Good Design Can Help Build Strong Youth Programs

By Robert C. Foreman, Architect, AIA, LEED AP
Jerry A. Fountain, Architect, AIA

 

Years ago it was highly unusual for a church building to be designed with the youth in mind. George Barna, the pollster, says that the typical church spent less than 3% on youth ministry while youth average 11% of the membership. Churches seemed to be saying to the youth, "You really don't matter." According to Lifeway Research, 96% of those born between 1977 and 1994 are unchurched and the drop out rate for this age group is increasing. The world is enticing them away and church leaders have finally realized that they are engaged in a war for the hearts and minds and ultimately the souls of young people.

 

In response to this challenge, more and more forward thinking churches are targeting this age group to try to stem the tide of young people leaving the church. Churches are going on the offense with programs designed to reach young people with more than just a basketball gym. Buildings alone do not make a youth ministry. It takes a dedicated active youth ministry with a designated space and programs to meet the spiritual and social needs of this age group.

 

Good architectural design is key to a facility that meets these needs. Churches are providing youth with multi-function spaces where they can just hang out with friends. Youth are extremely social beings. They like to congregate in both large and small groups. This is how they feel loved and accepted. These new youth spaces are very non traditional – often industrial feeling. They combine the features of the "shopping mall" with the old fashioned "soda shop" and the recreation center. Young people should not be isolated from the rest of the church. Wise youth leaders recognize that youth facilities should be part of the church's family ministry center where provision is made for all age groups, from children to senior adults. The youth are recognized for their special qualities and also their integral role they play in the church as a whole.

 

 

In larger churches, well designed youth assembly rooms are being equipped with multi media audio, video and lighting systems, with "state of the art" sound quality. Youth assembly spaces must be sound isolated from other areas. Many traditional churches have contemporary "youth worship" services on a weeknight to appeal to their style and still have traditional worship on Sunday for everyone to come together. Churches that have a contemporary style of worship will provide the same technology features in the youth assembly areas as their main worship center.

 

 

Food is never far from the minds of young people. A kitchen is often a key part of any well designed youth space. A sink, a refrigerator, microwave, and/or vending area may be all that is required. Or a full service kitchen and serving area may be part of a large church youth building.

Well designed youth areas will incorporate low maintenance materials and easy to clean, damage resistant surfaces. The traditional finished ceiling can be omitted and the exposed structure and mechanical components can be painted. These "no frills" youth areas should not cost more and, in fact, often cost less than traditional construction.

 

A well designed youth building should avoid hidden nooks and corners, without obvious attempts to provide ways for adult leaders to keep an "eye" on the youth. If classrooms or other small assembly spaces are included, provision should be made to lock off access except when they are needed. Youth need conversation areas, with informal furnishings. An improv stage can be included in multi-purpose areas, allowing these areas to be used for assembly.

Recreation areas for youth in many churches include space for group sports like basketball and volleyball as well as table top games, billiards and even computer games. Some churches are including rock climbing walls and indoor or outdoor skateboard areas. Smaller churches that do not have the luxury of dedicated youth buildings need to plan regular events and activities for youth, either at the church or use available community recreation centers. Even churches on very tight budgets should at least have a special room designed around the needs of this age group.

A good example of a well thought out youth facility is our design for the Student Center at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. This addition to Eastside's Christian Life Center was designed to serve the youth of this 4,000 member suburban Atlanta church. It includes a large "commons area" with a lounge, game room and coffee shop. The coffee shop is furnished with booths made from recycled school bus seats. The room is featured with exposed structure / fabric air conditioning ducts, a ramp connecting two levels and accent walls painted bold colors. Assembly rooms, one for middle schoolers and one for high schoolers each have state of the art audio, video and lighting systems. For more about Eastside Baptist Church, visit www.FSFarchitecture.com.