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
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 Rook Capital, we've identified Down Payment Assistance as a sustainable solution.
What Is Down Payment Assistance?
The church and staff member co-own a home, with ownership shares determined by need and managed by a board.
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 Parsonages?
We may consider this in the future or if property is donated. For now, Down Payment Assistance offers more flexibility and long-term benefit.
Can We Build on the Church Lot?
Due to development limits, we can only build on 500 sq ft of our lot—insufficient for housing.
Will the Fund Help with Rent?
Sometimes. Small rent assistance is currently funded through our general budget, but the Horizon Fund could support this in the future.
How Will the Fund Be Managed?
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 75% full-time.
How Much Assistance Is Available?
In 2025, the cap is the lesser of:
4× the staff member’s salary
40% of the home’s value
A set program maximum
How Long Will the Fund Last?
We expect it to support staff housing needs for 7–10 years. When homes are sold, the church’s equity (plus modest interest) returns to the fund.
What About Staff Who Already Own Homes?
The fund may help with new purchases or necessary renovations. Renovation loans will be repaid upon sale.
Must Staff Use the Full Amount Offered?
No. Ideally, staff use only what they need.
Can Staff Buy Out the Church's Share?
Yes.
How Many Homes Can the Fund Support?
In 2026, we expect to assist with 4–6 homes, depending on individual needs and housing prices.
Who Handles the Lending and Legal Work?
We’ve partnered with Sycamore Capital (Boulder) and Rook Capital to manage legal and lending logistics. They charge a 2% management fee on deployed funds.
Has This Worked Elsewhere?
Yes. Similar models led by Rook Capital are already helping church leaders. We aim to fund ours through OBJC’s own community.
What Are the Risks?
All investments have risks. We’re seeking professional advice and congregational input to prepare wisely and protect the fund.
What If the IRS Disallows This in the Future?
Unlikely, but if it happens, funds will still be reserved for staff housing needs.
How Does the Process Work?
A staff member secures a loan and makes a deposit. The church provides additional funds based on need, with guidance and support from Rook Capital.
Can the Fund Be Used for Other Needs If Times Get Tough?
Only in extreme circumstances. By our bylaws, the fund can only be redirected for church survival, and only by the decision of Elders and Trustees.