Closing Costs provides a much-needed resource for churches facing a transitional crossroads. But this isn’t just a practical workbook, for Dominic grounds his thinking in the missional imperative of outward discipleship and community engagement in Jesus Christ. It’s a must-read for every lay and clergy member who faces an uncertain future–and that is all of us!

Grant Hagiya

Resident Bishop, California-Pacific and Desert Southwest Annual Conferences, The United Methodist Church

It’s always hard for churches to face uncertainty. The decision-making process can be paralyzing. This book provides practical insight that opens up new opportunities that churches should seriously consider. I recommend Dominic not only as an expert in his field but also as a friend and fellow follower of Jesus.

Josh Wroten

Lead Pastor, Grace Church

If you’re about to embark on a building project or strategic plan, if you’re a member or leader of a faith-based organization, if you’re searching for a way to integrate the sacred and civil, then you are ready to read Closing Costs.

Sister Gladys Guenther

Sisters of the Holy Family

Thousands of churches will need to close or repurpose their buildings in the coming years. Dutra lifts up three options that churches facing closure may want to consider: merging, leasing, or selling their buildings. . . . Dutra calls us to focus primarily on mission and the good of our communities. Church death is not to be feared, for it presents an opportunity to give–and maybe even experience for oneself–new life.

Mark Elsdon

Author of We Aren’t Broke

Closing Costs offers resurrection hope. Through inspiring real-life examples, a prophet’s piercing analysis, and the culled wisdom of decades of experience, Dutra exhorts struggling faith communities to remember their mission . . . to care for the wounded and needy in our world. As you walk the Emmaus road of coming to terms with the impending death of your congregation, he is the companion that you want by your side.

Frank Rogers Jr.

Author of Compassion in Practice

I am delighted that Dutra has put together this very practical resource. This book is the fruition of his long career of helping institutions explore their purpose and mission for the future. Closing Costs is a wonderful and timely resource that will benefit churches tremendously during this uncertain time for organized religion.

Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan

President and Professor of Hebrew Bible, Claremont School of Theology

Closing Costs is the book your church needs, no matter its size, location, or denomination. . . . What Dominic offers in Closing Costs is an approach that every church should consider. Nothing is lost and everything is gained in connecting with and serving local communities, using our spaces for the glory of God and the care of God’s people.

Grant John Harvey Taylor

Seventh Bishop of Los Angeles, Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

After the Torah, 1-2 Kings, and the Prophets come the books of wisdom. That is the section where I would place Dominic’s book on reimagining church real estate. He offers very pragmatic wisdom strongly tied to the discipleship of following Jesus and equally tied to the mission of the church. Dutra uses his gifts and experience well to provide a missional conversation about property that is, above all, healthy and faithful.

Gil Rendle

Author of Quietly Courageous

I had the blessing of working with Dominic Dutra on various projects. Dom is a caring, compassionate advocate for faith-based organizations. From consulting with seminaries and churches; to problem solving workforce housing issues, Dom always has the best interest of the person he is working with in mind. He has a warm heart and truly believes that faith-based organizations can transform communities and lives. I would welcome collaborative efforts in the future.

Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle

Church Consultant/Coach

I’m the pastor of a Fremont church, Journey of Faith. We recently sold our Fremont property after a difficult process required to get city approval. We’d been trying to work with different groups to accomplish this for 4-5 years. When we eventually started working with Dominic Dutra, we finally began to overcome the obstacles. We were able to sell for the exact amount we’d set out to gain in order to enable the implementation of the future for our congregation. Along with my church board, we highly recommend Dominic as a creative representative for real estate planning issues.

Pastor Joseph Shreffler

Senior Pastor, Fremont Journey of Faith (formerly Nazarene Church of Fremont)

Having seen him in action, I’m deeply impressed by Dominic’s brilliant strategic thinking, creative vision, and fierce determination. He puts the interests of those he is working with first and works diligently, even heroically, on their behalf. He is committed to community service and understands how to creatively use – and optimize – an organization’s resources to achieve their vision. Without hesitation, I would recommend Dominic as THE best partner for mission-driven organizations.

Steffani Kizziar

Doctoral Student and former VP of Faith-Based Services

Dominic Dutra has been our real estate consultant for the last three years. He is a consummate professional and knows his craft well. He always has the interest of the people that he is working with at heart. His wisdom and knowledge has guided Claremont School of Theology through a long and arduous process in best use of the schools real estate in fulfilling its mission in preparing religious leaders for the society and the world.

Dr. Jeffrey Kuan

President, Claremont School of Theology

Dominic was a God sent individual who assisted us in purchasing a multi purpose facility. An individual with high integrity, he has a passion for assisting faith based organizations, as well as other nonprofits in reaching their dream facilities potential. We continue our professional friendship because I really treasure his friendship, beyond the work relationships. The people he works with come first, their needs become his needs. We will continue to seek his expertise.

Rev. Adam Lopez III

Senior Pastor, Union City Apostolic Church