Yes in God's Backyard with Richard Reinhard

In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, Matt McGee is joined by Rick Reinhard—consultant, urban planner, and national thought leader on the redevelopment of faith-based properties. Together, they dive deep into the reality behind the wave of church closures sweeping across North America and explore what congregations and communities can do before it’s too late.

Rick shares his insights from decades of work in municipal planning, denominational strategy, and property reuse. From deferred maintenance and financial transparency to zoning laws and community partnerships, this conversation offers both sobering truths and practical hope.

Whether you’re a pastor, church board member, city planner, or nonprofit leader, this episode will change how you think about the future of church buildings—and the mission they were built to serve.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why up to 100,000 churches may close in the next 20 years

• How deferred maintenance and denial quietly destroy congregations

• What churches can do now to redevelop or repurpose their property

• Why cities, counties, and community foundations must get involved

• What “YIGBY: Yes In God’s Backyard” means for affordable housing and church land

• Real-world examples of successful property reuse from around the country

Mentioned in the Episode:

• “Tsunami of Church Closures” article by Rick Reinhard

• "Affordable Housing: YIGBY (“Yes in God’s Backyard”) Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement" by Rick Reinhard

• Gone for Good by Mark Elsdon

About Our Guest:

Rick Reinhard is the founder of Niagara Consulting Group, a consulting firm that helps municipalities, denominations, and nonprofits navigate the complex world of church property redevelopment. He has served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Buffalo, worked for the United Methodist Church’s social justice agency, and chaired a national HUD working group on vacant religious properties.

Help Us Spread the Word:

If this conversation sparked new ideas or challenged your assumptions, please rate and review the show—and share it with pastors, city officials, or anyone facing questions about the future of sacred spaces.