What if church buildings are far more valuable to communities than most people realize?

In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Bob Jaeger, co-founder and president of Partners for Sacred Places, about the future of church buildings, the hidden economic impact of congregations, and why sacred spaces still matter in an era of church decline.

Drawing from decades of work helping congregations preserve and reimagine their buildings, Bob explains how churches often underestimate both their civic value and the possibilities already sitting inside their walls. The conversation explores the “halo effect” of churches, the economic and social impact congregations have on neighborhoods, and why many churches need to rethink how they steward and share their spaces.

They discuss the rise of adaptive reuse projects, the dangers of waiting too long to make decisions about property, and how churches can partner with nonprofits, architects, and community organizations to imagine new futures for aging buildings. The conversation also explores the spiritual and cultural significance of church architecture and why sacred spaces continue to shape communities—even for people who never attend worship services.

Robert Jaeger is the co-founder and president of Partners for Sacred Places, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to the stewardship and preservation of historic religious properties. Since 1989, he has helped congregations across the country sustain their buildings as vital community assets, leading initiatives such as the Economic Halo Effect study and the New Dollars/New Partners program.

With a background in historic preservation and organizational leadership, Jaeger previously founded the Historic Religious Properties Preservation Program at the Philadelphia Historic Preservation Corporation and has extensive experience in research, consulting, and publishing. He is the author or co-author of several influential works on sacred spaces and community renewal and has lectured widely at national and international conferences. Jaeger holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Preservation Planning from Cornell University.

Mentioned Resources:

📖 Sacred Places Magazine: Link here

🌐 Sacred Places Website: Partners for Sacred Places

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Supporting Sponsors:

Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now!

Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order!

Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Dennis Sanders – Producer

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