The Church as Community Hub: Reimagining Church Property for Mission

What if your church’s building is not simply an expense to maintain, but one of your congregation’s greatest resources for mission? As churches navigate declining attendance, changing neighborhoods, and financial pressures, questions about buildings and property are becoming increasingly urgent. Drawing from his forthcoming book, The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive, Loren Richmond Jr. will explore how congregations can reimagine their buildings and land as resources for hospitality, connection, and community flourishing.
Through real-world examples of churches utilizing their property for housing, childcare, food programs, social enterprise, shared space, and other community initiatives, participants will consider what’s possible in their own contexts—and practical first steps for getting started. The webinar will also address common pitfalls, including allowing revenue to drive mission, evaluating church property solely through financial return, and waiting until a crisis forces a decision.
Rev. Loren Richmond Jr. is a pastor, chaplain, nonprofit leader, consultant, and founder of the Future Christian Podcast. His work focuses on helping churches and nonprofit organizations navigate leadership, ministry, and change. Loren currently serves as a hospital chaplain and works with churches and nonprofits through consulting, coaching, and leadership development. He holds a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary and an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Hope International University.
A writer, speaker, and podcast host, Loren explores theology, church life, and the future of the church through his Substack newsletter, The Church Nerd, and the Future Christian Podcast. Drawing from experience across multiple Christian traditions, he is passionate about congregational vitality, thoughtful leadership, and helping communities discern faithful next steps. Loren lives in Thornton, Colorado, with his wife, Corinna, and their family.