Part I discussed why the 21st century Church Building is changing from the traditional forms. Studying the trends in church design in the last twenty years will permit one to see the evidence for the continuation of these changes. Will these trends continue to change church buildings?
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE:
The emphasis on more economic buildings and the trend to make church buildings less intimidating to the unchurched are resulting in simpler exteriors with less ornamentation and trim. Church exteriors are more and more resembling community centers and schools. Some church groups, seeking to avoid offending the community, are de-emphasizing the symbols of Christianity such as crosses, steeples and stained glass.
PARKING AND SITE FEATURES:
Church facilities today must include plenty of adequate, well-landscaped and well-lighted parking. Signage must be professional and designed to help the first time visitor find their way. Many churches are providing walking trails, fountains, ponds, outdoor meeting spaces, prayer gardens, and a variety of outdoor recreational facilities.
FOYERS AND GATHERING SPACES:
Foyers are getting larger to accommodate multiple services and large numbers of people who use the foyer as a place of fellowship between services. These gathering spaces often include built-in visitor reception areas in which volunteers greet visitors, helping them find their way to their particular group or event. Visitor reception areas are information centers where the visitor or new member can learn all about the various ministries of the church.
WORSHIP SPACES:
Some portions of church buildings will be windowless as worship and fellowship spaces rely more on special lighting effects and projected images. Worship spaces are becoming more theater like with individual theater seats rather than pew seating. In some churches the chancel and choir loft have become more like a performing arts stage. Acoustics are based on the use of sound systems and on recording and broadcasting requirements.
FELLOWSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL SPACE:
Fellowship halls and other multi-use spaces are being used to serve a variety of functions, some being used as gymnasiums at one time and to serve fellowship dinners and large meetings at other times. These spaces often have their own stages with elaborate sound, lighting and video systems. Sunday School spaces are becoming multi purpose, with flexible layouts and the use of operable walls. The quality of space provided for preschoolers must equal commercial day care facilities as churches compete with private businesses. Children’s and youth spaces in some churches are being centered on large performance spaces with stages and flexible seating. Some churches are incorporating theme park features into children’s Sunday school areas, including built-in art and graphics and sometimes costumed actors playing biblical characters.
THE MEGACHURCH:
The really large churches are now providing bookstores, food courts, coffee shops, radio and TV stations, credit unions, beauty and barber shops, health food stores and physical fitness facilities. Many large campuses include retirement and assisted living communities and personal care homes. Some are even providing facilities to encourage the fine arts such as art classes, artist’s studios, art galleries, and a wide variety of music classes. These larger churches offer a full range of alternatives to secular entertainment and education.
CONCLUSION:
Many churches are discovering that it can be difficult to adapt traditional facilities to the new realities of the 21st century. The churches that are growing and starting new churches are the ones equipped with facilities that help them meet the spiritual and physical needs of their members and prospective members. As the modern church seeks to provide ministries relevant to 21st century life, it must be ready to provide the tools needed to allow it to minister to the whole person.
No comments:
Post a Comment