- Total Given: $2,640,000.00
After Years of Growth, We needed more space.
And in God’s providence, He opened the door for us to move into and lease 5415 Ralston St. We’ve been able to continue ministry alongside those who have carried His presence here for so long.
Even better, we now have the opportunity to purchase this building before June 2029, making it our permanent home.
With a central and accessible location rooted in a neighborhood, our new home will not only accommodate future growth, but also allow us to serve our city in practical ways, offering a place where neighbors can gather, families can grow, and our community can find refuge and renewal. But's not just about today. By building now, we are laying a foundation for future generations to encounter the gospel, be discipled, and carry the mission of Jesus forward long after us.
Even though the appraised value of the property is significantly higher, we’ve secured a purchase price of $11.3 million—and we already have $3 million in the bank.
Raising an additional $3.2 million would allow us to purchase the building outright and finance the remainder through a manageable mortgage.
But there’s an even greater opportunity: if we raise a total of $5 million, we could not only secure a modest mortgage but also invest further in the building itself and the ministries that will thrive here for generations to come.
This is a moment to step forward in faith—to secure a permanent home and continue building a future that reaches Ventura County and continues a gospel legacy.
Giving Above and Beyond
Our church’s ongoing ministry is sustained by the faithful generosity of our community. This building purchase campaign is an opportunity to give in addition to your regular tithes and donations—ensuring that our everyday ministry continues unhindered even as we take this exciting next step. Prayerfully consider what God might lead you to give beyond your normal rhythm of giving.
Giving Over Time
In addition to one-time gifts, consider what you could commit to over the next three years. For many, that may include your regular income, future bonuses, investments, or other unexpected provisions God might bring. Every gift—large or small—moves us closer to seeing this vision fulfilled.
Giving With Freedom and Faith
Each person’s situation is unique, and every gift is between you and God. Some will be able to contribute more, others less—and that’s completely okay. What matters most is that your giving flows from prayer, gratitude, and trust—not pressure. Whether or not you’re able to give, you are a cherished part of this church family.
There’s a lot happening in our campaign to purchase this building, and it’s easy to wonder, “What is my part to play?”
Our Executive Pastor, Luke Hamilton, looks to Scripture and church history — because for thousands of years, God has advanced the gospel through ordinary people whose generosity changed history.
By Check
Make checks payable to Reality Church Ventura with Building Purchase in the memo line.
Mail to: 5415 Ralston St., Ventura, CA 93003, or drop it in one of the Giving Boxes in the church lobby.
Online
Give securely using the link below. You will be redirected to Planning Center.
Your Gift
All donations are tax-deductible and will go directly toward purchasing the Ralston building.
*All gifts are subject to the discretion and control of Reality Church Ventura.
Questions
Contact our Executive Pastor at luke@realityventura.com
Why are we launching this building campaign now?
We believe God has opened a unique door for us to secure this property at a highly favorable price. Buying now allows us to steward our resources wisely, reduce long-term costs, and position our church for future ministry impact.
What is the agreed upon purchase price and how was it determined?
Crosspointe (who currently owns the building) needed to cover more than $10M in debt on the property. After factoring in commissions, we arrived at the sale price of $11.3M. For a 50,000 sq ft building on more than 4 acres in the heart of Ventura, this is a very competitive and generous price.
What is the building actually worth today?
The property was appraised at $15.9M in 2021, before renovations and when commercial values were lower. Based on today’s market and upgrades, the estimated value is $17M+.
What is our current lease situation?
We are in a five-year lease with an option to buy at the same locked-in price of $11.3M. Our rent is currently $51,500/month and increases 3% every year through the lease end in June 2029.
Why not just keep leasing for now?
Continuing to lease costs the church significantly more, from month to month and over time. Purchasing the building now would save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next few years and immediately reduce our monthly occupancy costs.
How does buying the building save money?
With interest rates currently ~6.7% amortized over 25 years, our estimated mortgage payment would be ~$36,000/month, compared to our current rent of $51,500/month. That’s an immediate savings of $15k/month and an average savings of $19k/month over the next 3.5 years.
How much would waiting cost us?
Due to 3% annual rent increases, waiting until 2029 would cost the church over $700,000 more compared to purchasing in early 2026.
What is the total fundraising goal for this campaign?
Our goal for this phase is to raise $3.2M for the purchase of the building.
How much money do we already have set aside for the purchase?
We currently have $3,000,000 from the sale of our previous building, held in a money market account earning about $9,000/month in interest. These funds are fully designated for the purchase of the Ralston property.
How much would we need to borrow after raising the campaign funds?
If we raise $3M+ through the campaign and combine it with the $3M already saved, we would need to borrow approximately $5.3M to complete the purchase.
Why is this moment especially strategic?
We have received an extraordinarily generous matching pledge: every dollar given before December 30, 2025, will be doubled, up to $1.5M. This allows our church family to cut the cost in half and accelerate our ability to purchase.
Are there tax benefits to giving before the end of 2025?
Yes. Because federal charitable-giving rules are changing under the new OBBBA legislation, many CPAs recommend making multiple years’ worth of gifts before December 31, 2025, to lock in the more favorable deduction limits. For many families, giving now can provide meaningful tax advantages while strengthening the church’s ability to secure the building. Speak with your financial advisor for more information.
Should year-end gifts go to the general fund or the building fund?
If you are giving an additional year-end gift, we encourage directing it to the building fund, because every dollar given to the building before December 30, 2025, is matched 1:1.
Can I give via stock donation?
We know this is a desire for some, as the giver avoids capital gains tax. We are in the process of setting up a brokerage account to receive stock donations. If you’d like to be notified as soon as this option becomes available, please email luke@realityventura.com.
Am I able to give via another method?
Absolutely. We are committed to working with each person’s unique giving needs. If you’d like to discuss a specific method of giving, please reach out to luke@realityventura.com.
Once we own the building, will building costs increase for the church?
No. Our projected mortgage payments will actually be lower than our current rent. And because we are already on a triple net lease, we’re already covering insurance, maintenance, utilities, and other associated costs.