Narthex One Newsletter – Q2 2025
New growth, new possibilities
A message from Rob Boyer, CEO
At Narthex, as you know, we believe declining churches don't need to shrink - they need to be bold and creative. When churches focus on innovation instead of reduction, they don't just survive - they thrive.
This vision was front and center at a recent gathering in Dallas, where I joined pastors, architects, daycare providers, housing developers, and other mission-minded leaders. Together, we imagined new models for sustainable ministry - and confirmed what we've known all along: ministries can expand in ways they never imagined.
Operationally, our buildings continue to perform as expected. We've seen strong interest from potential buyers for our Grace Paseo property. Unfortunately, our tenant at Blue Ridge Trinity faced financial challenges and made the difficult decision to close their ministry. They're wonderful people, and we wish them well. As a result, Blue Ridge Trinity is now listed for sale.
You may also notice a refreshed look to this quarterly report. We're excited to introduce the Narthex Impact Fund portfolio and welcome our new investors. You're now part of this growing movement - helping turn church property into purpose.
Thank you for your continued support. Whether you're a pastor, investor, or dreamer, you are helping churches reimagine what's possible.
Onward,
Rob.
Spiritual impact
After the pandemic, Pope John Paul II Catholic Church found itself without a permanent home - celebrating Mass in a school gym and running operations out of a garage. No pews. No altar. Just a community determined to stay together. That's when Narthex stepped in. Darren Griffith, part of the Narthex team, connected the parish to a building they hadn't been looking for - a former ministry center called Mission Southside. It wasn't flashy, but it was open, available, and ready for something new. Their first weekend in the space? Fittingly, the Feast Day of John Paul II. "By the third weekend," said Fr. Farrar, "we already had to add a fourth Mass." With room to grow, the parish quickly expanded its ministries - reaching families, offering formation, and hosting community events. A highlight: an annual flag football clinic with an NFL player, where kids learned both football skills and what it means to live out their faith. Today, the parish is building toward a full campus and school of their owna future planted in faith.
