Greenleaf Christian Church, founded by former slaves in 1886, is a historic pillar in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The church is located in the city’s north end, known for its economic struggles, where it has developed a reputation for service to the surrounding community.
When William J. Barber, II, became pastor of Greenleaf in 1992, he saw an area infested with dilapidated buildings, high unemployment and abandoned property, but envisioned potential beyond the obvious vacant lots and objectionable living conditions. In 1995, Barber asked his congregation to join him on a faith journey. He says,
“During this time we went on a retreat, prayed, studied various Biblical passages and asked God for guidance in helping us redevelop this area. We asked the compelling question, ‘What would Jesus do?’”
According to Barber, the congregation took a compass and drew a two-mile radius around the church. He says,
“We posed another question: if we could not influence the areas right around the church, then how could we go into the world and influence other areas. We concluded that we would engage in broad-based community development.”
The congregation set their sight on a large abandoned retail property in the north end that was for sale. After settling on a price with the property owner, Greenleaf approached Disciples Church Extension Fund about a loan to buy the property. According to Rick Reisinger, president of Disciples Church Extension Fund, at that time the loan request was not typical.
“It wasn’t a request for building a new church, or expanding or remodeling an existing church,” says Reisinger. “This loan was for church ministry, for a mission beyond the church’s four walls.”
Disciples Church Extension Fund approved the loan to purchase the property, but Greenleaf saw to it that the loan would help to accomplish much more. What started as a million-dollar loan to purchase and revitalize abandoned property ultimately became the financial resources for community development with an economic impact of more than $12 million. Greenleaf turned the property into Rebuilding Broken Places Community Development Corporation, a faith-based, non-profit organization that offers the local community a variety of ministry services, including a development of affordable homes for first-time buyers; senior-living apartments; Christian Academy and Childcare Center; a community computer lab; Apex School of Theology; credit-counseling services; Stop the Funeral Initiative; and a 500-seat banquet room that houses the historic Imani Wall of Firsts to honor accomplished community leaders.
“Thanks to Disciples Church Extension Fund, who invested in a way that helped us leverage other resources and build partnerships,” says Barber.
For example, Goldsboro recognized the church’s efforts to revitalize the area by awarding them a $250,000 grant to renovate the daycare side of the building. Greenleaf was also able to partner with another Disciples ministry, National Benevolent Association, to develop an affordable senior living complex in the area.
“Through this effort we are changing lives,” says Barber, “and we see the hands of God and the love of Christ at work.”