Today is release day for my new book!

TL;DR: It’s release day. You know what to do: buy the book!

My new book, The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive, is officially available.

It’s a little bizarre to write that.

I wrote this book because I believe church buildings can be more than places congregations gather on Sundays. They can become seven-day-a-week anchors of community life—places where neighbors find connection, support, resources, and belonging.

And importantly, this isn’t just an obscure idea.

Throughout the book, I draw from churches already doing this work and offer practical ideas for congregations wondering what might be possible in their own buildings and neighborhoods.

What could happen if we began thinking differently about the spaces our churches already have?

Could an empty fellowship hall become a meeting place for a neighborhood organization?

Could an underused classroom host a social enterprise?

Could unused land become housing?

Could our buildings become places where people who may never attend worship nevertheless experience the church as a meaningful presence in their community?

Those are some of the questions at the heart of The Church as Community Hub.

Writing a book can feel like a solitary endeavor, but bringing one into the world takes a community. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who encouraged me, shared their stories, offered encouragement, endorsed the book, or helped spread the word.

Most of all—thanks to my family and my wife Corinna especially, who partially funds my writing habits!

If you lead a church, care about your neighborhood, or wonder how congregations can use their resources more faithfully, I hope you’ll pick up a copy—and perhaps share it with someone who needs it.

You can order The Church as Community Hub directly from Church Publishing:

https://churchpublishing.org/products/9781640659988-the-church-as-community-hub

Want to Explore the Ideas With Me?

Over the coming weeks, I’ll also be participating in several webinars and conversations about the ideas in the book—how churches can rethink their buildings, develop community partnerships, and use their physical assets in service of their neighborhoods.

September 15 — Beyond Sunday: The Church as a Community Hub!

Abundant Ground: Faith-Based Housing Land Initiative

September 15, 2026
10:00–11:00 a.m. Mountain Time
Online via Zoom

Register for the webinar

October 11 — Reflect & Respond

Broomfield United Methodist Church

October 11, 2026
10:30 a.m.
BUMC Chapel
Live and in person

November 17 — The Church as Community Hub: Reimagining Church Property for Mission

Practical Resources for Churches

November 17, 2026
Online via Zoom

Register for the webinar

Please join one or all!

But for today, I’m simply grateful that this book is finally out in the world.

Thanks to all of you who helped make that possible.

P.S. Want a free copy? I’m also running a special promotion for Church Nerd subscribers. New paid subscribers can receive a copy of The Church as Community Hub, and existing subscribers can earn one by referring new readers.

So, if you’ve been thinking about becoming a paid subscriber—or know someone who might enjoy Church Nerd—now’s a good time!