Why Are We Talking About Church Property?

Overview

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon are taking over the Igniting Imagination Podcast! They’re joined by Bob Smietana, National Reporter for Religion News Service and author, to dive into this season’s theme: “Properties with New Purpose.”

As we've been partnering with churches across the country, many questions have come up. This week’s episode centers on one of the big ones: “What brought us here?”

Bob points out that churches hold essential skills, like moral guidance and community-building, which are increasingly valuable in today’s world. Together, Shannon, Mark, and Bob encourage congregations to reimagine their spaces and embrace creativity and collaboration to shape their future impact on the community.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Church property is being reimagined to better serve communities in innovative ways.

• Declines in church attendance require congregations to adapt and find new purposes.

• Many churches are collaborating with local organizations to provide essential community services.

• The shift from traditional church models to multiuse spaces is gaining momentum.

• Local churches must foster relationships and trust to thrive in changing contexts.

• Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and community building.