ARKS Executive Summary - Church of God of Prophecy

• If the academic and leadership training objectives of the denomination are met in other
ways than a reconstituted Tomlinson College and building redevelopment, the campus
offers several options for more effective stewardship and a potential site for relocation of
the headquarters building.
• Fields of the Wood is a financial liability for COGOP. Although it has historic and
evangelistic value, its ongoing costs may outweigh its ability to advance the strategic
objectives of the denomination.
Arks, Inc. recommended courses of action regarding the choices before it, insofar as they relate
to the stewardship of its real estate and the housing of its International Offices staff, consists of
the following:
• The headquarters campus should be sold for a price somewhere between $8.0 million and
$10.0 million.
• With an agreed-upon price and schedule for closure in hand, COGOP should move
immediately to undertake a planning effort for relocation of the headquarters functions to
a new building of 32,000 to 37,000 square feet on the Tomlinson College campus. The
development plan could also incorporate facilities for Tomlinson College.
• Site planning efforts for a relocated headquarters building should include a careful
analysis of development opportunities for housing on the portion of the campus site now
partially devoted to the apartments and mobile homes. Campus planning activity should
also include identification of existing buildings which should be demolished and which
ones could be saved and put to productive use.
• Fields of the Wood has been an attraction for COGOP members for many years as well as
visitors from many other denominations. At one time as many as 42,000 COGOP
members participated annually with donations as member/supporters of Fields of the
Wood. Currently, supporters number closer to 6,000. As a result of the decline in
support, Fields of the Wood facilities are reaching a critical point in their physical
condition. Within three to five years, lacking significant investment in renovation and
repairs, the displays and other park facilities will become unattractive, if not dangerous.
The park will be unable to operate effectively. In general, Fields of the Wood is currently
showing significant signs of deterioration and a lack of adequate care. Without attention,
it will very soon become a significant liability to COGOP. Τhe following options should
be reviewed in light of the suggested criteria above:
1. Contract with an operator that would lease the park and operate it in keeping with
its original intent while actively campaigning for continued support from
denominational members.
2. Close the park and conduct a fund-raising campaign of sufficient magnitude to
bring all facilities to a high level of excellence so that the park would once again
be a source of pride to members of the denomination.
3. Close the park and develop the asset.
4. Close the park and sell the asset.
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