So you’re ready to build? Ah, now the fun begins! You have already recognized the need to build, formed the building committee and even selected a few subcommittees. And you have appointed that all-important prayer committee to undergird your journey.
It is finally time to start the process — the time that the architect listens to the voices of church members.
Jim DePasquale
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During this phase of the journey, an architect will typically facilitate several workshops with the afore-mentioned committees. Sandwiched between these workshops will be a town hall meeting to engage the congregation and listen to concerns.
The initial workshop should, truthfully, be more like a spiritual retreat — a kickoff event with the building committee and architect during which time the pastor can lay the scriptural foundation for the journey to the glory of God.
The architect may choose a brief “warm-up” exercise on sacred space design for today’s church. This initial workshop may serve as an orientation for the committee and a time for everyone to become more openly aware of current design trends, church or community needs and program opportunities.
The goal of this session by the pastor and the architect is to establish a thought-provoking introduction to the process.
With this session, the actual work has begun. Often this workshop continues long into the evening, with dialogue flowing between the church and the architect. Especially during this phase of planning, the building committee and architect need to develop or revisit the church’s mission statement to underscore the true purpose of the church — recognizing that, biblically speaking, the church is the body of believers in Christ — the people — not the building.
It is time to raise essential questions within your church community about its unique situation and the mission that it is called to fulfill. For starters, ask:
• Where is God leading us?
• Why do we need to exist in the future and what should our mission be going forward?
• What do we want to be known and remembered as?
• How would God have us serve humanity?
• Should we continue the programs and services we currently provide? What other programs and services should we provide outside of the church?
• What principles of theology require discussion and clarification?
• What is worship? What form should it take? How do we relate to one-another as a congregation?
• Who are the unchurched? What do they need?
And a favorite question of mine: What are the factors and trends that may tell us what the needs of the community will be for the next 10 to 20 years?
Throughout the process keep asking: Why is this church planning to build? What will be the spiritual value of the proposed facilities to our church community? To our local community? It is important to accept your findings honestly.
The ultimate value of this first session is to affirm that the issue is not bricks and mortar. The issue is mission.
Next month we will journey through the purpose and format for a successful town hall meeting. We will then visit the positive by-products that result from this overall process which build consensus within a congregation, and even take a look at a few snappy theme opportunities for church building programs.
Jim DePasquale, 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, and a partner in a Richmond architectural firm. This column is a regular feature of the Religious Herald, appearing in the first issue of each month. Send building, landscape or site-related questions to the editor at jwhite@religiousherald.org or directly to Jim DePasquale at jdepasquale@dggrouparchitects.com.