What does it mean for a congregation to make a 'covenant with the neighborhood' surrounding the church? In Episode 1, we learn from Chris Ganski of City Reformed Church about the slow, patient work of placemaking within the context of a neighborhood church.
In this episode, we talk with Chris Ganski who is a pastor at City Reformed Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chris talks about City Reformed Church’s decision to purchase a commercial building in the heart of a walkable neighborhood and convert it into a church. He notes how that decision really shaped and clarified the mission of the church. While purchasing that building clarified their mission, it was only one of many steps that would need to be taken to really live into their calling.
Chris regularly challenges the congregation to understand themselves as having entered into a covenant not only with each other, but also with the neighborhood surrounding the church. He shares honestly about the slow and patient work of placemaking in his particular community. He also shares about his love of food and discusses the important role of food in forming community. And, as a side note, Chris sets a new record for literary references on the Embedded Church Podcast.
Access more Show Notes with pictures and resources.
More information about this podcast and helpful church and urbanism resources can be found on The Embedded Church website.
Related Resources
How Not To Be Secular: Reading Charles Taylor by James KA Smith
The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry
Mystery and Manners by Flannery O’Connor
Find these key terms on The Embedded Church website:
· Placemaking
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