from the Field
By Emilie Haertsch , Senior Communications Manager , Partners for Sacred Places
LISA FISCHBECK MARK ELSDON
■ How do you define transitions ?
DAVID : A transition signifies that a congregation is at an inflection point . They are being intentional about their land or air space , tapping into unused or underutilized land or building capacity .
LISA : The vision for its future that a congregation once had isn ’ t going to come true . Exterior forces often influence that inflection point .
SHELLY : We have been defining “ transition ” as a congregation making a significant change in their relationship with their property . This can come from the outside or the inside .
MARK : There are many kinds of transitions related to church property . Some property is being sold . Some property is being renovated in order to make space that was designed for a 1950s version of church more functional for expressions of church today . Some are being redeveloped into something very different , such as turning a church building into affordable housing or a grocery store .
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SACRED PLACES • FALL / WINTER 2023 – 24 15