Blackburn North is in the 'Bible-belt' of Melbourne's eastern suburbs - but there's evidence that the 'belt' is already moving further out. How do we maintain a Christian witness in our area and realise a good long-term return on the substantial investment we've put into our new St Alfred's church buildings?
Larger Christian congregations have tended to be where young families and affordable housing have been, but church buildings have often lagged behind church growth. This means that by the time funds are raised, and a facility is built, young families have already begun shifting away as the area becomes too expensive. This is part of the reason why there are so many (in their day full and expensive to build) church buildings in the inner east of Melbourne that are largely under-utilised today.
The same sort of predicament faces government planners who have to decide where to put schools and other public facilities.
Some time ago I wrote this paper for my local church community: tell me if you found it helpful, or if you disagree!
We are dealing with that exact thing in Hawthorn. It is very hard for young adults settle down and almost impossible to buy. In my searching it seems like I have to decide between church community and buying a house.
ReplyDeleteIn young adult years, there are lots of changes; marriage, job, independence. These make it difficult to commit to buying a house with others, when most of us singles don't really know what the next 5 years holds.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, it's a challenge for those of us who go to church in affluent areas. Buying a house is not possible, and a tiny apartment only just possible.
But then to what extent should we buy where we can, and then plug into a local church? And then work on growing the community there (especially if it's in a new/developing area)?
One of the points I make is that churches invest A LOT of money in buildings (esp when compared to what else the money could go towards). And if the expenditure on buildings is going to yield a good, long-term return on investment, then that church has to maintain a local Christian witness.
ReplyDeleteIf the church's young adult families can't afford to live in the area, then the church will gradually lose these committed believers/ members ('people are our most important asset'). You're left with a church building, but few young families with kids that make a community attractive to other young families with kids. All that adds up to: empty expensive building.
The young families who CAN afford to live in an area with rising prices tend to be Double Income Full-Time Child Care. Committed Christian families tend to be Single Income Mom-At-Home-Carer, and hence have lower buying power. Hence.. the paper.
Great work WH
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on in suggesting we should consider our housing as yet another way to 'use our worldly wealth' in a way fitting for the kingdom mission.
Thanks for your work in pulling the paper together. May there be many property sales through this useful St Alfs process!
in Christ,
Mark