Arlington Presbyterian Church
Fundraising + vision
After years of faithful discernment, Arlington Presbyterian was challenged with a new three-pronged vision: to create affordable housing, to be a place of crossroads and connection, and to nurture disciples of Jesus Christ. APC was called to sell its building and land to the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) in order to build Gilliam Place, a 173-unit affordable housing apartment community on the site of our previous building on Columbia Pike. This vision was shaped by the stories of their neighbors, in particular their struggle to connect within the community and to find affordable housing in South Arlington. As one church member recalls, “the call to create affordable housing was bigger than the old building itself – so, the walls came down.”
We started working with Arlington Presbyterian in the wake of this major change and identity shift for Arlington Presbyterian Church. In the fall of 2020, we:
lead a retreat to explore their money story and release anxiety in the system
write an intensive recap report with extensive recommendations.
facilitate a strategic thinking process to identify core values
create a strategic filter rooted in core values for decision making
work with leadership to develop a MOU with the judicatory body for future money considerations
engage in ongoing coaching to provide professional support for ongoing culture changes around money.
Currently we are walking alongside them to implement recommendations, including coaching on the budget process, financial policies and procedures, a financial screen and rubric, and writing of a Lenten Bible study with the topic of What does God say about poor people and rich people?
Rev. Ashley Goff joined us for our webinar on strategic filters in 2022