In this episode, we talk with Matt Busby who is the Senior Associate Pastor at Mission Chattanooga. Matt describes for us the evolution of a relationship between a specific church (Mission Chattanooga) and a coffee shop/restaurant/event space (The Camp House) in three different neighborhoods in downtown Chattanooga. Mission Chattanooga and Camp House began renting in the Southside neighborhood, moved to the MLK neighborhood, and now are located in the Onion Bottom Neighborhood.
In this episode, we talk with Matt Busby who is the Senior Associate Pastor at Mission Chattanooga. Matt describes for us the evolution of a relationship between a specific church (Mission Chattanooga) and a coffee shop/restaurant/event space (The Camp House) in three different neighborhoods in downtown Chattanooga. Mission Chattanooga and Camp House began renting in the Southside neighborhood, moved to the MLK neighborhood, and now are located in the Onion Bottom Neighborhood.
This conversation highlights some of the ways that a church can bless the neighborhood in which it is located. The Camp House has been a gathering space, a cultural incubator, and a forum for important community conversations. And by drawing people into the neighborhood this entity has helped to enliven the neighborhood. In addition to gathering a diverse community for worship, Mission Chattanooga has sought ways to bless the neighborhood through mercy ministries and civic engagement.
Matt shares with us some of the tradeoffs between working with volunteers in a non-profit setting and paid employees in a for profit endeavor. He also talks about his shifting pastoral identity as he navigates dividing his position description between event coordination and pastoral ministry. If you have ever wondered about how a church building can be utilized to bless a neighborhood throughout the week, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Episode Contributors
Rev. Matt Busby is the Senior Associate Pastor at Mission Chattanooga
Access more Show Notes with pictures and resources related to this episode.
More information about this podcast and helpful church and urbanism resources can be found on The Embedded Church website.
Related Resources
Sidewalks in the Kingdom by Eric O. Jacobsen
The Space Between by Eric O. Jacobsen
Mike Watkins Architect - Urban design and architecture firm dedicated to designing and implementing a walkable, lasting, and beautiful public realm that fosters community
- Charrette
- Third Place
- Chronological Connectivity
Show Credits
Hosted and Produced by Eric O. Jacobsen and Sara Joy Proppe
Edited by Adam Higgins | Odd Dad Out Voice Productions
Theme Music by Jacob Shaffer
Artwork by Lance Kagey | Rotator Creative