborhoods for generations to come.
Why It Matters
Across Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and beyond, thousands of churches face declining attendance, aging buildings, and financial stress. At the same time, they sit on some of the most valuable and underused land in their communities. With the right partners, this land can become a force for good, providing housing for families in need, supporting Christian schools or Bible colleges, or generating income to fund ongoing ministry.
In Florida alone, recent studies estimate tens of thousands of acres of religious land could be redeveloped. In Kansas and Missouri, we’ve identified dozens of congregations seeking guidance. Nationwide, a quiet movement is growing among faith communities who want to reimagine their buildings and campuses as tools for economic and spiritual revival.
Our Approach
- Assess and unlock property value: zoning analysis, highest and best use studies, and mission centered planning.
- Structure the right deal: ground lease, joint venture, or fee based development.
- Connect churches with capital and talent: grants, tax credits, design teams, legal counsel, and construction partners.
- Protect long term mission outcomes: retain ownership or negotiate long term income when selling.
Our projects range from 60 unit senior housing cottages in small towns to 600 unit mixed income apartment buildings in major cities. Whether it's launching a new Christian school or developing affordable housing in a church parking lot, we tailor every project to meet the ministry’s unique mission and context.
Our Impact
Faith based development is not just a real estate strategy, it’s a form of modern stewardship. By helping religious institutions become wise stewards of their land, we help them generate sustainable income, stay rooted in their communities, and expand their impact.
From rural churches in Missouri to large congregations in Miami, we’ve seen how activating sacred land can bring life back to struggling congregations while meeting urgent community needs.
Our Faith Based Development Philosophy
We believe land is a gift, and how we use it is a matter of faith. We help churches turn their land into legacy by developing housing, education, and community serving projects that reflect their values.
Whether you’re stewarding a 4 acre suburban church or a 1000 acre rural campus, our role is to walk beside you, with development expertise, financial structuring, and legal safeguards.
You don’t have to sell to survive. Let’s explore what it means to build for the Kingdom, and for your congregation’s future.
The Untapped Potential of Church Owned Land
Church owned land is often underused, but with the right partners, it can deliver housing, education, and long term income. From Florida to Missouri, faith based real estate is an overlooked solution to urgent community needs.
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New Revenue Without Selling the Mission
Churches don’t have to sell to survive. Ground leases and joint ventures offer sustainable income while preserving ownership and mission. It’s time to treat land as legacy, not liability.
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Building for the Kingdom, and the Community
When churches develop housing, schools, and services on their land, they multiply their impact. Faith based development creates lasting community change, where worship meets real world needs.
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If you're a pastor, church board member, or faith based nonprofit looking to explore development, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and explore how your property could fund your mission for decades to come.
Schedule a Consultation