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Church of God Retirement communities and Camp Grounds

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **6/4/17 2:49 pm**

The whole idea may be just a idea too late.
My dad and several ministers retired to the North Carolina COG Camp Ground (Now WNC). He and mom had bought a small two room cinder block cabin and retired there. He was able to live fairly well on his COG retirement (old plan) of $250 a month. One reason was no taxes on the property. I remember when the first 40 acres was bought in the 1940's. There was no master plan to how it was laid out, and it was haphazardly done over the years. (I think the same in Whittier but there the mts are an obstacle to development)
Since then I have learned of some retirement communities (in Florida) under the umbrella of a church (NOT COG) where the layout is planned and reasonable for retired ministers and missionaries. One near Bradenton.

Is the idea useful now? It seems that now ministers plan their retirement and have a home at retirement.

Is there such a thing (retired Church folk community) in any other state?

Florida's Campground is laid out better, I have done some volunteer repairs there myself. The lots are very close because originally they weren't planned for retirement methinks.

I am just curious, I am too old to get involved in such a project, but there are many who could take the idea a run with it.
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Cojak...

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 6042 **6/4/17 4:14 pm**

Two thoughts (the second one is something I have long wanted to do, but have no idea how to accomplish)....

1) My parents have a cabin at Wimauma, FL. This is not only handy for the winter (when they come down from Cleveland), but is very handy for being near Tampa (where my dad pastored for 25 years and has a number of ministerial and church friends), but it obviously handy for Camp Meeting and other special events on the campgrounds.

2) Years ago, I had this idea of finding abandoned malls and making them into "condos" or apartments for retired Church of God ministers. The mall open areas of the mall could be used to walk (exercise). Large department store spaces could handle a cafeteria, a church/chapel, an activities center, a medical center, etc.

I thought it would permit them to live in relative security since they would be surrounded by other Church of God men and women. Further, apartments could be furnished for nurses that would provide daily medical oversight (perhaps with a doctor coming in once a week, etc.). A "pastor" could be given a "parsonage" from which to actively visit, pray, preach to that congregation (although a small bus might be available to take them out to visit other churches, etc.)

But my BIG IDEA is that it would also be a toll-free call center so that Church of God members and ministers could call (anonymously, if they desire) and speak to a retired minister who could counsel them, pray for them, encourage them, etc. This would not only provide help to the churches and ministers, but it would be an enormous blessing, I believe, to ministers who appreciate remaining active in the ministry.

It would be like almost like a cruise ship--with an activity director, etc. Singing groups could come in an be a blessing, etc. Further, by having so many ministers in one place, it would likely make it easier for more of them to receive visits, since a visitor might opt out of visiting this or that person if they have to drive all over the state, but can visit several minister friends at one stop.

In any case, as malls becoming increasingly passe in the digital age, we might have more opportunities with this. But, to be frank, I simply do not know how to go about raising money for such things.

A number of years ago I spoke to Arnold Godwin about this (his son-in-law was my pastor then), and he commented on how many retired ministers are often in very trying circumstances. He seemed to think this idea was a good one (although I'm sure it can be much improved upon).

To fund this (at least in part), I'm sure many ministers would be happy to part with a significant amount of their Social Security in return for a good place to stay, meals to eat, and the warm fellowship of those of like precious faith. After all, they are having to pay for much of that as it is.

Another good point is that local Church of God members would likely be willing to donate their time and efforts to cook, clean, etc. in order to be a blessing to such folks.

Just my thoughts. If anyone can make it happen...please do it. We will never be able to do too much for these men of God.

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5923 **6/4/17 5:28 pm**

From what I've heard, several states have sold their state campgrounds.
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Aaron

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **6/4/17 7:06 pm**

I see the huge empty stores and KNOW there is a great use for these. I have thought along the same lines but in talking to the 'BIG' contractors (I was only licensed up to large Residential Homes.) Their opinions were it is not cost effective, you can build new more reasonably. I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE IT.

We have a 'community church' in our little town that has done a fantastic job of creating an absolutely beautiful church with 'sports' and church activities in an abandoned Car dealership.

If the idea could be sold to the COG by some young builders and financing be raised, I think you idea has a lot of merit.

From what I hear the legalities are not so complicated. I would love to see something like that for our retired ministers. The taxes seem to hit seniors pretty hard, coming up with $800- $2000 at the end of the year for property taxes. Many seniors are being forced to less acceptable rental accommodations because of taxes.

You do have a great idea. I like it. Cool

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01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **6/4/17 7:12 pm**

COG Retirement Communities

Acts-celerater Posts: 813 **6/5/17 7:10 am**

Here are a few:

South Carolina COG Campground has numerous lots that are leased to retired ministers. I would guess there are 50+ retired couples/widows who live there.

Praise Cathedral has it's own retirement community. They built townhomes that the church owns but the tenants buy licenses to live there. Hence no taxes for the resident.

Liberty Square and Westmore also have communities.

Note: In talking with those who oversee these properties I have learned that having the communities is great but apparently managing them is another issue.

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **6/5/17 11:04 am**

I just thought of one in Bradenton, Christian Retreat. They have homes and some beautiful condos. We visited a COG family who lived in one of the Condos, I did not ask the cost but they were very happy there. The Christian Retreat has 100 acres.

I definitely like the idea. Cool

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Some facts but mostly just my opinion!
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http://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/