What Difference Does Church Location Make? A Philosopher's Insights on New Urbanism

Although churches address themselves primarily to the life of the spirit, human beings are embodied creatures who live in place-based communities—urban, suburban, and exurban. In this session we explored the difference the physical location of a church makes for Christian ministry and sense of mission, addressing such topics as church accessibility, transit and parking, congregational diversity, connection to the public realm and support of the "commons", community involvement, niche versus place-based ministries, and the idea of the parish.