Only 17 percent of the churches did not own a manse. By 1990, that percentage dropped to 75 percent. Today it's down to 69 percent. Some churches rent out their parsonages. They're also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the property.
Some churches tear down their parsonages and use the land to build other facilities.
Many churches keep the empty parsonage but use it for other ministries, such as Sunday school, offices, or youth group. A house is usually a wise investment through which pastors can build equity Red Bridge Baptist Church, in Kansas City, Kansas, owns a ranch-style home on the edge of the church's parking lot. More than a decade ago, the pastor of the church purchased his own house. For a while, the empty home was used by missionaries who were home on furlough. Then the church custodian and his family moved into the house as part of his compensation package.