Igniting Imagination

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guests Rev. Chris Dela Cruz and Rev. Melissa O’Keefe Reed. They discuss the transformative project, Barbie's Village, where a Presbyterian church in Portland, Oregon, took a groundbreaking step by giving land back to indigenous leaders as a form of repair and restitution. Chris and Melissa delve into the significance of acknowledging the land’s history and the meaningful relationships built with the Indigenous community. They share how this work has rejuvenated the church’s mission and deepened their faith. Listen this week as Shannon, Mark, Chris, and Melissa explore the power of understanding our land stories and cultivating a spirit of generosity and belonging for true transformation.Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestsRev. Chris Dela Cruz is a Pastor and Community Organizer. He currently serves as Director of Youth Initiatives with Together Lab, overseeing the Youth Solidarity Movement in Oregon. Previously, Rev. Dela Cruz served as Associate Pastor with Westminster Presbyterian Church Portland, the sponsor congregation for Barbie's Village with the Presbytery of the Cascades. His background includes newspaper journalism, youth, and college ministry, congregational pastoral ministry, and community organizing.Rev. Melissa O'Keefe Reed was born in Goettingen, Germany while her parents studied theology. She was raised throughout the New England Synod, the daughter of two Lutheran pastors, where she learned the power of community to nurture active, curious, relentless faith in an incarnate, relational God. This faith would agitate her at Boston College (BA in English), through work in a Lutheran Community Services group home, and at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA (MDiv, 2008) where she encountered faith-based community organizing in Oakland. Suddenly, the resurrective power of this relational God who dwells most profoundly in the world’s wounds came alive in flesh and blood.Episode Highlights The church's economic models are evolving, prompting innovative uses of property for community benefit.Barbie's Village exemplifies how churches can engage in reparative acts towards indigenous communities.Transformative relationships are essential for churches to address their land and property issues.Community organizing can foster meaningful change.Leaders in the church must confront their historical ties to the land and its implications.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:50) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(05:08) Interview with Rev. Chris Dela Cruz and Rev. Melissa O’Keefe Reed(45:00) Chris and Melissa answer rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guest Joe Bowling,  Executive Director of Englewood Community Development Corporation in Indianapolis. Joe shares insights about the historical context of Englewood Christian Church, which has evolved significantly from its roots as a prominent Protestant church to a community-focused entity amidst urban challenges. Bowling's narrative emphasizes the necessity of humility and listening in community work, promoting a vision of the church as a vital part of the local ecosystem that values collaboration and mutual support.By intertwining faith with practical action, Joe explores how churches can be catalysts for positive change and serve as models for others seeking to engage meaningfully with their neighborhoods. Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestsJoe Bowling serves as Executive Director of Englewood Community Development Corporation (ECDC). Joe has lived, worked, and worshiped in the Englewood neighborhood on Indy’s Near Eastside since 1993. Started by Englewood Christian Church, ECDC is focused on comprehensive, inclusive, and equitable grassroots community development. Serving 400 households with affordable rental housing, they also provide pathways to economic empowerment and home ownership. Additionally, ECDC has completed numerous impactful economic development projects, including the award-winning $38 million revitalization of the historic P.R. Mallory campus, currently anchored by two high-performing schools. Through Cultivating Communities and the Englewood Review of Books, ECDC provides resources for congregations to become healthy expressions of Christ in their respective places. Episode Highlights The importance of leveraging church property for community development is being increasingly recognized.Humility in community development work leads to genuine relationships and meaningful impact in neighborhoods.How the church can view its property as a demonstration plot for love and neighborly care.Effective community development requires a long-term commitment and deep listening to community needs.Creating partnerships with local organizations can enhance the church's ability to serve its neighborhood.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:51) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(05:06) Interview with Joe Bowling(01:01:00) Joe answers rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guests Brenda Halverson and Rev. Staci Maurice-Wheeler. Brenda and Staci share their journey of selling their former church property to launch a new development project, featuring affordable housing and a community center. They highlight how building relationships with neighbors and addressing community needs transformed their church, showcasing a shift from traditional church-focused models to a more inclusive, community-centered approach. Join Shannon, Mark, Brenda, and Staci as they explore the vital role of adaptability, openness, and innovation in modern ministry, emphasizing the power of collaboration, tackling local challenges, and building meaningful relationshipsCo-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestsBrenda Halverson is an Alliance Manager with CUNA Strategic Services and has managed third-party vendor relationships for over 20 years. In her role, she works to increase her vendors’ brand recognition and generate sales opportunities within the credit union movement through the development of marketing and sales plans. Her current portfolio consists of 10 vendors and revenue attainment goals of $1 million. Brenda graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, and holds an MBA from Edgewood College. She is also a Credit Union Development Educator. Brenda enjoys riding her Harley, training her dog Sedona in the art of agility trials, and trying new recipes.Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler serves as Pastor at Common Grace. She is a pastor of the Moravian Church of North America. She has an undergraduate degree in Education and a Masters of Divinity from Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, PA. Staci has served on the eastside of Madison for 13 of her 30 years in ministry. She is married to Scott, who is a Presbyterian pastor and has an adult son, Sam. Her dog, Sunday, is an Australian Shepherd mix who has his own Instagram page (Really! Check out “Sunday in the Meadow”).  Staci also serves as the “Community Development Pastor” who will work to coordinate the development of a community center ministry in the Eastmorland neighborhood. To relax, Staci enjoys birding, flower gardening, and playing word games.Episode Highlights The church must embrace change as part of its evolution and mission in the community.Engaging with neighbors and listening to their needs is essential for effective community service.Merging congregations can lead to innovative solutions for utilizing church properties for community benefit.Collaboration among different churches can enhance their impact and effectiveness in serving the community.Ensuring community input in development projects helps build trust and support for new initiatives.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:51) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(04:53) Interview with Brenda and Rev. Staci (44:30) Brenda and Rev. Staci answer rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast, exploring how a small congregation has transformed its property into a vital hub for recovery services, emergency shelter, and essential community resources with Pastor Kevin Riley, Co-Pastor at Mount Baker Presbyterian Church. As churches discover their potential to make a significant impact in their communities, they are demonstrating that even the smallest churches can address pressing social issues like addiction and homelessness. Join us to discover how creativity and collaboration can help churches redefine their roles and foster meaningful change within their communities.Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestPastor Kevin Riley and his wife Danielle are commissioned pastors, having served in rural WA State since 2017.  In addition to helping transform the congregation’s ministry and economic model informed by his own Christ-transforming life, he helped to create a property oversight committee in Northwest Coast Presbytery, with a vision of re-imagining and re-developing church properties for the future of the communities where they are located. They are in the early visioning stages for a new worshiping community/supportive housing/government/nonprofit/and for-profit mixed economy development in rural Skagit County with several partners.Episode Highlights The success of community outreach initiatives relies heavily on forming partnerships with local organizations and agencies.Creative approaches to church property can lead to transformative community projects that address pressing local issues.Investing in the community through outreach and support fosters deeper relationships and mutual respect among residents.Churches can embrace a spirit of curiosity and adaptability in their missions.Radical love and inclusion can redefine how churches engage with their neighborhoods, challenging traditional models.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:53) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(06:09) Interview with Pastor Kevin Riley(39:16) Pastor Kevin Riley answers rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast, exploring the transformative potential of reimagining church properties to serve the community in new and meaningful ways. Rev. Chrisy Ennen, Minister of Word and Sacrament at First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, shares how her congregation revitalized their church space into a thriving business center. By listening and fostering partnerships, the church discovered how to meet community needs while strengthening its mission and financial stability.  Join us as we look at what’s possible when a church steps beyond traditional roles to embrace its full potential as a force for good.Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestRev. Chrisy Ennen serves as Minister of Word and Sacrament at First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She is married with two adult children and three amazing rescue dogs. She has an MDIV from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, an MA in Leadership and Ministry from Greenville College, an MBA from SIUE, and a BA in Business Management from Greenville College. Rev. Ennen is passionate about the important role the church plays in the flourishing of the local community and is grateful for how she gets to live that out on the Alabama Gulf Coast.Episode Highlights The church's property can serve the community in transformative ways beyond housing.Effective community engagement and collaboration are essential for successful church property projects.Listening to local needs can lead to innovative uses of church facilities and resources.Transformational church initiatives can be achieved with minimal upfront investment and quick execution.Building partnerships with community organizations can enhance the church's mission and outreach efforts.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:54) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(06:12) Interview with Rev. Chrisy Ennen(41:10) Rev. Chrisy Ennen answers rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast to speak with Rev. Sharon Core, General Presbyter for the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. Exploring the intricate relationship between church property and community mission, Sharon shares how congregations can pivot from traditional property uses to meet pressing community needs, particularly in affordable housing. Sharon narrates her experience guiding her church through a challenging process of discernment, emphasizing the importance of reframing the conversation around church property from mere real estate management to a vital mission question. Listen as Shannon, Mark, and Sharon explore how church spaces can serve their neighborhoods in innovative and meaningful ways, fostering a deeper connection to their mission and the communities they inhabit.Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestThe Reverend Sharon K. Core is the General Presbyter for the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. Her responsibilities include providing inspirational leadership that enhances the implementation of the Presbytery’s strategy for mission and ministry, encouraging conversation and communication among the Presbytery, nurturing positive relationships with congregations and clergy, providing pastoral care to clergy in times of need, and maintaining relationships with Synod, General Assembly, ecumenical, interfaith and secular contexts.  Episode Highlights Engaging congregations in discussions about property can lead to transformative community impact.The journey toward utilizing church property requires deep reflection on mission and purpose.Church members often resist change, so leaders must build trust and understanding.Effective leadership involves equipping congregations to explore their calling in their communities.Recognizing church property as a tool for ministry can shift congregational perspectives.Transformation takes time; patience and perseverance are key in navigating congregational change.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:52) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(06:00) Interview with Rev. Sharon Core(41:20) Rev. Sharon Core answers rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast to speak with Pastor Jessica Lowry, Executive Director and Pastoral Leader at Sunset Ridge Collective. Exploring the transformative journey of Sunset Ridge Church of Christ, Jess shares insights into how her congregation navigated a pivotal moment of decline in membership and contributions. Faced with the stark reality of becoming a legacy church or pursuing radical change, Jess recounts the church's decision to embrace social entrepreneurship as a new mission. Listen as Shannon, Mark, and Jess explore the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in church leadership as churches seek to impact their community.Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestPastor Jessica Lowry brings her gifting in both ministry and leadership to her role as Executive Director and Pastoral Leader at Sunset Ridge Collective. She earned a Masters of Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and has served Sunset Ridge Church for 11 years. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in business leadership and management. Jess has a calling to point each person to the belovedness that they carry, and a heart for eye-to-eye conversations over a good cup of coffee. She spends her time with her husband Nathan, who plays guitar in Sunset Ridge Collective's worship band, and her three children Luca, Julian, and Shiloh—who are each her favorite. When not on campus, she can be found adventuring, hosting dance parties, attending Pearl Jam concerts, or with her nose in a book.Episode Highlights  The church's property can be transformed into community spaces that foster connection and belonging.Listening deeply to both congregants and neighbors is essential for church leadership and community engagement.Social entrepreneurship within the church can provide both funding and mission opportunities for the community.Changing the perception of church from a closed community to an open one is vital for growth.Success in community initiatives requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt over time.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:52) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(07:02) Interview with Pastor Jessica Lowry(37:55) Pastor Jessica Lowry answers rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their take over of the Igniting Imagination podcast to speak with Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings, Professor of Theology and Africana Studies at Yale University Divinity School. Shannon, Mark, and Rev. Dr. Jennings dive into a powerful conversation about faith, land, and community, exploring how church property decisions are deeply intertwined with discipleship. Rev. Dr. Jennings challenges churches to rethink their relationship with the land, encouraging a deeper awareness of the historical and ethical implications of their choices.Join us as we discuss the power of community memory and envision a renewed approach to church life—one rooted in love, shared responsibility, and the potential for true flourishing within our neighborhoods.Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Mark Elsdon is the Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestRev. Dr. Willie James Jennings was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Jennings received his B.A. in Religion and Theological Studies from Calvin College (1984), his M.Div. (Master of Divinity degree) from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena California, and his Ph.D. degree from Duke University. Dr. Jennings, who is a theologian, teaches in the areas of Christian thought, race theory, decolonial and environmental studies. Dr. Jennings is the author of The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race published by Yale University Press. It is one of the most important books in theology written in the last 25 years and is now a standard text read in colleges, seminaries, and universities. Dr. Jennings is also the recipient of the 2015 Grawemeyer Award in Religion for his groundbreaking work on race and Christianity. Episode Highlights  Church property can be viewed through a lens of discipleship, ethics, and theology.The church must engage deeply with its local context, including its history and land.Rituals tied to real space can foster community connections and meaningful reflection.The incarnation signifies that God became flesh, emphasizing the importance of our relationship with the dirt.Churches can facilitate conversations about community needs and the moral implications of zoning laws.Reimagining church property involves creating opportunities for healing and community flourishing.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:52) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(05:48) Interview with Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings (41:30) Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings answers rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon are taking over the Igniting Imagination podcast! They’re joined by Bob Smietana, National Reporter for Religion News Service and author, to dive into this season’s theme: “Properties with New Purpose.”As we've been partnering with churches across the country, many questions have come up. This week’s episode centers on one of the big ones: “What brought us here?”Bob points out that churches hold essential skills, like moral guidance and community-building, which are increasingly valuable in today’s world. Together, Shannon, Mark, and Bob encourage congregations to reimagine their spaces and embrace creativity and collaboration to shape their future impact on the community.Co-HostsShannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. Mark Elsdon is the Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.GuestBob Smietana is a national reporter for Religion News Service based near Chicago, covering evangelicals, weird religion, and the changing religious landscape. He is the author of Reorganized Religion: The Reshaping of the American Church and Why it Matters.Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles, and features for magazines, newspapers, trade publications, and websites. Most notably, he has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, a senior editor of Christianity Today, a religion writer at The Tennessean, a correspondent for RNS, and a contributor to OnFaith, USA Today, and The Washington Post.Episode Highlights  Church property is being reimagined to better serve communities in innovative ways.Declines in church attendance require congregations to adapt and find new purposes.Many churches are collaborating with local organizations to provide essential community services.The shift from traditional church models to multi-use spaces is gaining momentum.Local churches must foster relationships and trust to thrive in changing contexts.Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and community building.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:52) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode(05:07) Interview with Bob Smietana (45:00) Bob Smietana answers rapid-fire questionsLinksVisit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

Shannon Hopkins, co-founder of Rooted Good and an innovative leader, discusses the evolving role of churches in transforming their properties into vibrant community hubs. She emphasizes the importance of addressing community needs and redefining growth through meaningful engagement rather than just attendance. Shannon shares inspiring stories of churches successfully repurposing their spaces, highlighting collaboration and social impact as essential for future success. This conversation opens a pathway for reimagining how congregations can serve their neighborhoods.