Who holds title to real estate owned by the local congregation?

• A. Local Board of Trustees
• B. Pastor
• C. Church Treasurer
• D. Membership

Answer: (A)

Ownership of church property isn’t tied to the pastor or individual members; it’s held by a representative fiduciary body that acts for the congregation. The local Board of Trustees is the legal holder of the real estate, entrusted to manage, protect, and use the property for the church’s purposes. This arrangement provides continuity beyond any single pastor's tenure and aligns with denominational bylaws and civil requirements for property ownership.

The pastor’s role is spiritual leadership, not property ownership; the treasurer handles finances, not title to land or buildings; and the membership governs and elects leaders, but does not themselves own the real estate.