A Legacy in Jeopardy
Six-time Grammy-winning Christian pop artist Amy Grant and her relatives are embroiled in a legal dispute over the Nashville Church of Christ. The church, founded in 1925 by Grant’s great-grandfather A.M. Burton, is now at the center of a high-stakes courtroom fight. Burton, a philanthropist and insurance executive, specified in the property deed that the church must continue to function as a place of worship; otherwise, the property would revert to his estate.
Decline of a Historic Church
Once a vibrant spiritual hub, the church is now boarded up and no longer holds weekly services. Burton’s descendants accuse Shawn Mathis, who joined the church in 2017 and now directs its operations, of pushing out longtime members and assuming control of the church and its assets, estimated to be worth $30 million.
Allegations of Mismanagement
Court records and family members claim Mathis diverted church assets by creating a new nonprofit in 2018. The former treasurer, Howell Townes, resigned in protest, calling the move unnecessary. Financial disclosures indicate that Mathis receives a $138,250 salary and a $2,000 housing allowance. His father, also listed as a minister, drew a six-figure salary. Both reportedly used church-owned parking lot revenues as collateral for loans, borrowing over $1.1 million.
Legal Battles Intensify
The Nashville Church of Christ sued Grant’s family to overturn the deed’s restrictions, but courts upheld the original terms. Tennessee’s attorney general also filed suit, alleging financial improprieties, including the improper mixing of missionary and general funds. The church now faces over $500,000 in unpaid property taxes after its classification changed to commercial use.
Supporters and Detractors Weigh In
Supporters of Grant and the Burton family view the legal fight as a necessary stand to preserve a historic faith institution. Detractors, including church representatives, insist the new leadership is committed to ministry and global outreach. The court is now determining whether the church’s actions violated the deed by ceasing regular worship services.
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Christian singer Amy Grant fights to save Nashville church founded by great-grandfather
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