Looking for the Episode Transcript? Episode Description Is your church building sitting empty most of the week while your bills pile up? In this practical conversation with ministry consultant Loren Richmond, Jr., we explore how churches can transform their facilities from financial burdens into thriving community hubs. Loren brings a unique perspective from his years as a pastor, food pantry director, and public housing coordinator. He shares seven creative strategies churches are using to generate revenue while genuinely serving their communities—from music centers and senior ministry programs to emergency response partnerships with utility companies. Discover why the average church size has dropped from 130 to 65 people, how cultural shifts have changed community outreach, and most importantly—how to balance financial sustainability with your church’s mission of creating followers of Jesus. This episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement without losing sight of what matters most. What You’ll Learn Why churches need to rethink their building strategy in today’s financial and cultural climateHow to transform your church building into a music center with lessons, recitals, and performancesCreative ways to serve the growing senior adult population while generating sustainable revenueHow to partner with utility companies for emergency response and crisis ministryThe importance of accounting for true costs—even when donating spaceHow to start slow and set proper boundaries to protect your church’s missionFirst steps to take: pray, survey needs, and assess your resources Key Quotes “The normative size church is 65, so it’s half of what it was [20-30 years ago]. The giving levels just aren’t what they were… So like practically speaking, like the math just doesn’t work.” – Loren Richmond, Jr. “Don’t lose track of what the main thing is… I believe we’re trying to create followers of Jesus here. That being said, find creative ways to engage with our neighbors and reach them where they’re at.” – Loren Richmond, Jr. “We can’t just assume that even though we’re giving space to the Boys and Girls Club or the scouts, there’s a cost to that… It’s gonna be important for us to account for what that cost might be, whether it’s electricity, plumbing, water, wear and tear.” – Loren Richmond, Jr. “You win when you show up. Sometimes showing up looks like making it to the coaching call even when you didn’t do your homework. Sometimes it looks like sitting down for the budget meeting with your spouse.” – Joy Suzanne Hunt About Our Guest Loren Richmond, Jr. is a ministry consultant, pastor, chaplain, and nonprofit leader writing and speaking at the intersection of faith, culture, and church renewal. With more than a decade of leadership in churches and community nonprofits, Loren draws from a deep well of lived experience, both pastoral and practical. He holds an M.Div from Phillips Theological Seminary and an MBA with a nonprofit emphasis from Hope International University. Loren has served in diverse roles from founding pastor to food pantry director to public housing coordinator. He is also the host of the Future Christian Podcast, where he interviews ministry leaders, scholars, and change makers to explore how historic faith can speak meaningfully today. The 7 Strategies Discussed Music Center Ministry – Offers music lessons, hosts recitals and performances, utilizes existing instruments and skilled musicians on staffSenior Adult Ministry Hub – Create socialization spaces, meal programs, and light assistance with daily tasks for the growing 55+ populationEmergency Response Partnerships – Partner with utility companies to serve as cooling/warming centers or emergency response locations during crisesGrant-Funded Community Programs – Develop food programs and other community services that qualify for government or nonprofit grant fundingYouth Ministry Spaces – Address the mental health crisis by creating safe spaces for young people to connect and build relationshipsBusiness Networking Events – Host lunch-and-learns and professional networking groups that serve as valuable “third spaces.”Multi-Purpose Community Hub – Rent to values-aligned organizations like preschools, scouts, AA groups, and sports teams Resources Mentioned Loren’s website: resonatepurpose.orgFuture Christian PodcastThe Church Nerd on SubstackPrevious episode with Ken McQuiller on grant funding for churches Key Takeaways Start with Prayer and Assessment: Pray for God’s directionSurvey needs in your church and neighborhoodTake stock of your physical, human, and financial resourcesLook for the overlap between resources, opportunities, and mission Account for True Costs: Even donated space has costs (utilities, wear and tear, maintenance)Add line items to your budget for space use—even if you’re not chargingWhen necessary, ask organizations to ...
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