our mission
We empower churches to discover missionally-aligned ways to steward their property to foster deeper connections with their neighborhood and contribute to the common good.
What makes us different
Gospel-Centered
A commitment to follow the way of Jesus is at the heart of what we do. This means we consider His example of love, humility, and generosity as the foundation for guiding your church in serving the community with your property.
Creative Thinkers
We are imaginative and curious. We think outside the box to craft recommendations that inspire creative and nimble projects that foster beauty and delight.
Deep Listeners
We value specificity in our approach; there’s no one-size fits all project that works for every church. We take time to listen to your team and learn your neighborhood context so that we can recommend solutions that leverage your church’s unique mission, capacity, and context.
Real Estate & Placemaking Experience
With over a decade of experience in real estate and placemaking project management, your church can trust us to bring technical expertise and insight to your discernment and implementation processes.
Our Approach
Churches are constantly juggling mission, money, and momentum. Your church has a unique story and context. We recognize this. That’s why our solutions and recommendations are not one-size-fits-all.
To fully unlock your property potential, we are dedicated to using our 3-C Approach. During our work together we will seek to identify and understand your community, context, and commitment.
Community
What is your history?
Who are you as a church right now?
Who do you hope to serve and be in the future?
Context
Where are you?
What’s the story of your property, your neighborhood, and the city?
Commitment
What resources do you have to contribute?
What can you commit to for the long haul?
the proximity project Story
Several years ago, I went on a walk in my neighborhood and was surprised to discover over 20 places of worship within a one-mile radius of my home. Sadly, only a few of these churches showed any visible welcome and hospitality for the surrounding neighborhood with the exterior of their property.
As a committed follower of Jesus, I believe we are called to demonstrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of Jesus in tangible places with tangible materials; what better place to start than with the buildings, land and parking lots we own? This belief fueled me to consider how I might help churches develop a vision for using their property to foster shalom and deeper connection within their neighborhoods.
This call led me to leave my full-time job in real estate development to launch Proximity Project, where I combine my love for the Church with my professional experience in real estate and placemaking to serve local congregations. Ultimately, I seek to empower churches to become vibrant places where neighbors encounter God’s love through invitational design and visible hospitality.
“Proximity Project was an asset to our church building project. With creativity, innovation, and depth of knowledge, Sara Joy brought together many puzzle pieces as we imagined how to make a bigger impact in the community we serve. Her level of expertise opened doors and opportunities to step into our preferred future.”
ready to get started?
If you’re ready to start reimagining your church property, then we’re ready to help.