Buildings

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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Get to know your city government: 6 free ways to get started

National politics consume a lot of our attention. But a local government focus often is more important for churches that want to work in their communities, says a consultant who has served in government and the church.

By Rick Reinhard Consultant, The Lakelands Institute

Image link to article: Get to know your city government: 6 free ways to get started

A congregation and community struggle to save their historic building

Everyone wants the same thing: to restore the beloved stone building in west Philadelphia so the community and local congregations can use it. But years of deferred maintenance, disagreements and the effects of the pandemic are forcing them to ramp up their efforts.