Gone for Good? - A Conversation with Mark Elsdon

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Last Service Podcast! In this edition, your host Matt engages in a thought-provoking conversation with pastor and developer Mark Elsdon discussing his latest book, "Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition."

3 Takeaways for Dying Churches:

1. Before you list your property for sale - consider how the land your church owns could benefit your local community
2. The decline of churches in America is not a failure.  It's an opportunity to rethink the relationship between churches and communities.
3. When reaching the end of a church's life cycle, consider how final decisions about church property could advance the mission of the church. Don't simply consider the value when sold.

📚 About the Episode: Join us as Matt dives deep into the intricate details of the upcoming wave of church property transitions with Mark Elsdon. Discover the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as churches and their surrounding communities navigate the complex process of transitioning their properties. Mark shares his expertise, drawn from years of experience, shedding light on the theological and ethical issues that will impact communities for future generations.

🎙️ Key Topics Covered:

• The economic impact of churches on their surrounding communities
• Insights into the coming wave of transitions and what it means for churches and communities.
• Opportunities to develop multi-use spaces in partnership with developers and municipalities.
• Mark Elsdon's unique theological and moral perspective on the future of church property.

💡 Featured Guest: Mark Elsdon: Mark is cofounder of RootedGood, which supports catalytic and innovative church leaders working on property development, money and mission alignment, and social enterprise; executive director at Pres House and Pres House Apartments on the University of Wisconsin's Madison campus; principal at Threshold Sacred Development; and past president of the board of directors for Working Capital for Community Needs, an impact investing fund that provides microfinance funding to the working poor in Latin America. 

He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA, and lives in Madison, Wisconsin. 

📖 Mark's Book - "Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition": Explore the pages of Mark's latest book, where he delves into the intricacies of church property transitions. Discover practical advice, case studies, and actionable insights to navigate this crucial phase in your church's journey.

🔗 Connect with Mark Elsdon: For more information, visit Mark's website: melsdon.com. Stay updated on his latest insights, articles, and resources to empower your church community.

📌 Episode Resources:

• Mark Elsdon's Book: "Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition"
• Mark Elsdon's Website: melsdon.com
• The Village at West Jefferson

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