From Sept. 21 to 22, the United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund (CB&LF) is hosting its annual virtual conference, Partners in Building.

Leaders of U.S.-based Christian churches of all denominations are invited to attend to learn how inventive church operating models and real estate development projects can carry their congregations through the 21st century and create positive impact in their wider communities.

Partners in Building is the only church-led, faith-oriented conference that provides comprehensive education on real estate redevelopment, from concept to completion. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with CB&LF staff and loan partners, capital fundraising executives, building professionals and other experts through a variety of presentations and workshops. Topics will range from land use, repurposing resources for mission, faith-based entrepreneurship, fundraising and the future of ministry.

The two-day event will also feature keynote speakers with enlightening perspectives on the importance of investing in place and community. On Sept. 21, the Rev. Susannah Davis will share how she grew Kirkwood UCC in Atlanta from a coffee shop Bible study to a 200-member congregation — and built a new church in the process.

Then, on Sept. 22, Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of the POWER Action Fund, will draw on his decades of community organizing in Pennsylvania to share the importance of taking a faith-based approach to grassroots activism.

Attendees will leave equipped with frameworks to begin repurposing their church-owned property to strengthen their congregations and have lasting positive impacts on their wider communities.

Registration is open until September 6 and costs $75: register here.