Like First Presbyterian, congregations seeking to rethink or transform their relationships to their building and property often turn to Partners as they contemplate their paths forward. But Partners is also part of a thriving ecosystem of nonprofit organizations that work together to guide and serve these congregations. Given the vast number of religious properties in the United States and their potential for creative use and greater community engagement, collaboration among congregations and service organizations is key to navigating this pivotal moment in a changing religious landscape. Empty Sunday School wings and unoccupied parsonages are underutilized but have enormous potential for community and civic benefit. More congregations than ever before are poised to ask difficult but strategic and hopeful questions about the next phase of their life cycle and how their property will fit into this new vision.
Congregations now can turn to a strong, interconnected network of organizations that provide a flow of energy, ideas, and expertise to help navigate the challenges posed by shrinking membership and aging buildings. In one such instance, Partners is engaged in a five-year initiative with multiple groups of congregations( First Presbyterian among them) in the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest, based in Spokane. Partners is working in collaboration with Rooted Good, a national organization that uses a social enterprise model to increase congregational capacity and develop churchowned property. The social enterprise model applies business principles to addressing social issues. Rather than relying on donations and grants like a traditional nonprofit, social enterprises generate income through mission-aligned goods and services. Churches in the cohort participate in Rooted Good’ s Good Futures Accelerator, while Partners’ staff conducts site visits focused on the use of space and facilitates conversations with community stakeholders. Both Rooted Good and Partners believe that deepening engagement with their surrounding communities is critical to the long-term survival of congregations, and the Presbytery saw these approaches as natural complements.
“ Working with Partners for Sacred Places has dovetailed well with the use of Rooted Good’ s Good Futures Accelerator curriculum,” says Katie Stark.“ At a midpoint in our
“ Congregations now can turn to a strong, interconnected network of organizations that provide a flow of energy, ideas, and expertise.”
Rochelle Stackhouse, former Senior Director of Programs at Partners, leading a " Thriving Cooperative Parish Initiative " Property Mission Statement Workshop for the South Shore Cooperative Parish on Saturday, July 12, 2025. South Shore Cooperative Parish is part of the Long Island East District of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Kevin Block
14 SACRED PLACES • WINTER 2026