It’s no secret that Americans are becoming less religious. Reverend Mark Elsdon, executive director of the Pres House Presbyterian campus ministry, predicts that the Madison area could lose a third of all churches in the area. Many congregations are shrinking and re-evaluating whether they need their large buildings anymore. Madison’s pressed for housing, and more churches are considering selling or moving to make way. 

Reverend Elsdon says this could mean a real loss of “third spaces” in Madison, free gathering places you can go outside of home and work. Bianca Martin catches up with the Reverend to talk about what this coming wave means for our city. 

Reverend Elsdon’s book is Gone for Good: Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition.

Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.