Blog
Stories, ideas, and research from the people and congregations we work with.
Research: Tax Implications for Faith-Based Social Enterprise
Can churches earn income without losing tax-exempt status? A Duke University study for RootedGood looks at the questions.
How to Rent Well: A Guide for Churches Renting Out Space
A guide to help churches rent out space in a way that serves their mission and actually brings in more money than it costs.
Article: Building Creative Confidence One Lego Brick at a Time
What happened when RootedGood co-founder Shannon Hopkins invited her neighbors to build something from 50 Lego pieces.
Is This the Time for Entrepreneurship? A Soup Maker Says Yes
Cristin Cooper, founder of Coop's Soups and pastor of Soup Church, on why empathy is the starting point for good business.
Social Enterprise: A Gift or a Risk to the Church?
Shannon Hopkins on six gifts social enterprise offers churches, and three risks to watch for before you start.
Podcast: The Church Isn't Broke, with Mark Elsdon
Mark Elsdon talks with John Terrill on the Upper Word podcast about his book We Aren't Broke and the hidden resources churches hold.
Article: What's Next for Ministry After the Pandemic?
How RootedGood and the Presbyterian Church (USA) created What Next?, a tool to help ministries plan for the future.
What Next? A Planning Tool for Ministries
A tool from RootedGood and the Presbyterian Church (USA) to help ministries of all kinds plan for their future.
How to Stop Measuring the Wrong Things
Counting attendance doesn't tell you if your ministry is working. Five steps to start measuring what actually matters.
Article: Investing in the Future as a Way of Repairing the Past
Mark Elsdon on the hidden wealth many U.S. churches hold, where it came from, and two ways churches can support repair.
Do-It-Yourself Tools That Save Time and Money
RootedGood doesn't consult. We make games, tools and guided processes your team can use on its own, saving time and money.
Measurement: Your New Best Friend
Measuring impact isn't a necessary evil. Done well, it tells you the truth about your work, and helps you make better decisions.
Podcast: Mark Elsdon on RootedGood and Pres House
On the Give Back Economy Show, Mark Elsdon talks about his work with RootedGood and Pres House in Madison, Wisconsin.
Podcast: Mark Elsdon on Why Churches Aren't Broke
On the Spiritual Capital podcast, Mark Elsdon explains how church land and buildings can be resources for mission, not burdens.
Article: What Could Churches Do with Billions of Dollars?
Mark Elsdon on how impact investing could transform faith communities, and how to imagine the possibilities for your church.
Let's Talk About Resources: A Conversation Tool for Churches
A tool with case studies and a simulation game to help churches imagine new ways to use their resources for their community.
Make It Memorable: A Game to Help Your Team Tell Better Stories
A collaborative game that helps a team of 3 to 6 people develop a compelling story about their organization or project.
RootedGood 2020 Annual Report
RootedGood's first year: how we adapted to the pandemic and found ways to help churches and nonprofits thrive in 2020.
How Donors Brought Mission Possible to Mental Health Nonprofits
Thanks to donors, RootedGood gave its Mission Possible game to nonprofits supporting mental health across the country.
Money and Mission Alignment Tool
A framework to help nonprofits and churches see how the way they earn money supports, or works against, their mission.