Creating a Lasting Home for
Gospel Transformation in
Crested Butte
At Oh Be Joyful Church, we believe that a thriving, gospel-driven ministry depends on pastors and staff who are deeply connected to the life of our community. One of the most important ways we can support that vision is by ensuring our ministry team can live in the community they serve.
“We are 100% committed to a thriving, gospel-driven church in Crested Butte. That requires staff who can live and serve here for decades to come.”
“We are looking over the horizon—engaging today to meet housing needs for tomorrow.”
“The cost of housing is a foundational challenge. It’s exciting to do this work today to build a lasting solution for tomorrow.”
The Challenge
The cost of housing in our valley has risen beyond the reach of most families—and that includes those called to serve our church. Without a sustainable housing solution, the future of long-term ministry in Crested Butte is at risk.
For several years, our leadership team has been praying, planning, and collaborating with churches and nonprofits across the country to identify a solution...
The Solution
Down Payment Assistance
The Horizon Fund will provide down payment assistance to help pastors and key staff purchase homes in our community—an investment in both their stability and the church’s future.
Benefits of Down Payment Assistance
Choice: Families can find homes that best fit their unique needs
Equity: Both the staff and OBJC benefit from long-term appreciation
Longevity: Encourages retention and deep-rooted community presence
Stewardship: More cost-effective than multiple parsonages.
How it works
The fund provides targeted, needs-based down payment assistance to support pastors or staff members, helping them secure homes in Crested Butte. OBJC will then be an equity shareholder in the property until such time it is sold, at which point the equity portion will return to the Horizon Fund for future use. There are a lot of ins and outs.
See FAQs below.
Campaign Goals:
Goal #1: 100% participation from the OBJC church family
Goal #2: Raise $2,000,000 in gifts and pledges by December 31, 2026
Gift Opportunities:
Gift Amount
$250,000
$200,000
$100,000
$50,000
$25,000
$10,000
$5,000
$1,000–$2,500
Up to $1,000
Total Goal
Number Needed
2
1
2
6
16
30
15
25
Many
$2,000,000
Pledge Today!
Please use the form below to pledge to the Horizon Campaign. Thank you!
FAQs
Why Housing Matters
Stable housing is essential to the health and longevity of a church staff. In our community, high housing costs make homeownership difficult without support. Our church’s future depends on ensuring our staff can live locally and securely.
The Solution: Down Payment Assistance
After years of research and collaboration with churches and organizations like Crossroads Church Aspen, Park Cities Presbyterian (Dallas), Scottsdale Bible Church, and Sycamore Equity, we've identified Down Payment Assistance as a sustainable solution.
What Is Down Payment Assistance?
The Horizon Housing Assistance Fund partners at the purchase of a home to reduce the cost to the staff member by purchasing a percentage of the home.
The Horizon Fund
We are launching a capital campaign to raise $3 million to create the Horizon Fund. $1 million has already been set aside by OBJC Trustees. The fund will provide down payment support for qualifying staff and be overseen by a board accountable to Elders and Trustees.
Benefits of the Model
Custom solutions for each family
Shared appreciation in home value
More cost-effective than parsonages
No church maintenance obligations
Funds are replenished when homes are sold
Why Not Just Buy Multiple Parsonages?
Down Payment Assistance offers more flexibility and long-term benefit without the necessity of owning the exact stock needed for staff plus maintenance.
Can We Build on the Church Lot?
Due to development limits, we can only build on 500 sq ft more of our property—insufficient for housing.
Will the Fund Help with Rent?
Minor rent assistance is currently funded through our general budget, but the Horizon Fund could potentially support rent in a very limited form in the future. The main purpose of the Project is home ownership.
How Will the Horizon Fund Be Deployed?
A dedicated board, under Elders and Trustees, will follow a clear policy to distribute funds fairly among eligible staff.
Who Qualifies?
Staff working at least three quarter time.
How Much Assistance Is Available?
Initially up to
4× the staff member’s salary
not more than 40% of the home’s value
debt not to exceed 40% of the staff person’s family gross income
How Long Will the Fund Last?
We expect the fund to be fully deployed in 7-10 years. When staff members depart, homes are sold, and the church’s equity portion returns to the fund to be recycled for other staff.
How Will The Fund Be Managed When Not Deployed In Home Equity?
Our resource will be invested in Treasury Money Market funds.
Does The Church Participate In Equity Appreciation?
Yes, the church does not charge interest, but participates in market fluctuations and the same percentage put in will come out.
What About Staff Who Already Own Homes?
The fund may be used to help with new purchases or necessary, expensive renovations. All managed similarly to purchases.
Can Staff Buy Out the Church's Share?
Yes.
How Many Homes Can the Fund Support?
We expect to be able to help with up to 6 or 7 homes with this $3,000,000 fund.
Who Handles the Management Of Deployed Funds?
We’ve partnered with Sycamore Equity to manage legal and lending logistics. They charge a 1.7% management fee on deployed funds. Allowing us to stay up to date with IRS, legal, banking, and real estate changes in the future as well and management professionalism for deployed funds.
Has This Worked Elsewhere?
Yes. Similar models led by Sycamore Equity are already helping churches and non-profits around the country. We aim to fund ours through OBJC’s own community.
What Are the Risks?
We are doing our best to minimize risk, but our elders are confident that the benefits far outweigh downsides.
Can the Fund Be Used for Other Needs If Times Get Tough?
Only in extreme circumstances and only by the decision of Elders and Trustees.
Can I Donate Stocks, Use A Donor Advised Fund, Or Give Other Investments?
Yes, please contact our Financial Manager, Peggy Kirby, at home@ohbejoyfulchurch for more information.
What if I want to hold my resources until it is needed?
You can pledge to the campaign through an ‘on call’ pledge that allows the church to have confidence in reaching our goals and call on the contribution when needed within a specified time range.