A new book, Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition, edited by Mark Elsdon, explores a phenomenon we've been involved in.
Following a year in discussion, and then a vote on December 10 to put our building up for sale, we might find in this book, or this sample of chapters, interesting and maybe even inspiring reading.
The hope when it comes to this one manifestation of a much larger and longer-term trend is best summed up in the words of one of our beloved members: "The issue is much less about money and more about needing people. Could our church [building] find a new purpose and find new ownership? This is our hope."
(It's happening on the other side of the pond too. Here's an editorial from The Guardian.)
Intro. What Happens When Churches Are Gone
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1. Diminishing Religious Footprint
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3. The Impact of the Halo Effect
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4. Remaining Missional
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