Buildings

A congregation renovates the old and builds something new to serve its members and community

Facing years of deferred maintenance and repair costs, a church in Lexington, Kentucky, looked outward as well as inward to make the best use of its historic space while expanding to meet a pressing local need.

By Kory Wilcoxson Pastor and journalist

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Beyond church walls, common threads catalyze communities

Faith & Leadership checks in with three previously featured projects about their continued learning and growth over recent years.

By Edie Gross Journalist

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Why are Christian congregations important today?

The Forum for Congregational Life will work to facilitate learning among all types of congregations in ways that strengthen and support them.

Alaina Kleinbeck David L. Odom

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Justice Theater Project encourages community conversation and engagement through its performances

For more than two decades, a secular theater company has partnered with Raleigh, North Carolina, churches to offer programing with distinctly justice-focused themes.

By Yonat Shimron Journalist

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Historic church teaches about the past and engages the present

The oldest Black congregation in Chicago restores its historic building while reaching out as history is made in the city today.

By Celeste Kennel-Shank Journalist

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One year after Hurricane Helene, two churches share space and a renewed sense of mission

Two congregations, one United Methodist and the other Episcopal, have worked together since the devastating storm flooded one church and turned the other into a community relief center.

By Stephanie Hunt Journalist

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A church and health center collaborate to provide care for people with substance use disorder

The trust built by a church in Galveston, Texas, is translating into better access to treatment at a free clinic staffed by health care providers and housed in former Sunday school classrooms.

By Lindsay Peyton Journalist

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Composting the church offers flourishing in the shadow of decline

As with a garden, so with the church — the remnants at the end of one season enrich growth for new opportunities in the next, writes a Presbyterian pastor.

By McKenna Wallen Pastor, Maryland Presbyterian Church

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You’ve decided to build affordable housing on your church property. What’s next?

The “predevelopment” phase is crucial in faith-based efforts to develop church property. An expert in urban planning helps demystify the process.

By Nadia A. Mian Senior program director, Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement

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Five tips for churches considering property development

Churches are learning how to get started well with adaptive reuse and property development, writes the co-founder of a nonprofit that has worked with hundreds of churches.

By Mark Elsdon Social entrepreneur, strategic executive and author

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What happens when the church is turned upside down?

Encountering a sculpture in a public square prompts a church innovator to reflect on the changes in our institutions — and how to react to them.

By Shannon Hopkins Co-founder & lead cultivator, RootedGood

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