FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Regarding the PHASE II Development of Iona House

Why do we need to purchase more land? Didn’t we just acquire 30.5 acres? 

The campus has always been envisioned as a 71-acre campus consisting of three adjoining parcels. All three parcels are necessary for the vision to unfold. The land we purchased in the summer of 2021 was merely the first (yet vital) parcel. It was/is raw, undeveloped (in progress) land that will eventually become the main beating heart of the campus - offering group lodging, hermitages, the prayer chapel, the agricultural aspects, and more. This is all slated to be completed in “Phase III”. What we are acquiring in Phase II are the two remaining parcels and a huge amount of already existing infrastructure (see below) that will allow us to begin overnight retreats now, and which will be vital to the long-term mission offering strategic space for our Resident House vision, families and children, and small groups.   

Why are we doing PHASE II right now? 

We have the legal right of first refusal on these two parcels, meaning we’re first in line when they go to be sold. The timing is determined by the current owners who are putting them on the market, which means this is our moment to acquire them before they are sold to someone else. This is the first time in more than 45 years that these parcels have been put on the market; we have no reason to believe we would have a second chance to acquire these if we miss this opportunity. We have worked very hard over the past many months to build a strong relationship and great rapport with the owners in order to be ready for this moment. This is our opportunity!

What, exactly, are we getting for $2.5 million? 

The property purchase is actually only $1.5 million of the total amount we’re raising. With this amount we are purchasing the 40.5 acres which includes three homes: 3700 sq ft, 2300 sq ft, and 1350 sq ft. It also includes a six-stall horse barn, multiple fenced paddocks, animal shelters, various sheds, outbuildings (including ones with bedrooms), two wells, a fenced garden / orchard area, and much more. See the map below to understand the relationship between the various phases. 

The three homes need some updates and work done to bring them up to 2023 standards. We are also wanting to have funds to do the prep work for PHASE III which will take 12+ months of permit work. This is why we’ve set the goal of raising additional funds, which are vital for keeping the project moving forward.

Is this purchase more in the category of “value added”, or is it essential to the mission/vision?

This is definitely in the “essential” category. The way the campus is laid out, this space and the existing infrastructure is needed not only in the short-term (for immediate use), but in the long-term for the Resident House, the Village, and more. Also, the way the topography / land works, including especially the road access, makes it very awkward (perhaps even unworkable) if we do not purchase this land. Simply said, this phase is vital to the future of Iona House. 

What happens once this land is purchased? 

We begin offering retreats for up to 20-25 overnight guests. We will have many aspects of the full vision operational on a miniature scale. This will strategically allow us to scale our operation and grow into the full vision over the next few years as we are developing the Phase III property, building facilities, and growing (literally) our agricultural vision.

$2.5 Million seems like a lot of money. Where is this money coming from?

We trust that the Lord has many ways to bring in this money. We don’t pretend to know how it will all work. In a typical scenario like this, there are often a handful of very large gifts that help take up a substantial portion of the $2.5 million, allowing smaller gifts to fill in the rest. Though it might seem overwhelming, EVERY donation - no matter the size - matters. We believe that God is developing a broad and generous support community. This is what we have seen Him doing so far; we are praying this will continue. 

What happens if we cannot raise the full amount? 

We are seeking “backup” privately-offered, short-term loans with favorable terms to try to cover the full cost of the purchase price if needed. However, the main focus is on gathering the full $2.5 million in the form of donations in order to complete this phase without taking on a mortgage. Taking on debt at this stage is not a desirable option; if it appears necessary, it will be something prayerfully discerned by the Board of Directors. 

What does the financial model look like going into the future? 

This is an important question that deserves a much longer answer than can be offered here. We have a vision for the future that involves what we believe is an inspiring, faithful, and responsible model of operating that doesn’t map exactly onto typical business models. If you’d like to hear more about this, ask Ryan or Elizabeth Jones.

This is Phase II, how many phases are there? What is the total cost of this vision? 

We have talked broadly about three major phases: Phase I = purchasing the raw, undeveloped 30.5 acres (completed Summer 2021); Phase II = Purchasing the additional 40.5 acres with all of the existing infrastructure (now); Phase III = Developing the Abbey vision on the 30.5 acres we already purchased (which will likely be broken into additional phases or sub-phases corresponding to building the variety of facilities that are needed). The total cost of the full vision is hard to estimate (especially with inflation), though we imagine it currently being around $8-10 million. When you think about the extensive impact that Iona House will have on literally hundreds of churches and thousands of Christians, this is perhaps one of the best investments we can make for the future of the Christian faith. 

What is unique about Iona House? Aren’t there a lot of Christian camps and conference centers already in Northern California? 

Iona House is not a Christian camp or conference center. Iona House is best understood as a Center of Contemplation and Christian Formation. The goal of Iona House is to be a place of immersive, in-depth, communal formation for those who desire a deep and rich life in Christ. Emerging out of more than a decade of ministry in downtown San Francisco, Iona House is uniquely postured toward addressing the challenges of being a Christian in a secular, increasingly post-Christian culture. Over the years to come it will be an invaluable partner to churches across Northern California and a vital place of missional formation. At the heart of it all is a contemplative model that draws from the deep well of the Great Tradition of Christian Formation that goes all the way back to the earliest days of the Church and which builds on the pattern of formation utilized by Jesus, Himself. Nothing else like this exists in Northern California. 

Will the Joneses be moving to Iona House once the Phase II property is purchased? 

No, the Joneses do not plan to ever live on-campus at Iona House. The Joneses will live a short 7-minute drive away. Iona House will have on-campus staff for safety, security, care of the property; it just won’t be the Joneses. We say all of this in order to make it clear that there is no “conflict of interest” or “muddled interest” in this fundraising.