Key Takeaways
- A historic Nashville church, Central Church of Christ, was subject to a disputed takeover by businessman Sean Mathis.
- The family of the church's founder, including Christian pop star Amy Grant, fought to reclaim the property.
- The case highlights 'steeplejacking,' a national trend where individuals exploit vulnerable, asset-rich churches.
- Independent congregations often lack the financial oversight seen in hierarchical religious organizations, increasing vulnerability.
- The dispute settled with the church building reverting to the founder's estate, earmarked for nonprofit use.
Deep Dive
- A historic Nashville church, founded in 1925, faced a dispute after businessman Sean Mathis took control in 2017.
- By the late 2010s, the congregation had dwindled to about 30 people.
- The church's assets included an $11 million building, parking lots generating $40,000 monthly, and a $3 million endowment.
- After Sean Mathis gained control of the board, the church was renamed Nashville Church of Christ.
- Court filings allege Mathis and his father received salaries and housing stipends.
- Longtime members reported feeling pushed out and questioned financial decisions, leading some to leave.
- Christian pop star Amy Grant's cousin, Andy Burton, discovered their great-grandfather's church boarded up after Sean Mathis took over.
- The Burton family, including Amy Grant, felt compelled to fight for the church, citing its original 1925 purpose and A.M. Burton's legacy.
- The original deed included a provision that the property would revert to the family if church services ceased, forming the basis of their attempt to regain control.
- The term 'steeplejacking' describes hostile takeovers of churches, often by younger individuals infiltrating elderly congregations.
- This phenomenon is occurring nationwide, particularly in the Midwest and South, targeting declining churches with valuable assets.
- Courts are often reluctant to intervene in religious matters due to the First Amendment's freedom of religion clause.
- Unlike hierarchical organizations like the Catholic Church, independent congregations often lack clear financial oversight, making them vulnerable.
- In October, the Burton family and the Nashville Church of Christ settled the dispute.
- The agreement dictates the building reverts to A.M. Burton's estate, while Mathis's group retains the parking lots.
- The property is to be sold, with the Burton family receiving 80% of proceeds and Mathis's group 20%.
- Amy Grant views the settlement as a step toward her vision of converting the building into a homeless center; other groups have made offers for nonprofit use.