Greetings to our readers! Today we are beginning a monthly column designed to answer questions church leaders are asking about buildings. Although churches differ in many respects, almost all have buildings. It is what almost every church has in common.
I wish to embark upon this new journey to the glory of God! And that is precisely what each pastor and each building committee must recognize when they commence a building program. Each and every program can be a Journey of blessing and a time of spiritual growth for the church. But it must be conducted properly, be managed in a way that includes the congregation without becoming chaotic, and, above all, follow God’s lead according to Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God.”
Jim DePasquale
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In this first column let’s assume your church is ready to begin a building project. How do you get started?
Begin by recognizing needs. Certain dynamic factors within your church and community will propel your need to build. These indicators bubble to the surface, much like water reaching a slow boil in a pot. What are these indicators?
Growth, of course, is one of the most obvious indicators. Good, sound projections based on the church’s recent history of reaching its community need to be made.
A second obvious indicator is shifting demographics. Of particular note for Virginia churches, where so many towns range in size from 20,000 to 50,000, is a recent population reference bureau report stating, “Compared with previous years, small cities … had smaller incomes, higher housing costs, longer commutes, more poverty and more single-parent families.” Churches in these areas will want to consider these factors in planning their schedules, programs and ministries.
Let’s say the community around you is now populated by young families with pre-school and school-age children. Of course, many communities are experiencing the exact opposite. The conclusion here is that to reach the people around them, churches must respond to the needs of their “consumers.”
Churches often make the mistake of planning buildings rather than ministries. Building needs should be determined by ministry needs, not vice-versa.
Worship shifts are another indicator. While God’s truth is eternal, the ways we share it and the manner in which we worship are changing with exponential speed.
Program shifts indicate changes have been made and space needs may have to shift to accommodate them. Community outreach ministries that pay close attention to the specific (even territorial) needs of children, youth and seniors are required by growing churches. For example, weekday education whether it be daytime for children or evenings for adults, may drive the need to revisit how space is used and how much is needed.
Finally, preference shifts in a tech-ready society is an indicator. New technologies and 21st century appeal affect what many have come to expect in church life. People now look for appealing, user-friendly commons areas and hospitality centers. Parents prefer to leave their infants in nurseries that cater to the comfort and safety needs of their infants and the parents’ need to be informed immediately if a problem arises. In addition, upgrades are sometimes required as in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Now we are ready to form the building committee — which is next month’s column!
Jim DePasqualle, AIA, a member of Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, is currently chair of the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture of the Virginia Society, AIA.