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The “Why” Behind The Duke Endowment’s Rural Church Commitment

Rural churches have strengthened North Carolina communities for generations, and The Duke Endowment remains committed to their impact.

August 28, 2026 | A conversation with Robb Webb, Director, Rural Church Program Area

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How Five Rural Churches Banded Together to Build Community

We believe rural churches can have a lasting impact on their communities. In Wilson, N.C., five churches are pulling together and showing the way.

August 14, 2026 | EducationNC

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Using Church Property to Provide Senior Housing

Mineral Springs Commons shows how a closed church became much‑needed senior housing, turning unused land into affordable homes that foster safety, connection, and community.

April 1, 2026

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A Neighbor’s House Becomes a New Ministry

A rural North Carolina congregation turns a neighboring house into a foster care ministry, showing how church property can become a powerful force for children and families.

February 20, 2026

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Simple Adaptations to Expand Church Ministries

United Methodist churches in North Carolina are turning unused spaces into new ministries that support local needs like respite care and mental health.

October 27, 2025

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From Empty to Essential: Repurposing Church Property to Build Community

Repurposing a closed church allowed the creation of Lydia’s Place, an independent nonprofit transitional shelter for women and children.

August 11, 2025

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Church-based Literacy Camps are Filling a Gap in Summer Learning

How church-based literacy camps are filling a gap in summer learning for rural students statewide.

July 23, 2025 | Kristen Richardson-Frick, Mebane Rash and Hannah Vinueza McClellan

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Reimagining Church Real Estate

An adaptive reuse program is helping rural communities by giving unused church properties a new lease on life.

May 14, 2025

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Former Church Buildings Find New Purpose

Congregations are banding together to repurpose empty churches as community pillars to address issues like housing.

February 14, 2024 | Public News Service

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Ministering Outside the Church Walls

From living room to 17,000 square feet, Partners in Ministry serves community in Laurinburg, NC.

January 17, 2024

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Finding Hope Again

In rural Kinston, NC homes and lives are bring transformed through Hope Restorations.

January 14, 2024

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Ministering to Ministers

The Clergy Health Initiative at Duke University helps pastors find strength amid stress.

November 3, 2023 | Duke University Magazine