Ryan Knudson

And the congregation, which was desperate for newcomers, welcomed them with open arms.

Mathis said he wanted to get involved and started sharing his thoughts about how the church could grow.

What were some of his ideas?

Here's Mathis giving a lecture in 2019.

Mathis was quickly elevated to leadership.

And before long, he effectively took control of the church.

But for some congregants, things did not go the way they had imagined.

An attorney who represents the church said his client committed no wrongdoing.

Mathis declined our request for an interview.

Mathis' arrival kicked off a multi-year legal battle over the church's fate.

And the situation has shed a light on a problem facing churches across the country.

Welcome to The Journal, our show about money, business, and power.

I'm Ryan Knudson.

It's Thursday, December 18th.

Coming up on the show, who should own the Central Church of Christ?

The church at the center of this fight was co-founded in 1925 by a man called A.M.

Burton.

He was a well-to-do insurance executive in Nashville who had a strong sense of faith.

Burton named it the Central Church of Christ.

And it did more than just preach the gospel.