Purpose

The Heritage and Stewardship pillar exists to ensure that Asbury Grove remains a place where the rich historical, architectural, cultural, and natural heritage of the community is faithfully preserved, celebrated, and sustainably advanced for current and future generations. It provides long-term strategic direction so that the careful care, restoration, and thoughtful development of the Grove’s historic buildings, grounds, traditions, and resources flourish as a living expression of our camp-meeting roots—honoring the past while preparing the Grove for responsible stewardship in the decades ahead. 

Guiding Question: How will Asbury Grove faithfully preserve our historic and natural heritage while building sustainable infrastructure for future generations?

Alignment with Vision and Mission

• Vision: Experience the presence of God in a vibrant, Christ-centered community. 

• Mission: Inspire people to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, cultivate community, and faithfully steward our heritage and resources, so that residents, guests, and future generations may be transformed by God.
  

This pillar is the primary means by which the Grove intentionally preserves and stewards its historic, architectural, cultural, and natural heritage so that the physical and traditional fabric of the community continues to support spiritual and relational vitality.

Scope

This pillar encompasses all efforts that shape the long-term care and stewardship of Asbury Grove’s heritage and resources, including: 

• Historic preservation and architectural integrity of cottages, the tabernacle, common buildings, and other assets

• Facilities management and infrastructure needs

• Grounds care and sustainable stewardship of outdoor spaces and the natural environment

• Safety and security

• Archives, historical documentation, educational programs, storytelling, and community engagement that celebrate cultural and spiritual heritage

• Navigation of local zoning, environmental conservation rules, and historical commission guidelines to ensure legal compliance for all restoration and development projects.

• Review, refine, and promote clear architectural guidelines and educational resources for cottage owners to encourage historical integrity in private renovations

• Assessment of heritage assets, infrastructure condition, and environmental trends

• Alignment of heritage and stewardship priorities with Board and committee planning and resourcing It does not own operational details of other pillars but partners closely with those areas to ensure careful preservation and sustainable stewardship permeate every aspect of the Grove experience.
  

Strategic Objectives (Multi-Year)

• Articulate and implement a clear, compelling multi-year strategic plan that sets priorities, measurable goals, and developmental milestones for the long-term care, restoration, and thoughtful development of the Grove’s historic buildings, grounds, traditions, and resources.

• Guide the ongoing preservation, restoration, and adaptive care of historic cottages, the tabernacle, common buildings, and other architectural assets in ways that honor their original character while meeting contemporary needs.

• Strengthen the celebration of Asbury Grove’s cultural and spiritual heritage through educational programs, historical documentation, storytelling, and community engagement.

• Develop and oversee plans that address infrastructure needs and promote the sustainable stewardship of the Grove’s natural environment, including outdoor spaces, balancing preservation with responsible use.

• Build intentional external partnerships with historic preservation organizations, conservation groups, and related entities that support the Grove’s heritage goals without diluting its distinct identity.

• Cultivate a culture of stewardship leadership by identifying, mentoring, and empowering future leaders within the community.
  

Leadership & Governance

• Pillar Leader: Responsible for owning, developing, maintaining, and refining the multi-year strategic plan; setting direction; aligning a team; establishing metrics; and partnering with the Board and related committees.

• The Leader works with other Strategic Pillar Leaders, including the Steering Oversight Committee, to ensure strategy alignment and determine resource needs. 

• The Leader, with the Oversight Committee, reports progress to the Asbury Grove Board.

• The Leader works with local historical societies, preservation organizations, conservation groups, and other external partners 

• Decision-making authority for heritage and stewardship direction rests with the Pillar Leader in consultation with the Board, while day-to-day facilities management, grounds care, safety, and operational maintenance remain coordinated with relevant committees and operational teams.
  

Key Success Indicators

• Clear, documented multi-year strategic plan that is reviewed and updated annually

• Measurable progress in the preservation, restoration, and adaptive care of historic buildings and architectural assets

• Demonstrated growth in educational programs, historical documentation, storytelling, and community engagement that celebrate Grove heritage

• Regular (at least annual) assessments of infrastructure, grounds, and environmental condition that inform planning

• Visible pipeline of emerging stewardship leaders within the community

• Demonstrated external partnerships that add value to heritage and stewardship efforts

• Alignment of heritage and stewardship priorities with overall Grove budgeting and long-term resource allocation
  

Time Horizon

This is a multi-year pillar with a rolling 3-5 year strategic planning horizon, reviewed annually and adjusted as the Holy Spirit leads and community needs evolve.