Rethinking Church Buildings – Discovering Social Space and Shaping Shared Use

Description

As a church, we operate within the social space, are connected, and maintain contacts with people. Our church buildings are often located in central places and shape the face of communities. At the same time, we are changing their use. This course demonstrates how we can create added value for the church and society with our church buildings. Together, we will work on what social space means in concrete terms, how local needs are identified, and how the church can make a relevant contribution to the social space with its strengths – space, community, values. The course combines strategic foresight with concrete practice and shows ways to build partnerships and consider shared uses.

Why now? The church is in a challenging but also opportunity-rich phase of transformation. New possibilities for cooperation and shared use of infrastructure are emerging. Church spaces can make a decisive contribution – to community, meaning, social stability, and quality of life locally.

Course Objectives Participants: - develop a common understanding of social space as a living environment for people

• recognize the opportunities that arise for the church from societal developments
• discover the unique strengths of church buildings/centers in terms of identity, community, and culture
• learn about models of shared use and reflect on their transferability to their own situation
• develop concrete ideas and initial implementation steps for their own parish or congregation

Content - Understanding social space – working together What social relationships shape our environment? What role do we play as a church? How do we identify needs in the social space?

• The church as a partner in public space Contribution of the church to quality of life, social cohesion, and value formation
• Recognizing our potential Opportunities for shared use of church buildings and centers with social and church added value
• Developing partnerships What partnerships do we have? Which ones can we build anew? What is our identity in the social space? What success factors for cooperation with communities, social services, culture, education, or health exist for us?
• From thinking to acting Workshop to develop initial concrete steps for one's own community

Methodology Input, interactive development, practical examples, group work, exchange from practice, reflection on one's own situation

Target Group Pastoral staff, responsible for real estate and strategic development, members of church authorities, church caretakers, church councils
Source: www.weiterbildung.swiss

Highlights

• Course on social space and shared use of church buildings
• Focus on community engagement and local needs
• Practical strategies for church transformation

General Information

This course, held on October 10, 2026, at Propstei Wislikofen, explores the evolving role of church buildings in community life. Participants will learn to identify local needs and develop strategies for shared use, enhancing the church's contribution to social stability and quality of life.

Location

Propsteiweg, 5463 Wislikofen, Schweiz

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