The Emerging Church Building
A Philosophy of Ministry Space Design for the 21st Century

My wife and I are building a home. The process of designing our living space began with the typical thoughts about square footage, materials and floor layout, but eventually we started to consider issues much deeper than physical characteristics.

We began to visualize our life, our family interactions and other relational issues that make up our lives. With two kids in college, maybe we should finish the basement and give them their own living space as they transition into adulthood, we thought. And with the possibility of grandchildren coming along in five or 10 years, maybe an open floor plan with wide-open spaces and a prominent fireplace would facilitate the rich family experiences we hope for as the years progress. We found we had moved from the physical to the relational and back to the physical.

So it is with worship space design in the 21st century. Shifts in culture, technology and global influences compel us toward a deeper level of consideration as we design ministry space for worship today.

1500 - 1850: From Depiction to Description

The invention of the printing press ushered in one of the most far-reaching church design transformations. Painted icons and artwork morphed into printed letters. The world increasingly saw life and the world based on description rather than depiction.

This, among other cultural shifts, eventually led to the Reformation. Basilica-style churches were modified so the pulpit was relocated to the center of the room, emphasizing the importance of the spoken word. Through this time period, there was much less consideration of the arts in favor of the auditory presentation of the gospel. Buildings became much more austere and functional.

1850 - 1920: From High-Brow to Low-Brow

At the end of the 19th century, there was a general movement toward an integration of art and culture to the masses. The same was true in the church, where leaders strove to attract the middle class and make the gospel accessible to all. This ushered in a somewhat radical theatre style of church building with fan-shaped seating and large stages, which helped create informal intimacy in the worship space. Music also was introduced as a significant part of worship. Church design became more circular and “user friendly” during this time period, which mirrored public building design.

1920 - Present: From Formal to Informal

As we progressed through the 20th century, we saw an initial throwback to the rectangular-style design and a re-emergence of religious icons and appointments. Then, “seeker sensitivity” took prominence in the ‘70s and ‘80s. This, combined with a more casual approach to life and business, once again significantly affected ministry space design. The consumer-driven, seeker-sensitive model worked itself out in fan-shaped auditoriums and multi-use buildings that emphasized functionality first and aesthetics second. Many of the “hard copy” visual arts (crosses, stained glass windows, etc.) were replaced with digital forms of presentation.

Back to the Future

As we transition into the 21st century, ministry space design is taking on various forms of the ancient and future. “Bigger is better” is moving to “better is better” when it comes to the worship experience.

Worship space design becomes more complex when you realize that advances in technology mean relational space now includes both virtual and physical space. You and I are no longer confined to fixed instruments for interaction with other people. We’ve moved from going to a telegraph/telephone/ computer terminal to an incarnate way of communicating that allows us to be in touch 24/7 through our cell phones and wireless PDAs.

Today, ministry is conducted in virtual as well as physical space. Virtual interaction is fast changing physical interaction, much like e-commerce has changed brick and-mortar stores. While they haven’t replaced them, virtual communities (eBay and bulletin boards, for example) are now accepted as legitimate gatherings where common interests are the glue, not membership covenants, perceived obligations or ties to buildings.

Much has been written on the current values and longings of the postmodern culture — the need to belong and to experience authentic relationships and heartfelt worship. But that’s just it — these are current values and longings of the current culture. For a building with a shelf life of, say, 100 years, the pace of change almost demands that a structure be built to sustain total re-engineering to meet technological and cultural changes in the future.

Joseph Myers, in his book, The Search to Belong, offers the premise that there are four spaces we all belong to at any given time or in any given relationship: public, social, personal and intimate. I believe these relational spaces could be legitimized and facilitated through the way we design ministry space.

For example, the “front porch” of public space could be a warm, inviting atrium where relationships are encouraged and community is developed. Areas for interaction can be built intentionally with an emphasis on natural surroundings. Opportunities for worship and teaching also could be incorporated in this space, but in the context of communal, relational space. This space could be virtual as well, through a website, chat room or other wired community. Many people are just as comfortable starting the process of community in the digital realm as in any building — perhaps even more so.

Adding smaller, living room-style areas that promote family and community will help create deeper levels of community. In the digital realm, a user could progress to more intimate spaces with online communities created for a deeper conversation and even worship experiences.

It is important to understand that any space referred to above could be used for a worship setting. We’re moving from the need for designated areas to openness about where and how worship takes place. Yes, corporate worship always will have a place in the Body, but small group and individual worship are becoming legitimate as well. Perhaps in the larger gathering center, the large group progresses together, while smaller groups and individuals in other areas of the building have the option of self directed worship experiences. These more intimate spaces for worship could include hands-on, multi-sensory physical elements as part of the worship experience.

Flexible corporate worship spaces can be configured to move from artistic digital presentations to the “high-touch” that is so important to the worship experience. Moveable seating and staging allow for innovative floor layouts and interaction between the worshippers. Multiple projection screens will add to layout flexibility and bring in the important art forms of still shots and video.

Finally, answers to a few key questions will help as we consider worship space design in the emerging church:

• Does the décor promote a sense of awe and wonder?
• Does the space allow for worship through the arts?
• Have we included physical icons that people can touch and experience with all their senses?
• Does the space provide an environment to worship God and experience community?

Since 1983, Jim Couchenour has partnered with hundreds of churches to design and build new facilities through his work with Cogun, Inc. Most recently, he developed “High-Tech, High- Touch, Hi Jesus” — a building design for postmodern ministry. Cogun also serves as a volunteer worship leader at New Hope Community Church in Boardman, Ohio, and is developing ways to bridge the gap between the Church and the unchurched. Reach him by calling 800.258.5540 or by e-mail at jrc@cogun.com.