How Churches Might Help Fix Madison’s Housing Crunch

It’s no secret that Americans are becoming less religious. Rev. Mark Elsdon, temporary co-director and outgoing 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. Rev. Elsdon says this could mean a real loss of “third spaces” in Madison — free gathering places you can go outside of home and work. We’re revisiting our conversation from earlier this year with him to talk about what this coming wave means for our city. Rev. 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!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.