I’m looking for...

Publications and Guides

Explore our research and resources to better understand the role of and potential in sacred places.

Deacon speaking in front of crowd

Reports

Report

Halo Effect of Urban Congregations

A 2016 study, conducted by Partners with Ram Cnaan, Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, found that the average urban historic sacred place generates over $1.7 million in economic impact annually. Read more about the findings of the study on urban historic sacred places.

Read the Halo Study
Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago
Report

Halo Effect of Rural NC Churches

This report, published in December 2021, shares the results of the first statewide study of the economic impact of rural congregations. The study finds rural United Methodist congregations in North Carolina contribute $735,000 on the average to their towns and counties, and 72% of those benefiting from programs housed in UMC churches are not members of those congregations. Read on to learn more!

Read the NC Halo Study
Crossnore Church in NC
Report

Sacred Places at Risk

This 1998 landmark report defined and energized the study of the public value of religious assets.

Read the Report
Stained glass window in Camphor UMC in West Philadelphia.
Report

2024 Convening Report

In April 2024, Partners for Sacred Places brought together 100 leaders across preservation, faith, philanthropy, government, social services, and more to advance the conversation on the struggles and strengths of sacred spaces. Read the National Convening report to explore key insights and next steps.

Get Your Copy
People standing inside the church looking and the interior architecture

Guides

Guide

Transitioning Older Sacred Places

Transitioning Older and Historic Sacred Places helps congregations navigate property changes with a community-focused approach. Explore the guide for strategies to preserve public value and reimagine sacred spaces.

Read the Guide Purchase the Guide on Amazon
The interior of the new Episcopal Church of the Resurrection building is filled with light and connected to the natural world.
Guide

8 Steps for a Comprehensive Capital Campaign

Learn how to approach a capital campaign for your sacred place in this free, downloadable guide.

Download the Guide
Town Hall Seattle
Guide

Creating Spaces: Performing Arts in Sacred Spaces

This 2015 guide explores the research supporting mutually beneficial space sharing relationship between congregations and arts organizations.

Read Creating Spaces
Performing Arts in Sacred Spaces - Creating Spaces guide

Worksheets & Tools

Worksheet

Five Steps to Media Coverage

Newspaper, radio, and television coverage lends credibility to your congregation's work and helps you reach folks outside your typical circle. Use this worksheet to get started with your media outreach.

Download Worksheet
Five Steps to Media Coverage
Worksheet

Facilities Walk

Envision your sacred place as a vibrant hub of new activity by rediscovering the amenities, resources, and gifts that your property could offer to the wider community. Use this facilities walk exercise to help you notice opportunities and imagine new possibilities for each of your congregation's individual spaces as well as your entire campus.

Download Worksheet
Facilities Walk
Flowchart

Rethinking Your Relationship with Your Religious Building

Follow this flowchart to determine your congregation's options when imagining the future of your sacred place.

Download Flowchart
Rethinking Your Relationship with Your Religious Building
One Sheet

Explore the Transitions Ecosystem

Learn about the different organizations helping congregations transition their buildings, and how they might be helpful to you.

Download the One Sheet
UCC Fort Myers. Mike Shapiro.

Resources for Congregations

Learn more through these training videos about how your congregation can improve its fundraising, rethink its relationship with its building, engage with the community, or share space with local arts or nonprofit groups.

play
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Town Hall Seattle
play
TRANSITION YOUR PROPERTY
play
FUNDRAISING
Space Sharing
play
SPACE SHARING
image

Explore practical and insightful web guides designed to help congregations maximize their impact.

My congregation is...