(131) We believe that “all good things come from above” (James 1:17). Our time and energies, bodies and abilities, and material and organizational resources belong to God. They are not our own. We are only their stewards.
(132) As stewards of these gifts, we may hold them lightly and invest them freely. We do not attempt to guard away our material resources against eventualities that may never come. We will not “bury our talents” (Matthew 25:18). To the contrary, we are happy to expend our resources freely and without restraint in service to God’s kingdom.
(133) But we will not expend our resources foolishly. As stewards, we will make every effort to employ our properties in the most effective manner possible (Matthew 25:27).
A. Acquisition and Ownership
(134) The ownership of lands and properties is not in every case commendable. Ownership requires a level of administrative overhead that may detract from other ministry efforts and limit our sense of mobility and possibility. Properties tend to “tie us down.” For the most part, therefore, we prefer to rent or lease rather than to own.
(135) Mission teams may nevertheless propose the purchase of land or the construction or alteration of buildings in order to further their ministry objectives. Proposals are approved by the Executive Committee of the corresponding mission team. The Home Council shares in decisions concerning major commitments of this nature and retains final authority in case of dispute.
(136) Funds required for the purchase of land or properties, or the construction or alteration of buildings are ordinarily the product of specifically designated donations. If designated gifts are insufficient, mission teams may make request for special funding through Estate Funds, upon consultation with the Home Office.
(137) Upon approval of their supervising team, missionaries may use their own work funds or personal funds to purchase or improve property or to construct or repair buildings to be used for Mission projects. Funds used for this purpose are regarded as donations to the Mission. Their use does not merit special liberties or considerations regarding the administration of such properties or buildings.
(138) Properties, vehicles, home appliances, and other equipment purchased with Mission funds – whether designated gifts, work funds, or Estate Funds, etc. – are considered Mission property.
B. Eventual Disposition
(139) Mission teams must envision the eventual disposition of properties and buildings owned by the mission. Properties may become a burden. We cannot own them forever.
(140) Every mission property will require a particular and tailored strategy for its eventual disposition. Mission teams will elaborate such strategies upon the acquisition of properties. The Home Council will share in decisions regarding the disposition of major properties.
Nationalization
(141) In most cases, it will seem appropriate to sell or otherwise transfer mission properties into the hands of national colleagues who may use the property effectively. This should not automatically mean an associated national church body, however. It may be that another national colleague – perhaps a secular colleague, or even the government – may use the property more effectively.
Sale or Liquidation
(142) In other cases, it may seem appropriate, simply, to sell a mission property, a vehicle or equipment on the open market. Funds generated in this way become the responsibility of the Home Council.
Vehicles
(143) Missionary teams will develop specific policies with regard to the ownership and liquidation of vehicles, appropriate to each ministry context. Vehicles purchased with personal funds are considered personal property; proceeds resulting from their liquidation may accrue to their owner.