Church Building Tour Report
Tuesday some of the folks on the Building Committee toured several area church buildings. We asked our guides various questions. But our main concern was this: What designed features have you found most helpful for ministry, and what features have you grown frustrated by?
These were the most common replies.
We wish we had (or, We are glad we have…) a larger commons area for fellowship.
Some of the churches wished that they had a larger space for the casual “congregating” that happens when people arrive before the service and linger afterward. The churches who had adequate space were quick to say that this was one of the features of their building that they were most thankful for.
So much of the care we give and receive as members of a body of believers happens in passing moments of greeting, checking in, and catching up. It’s an extremely valuable time. So it should have all the space it needs!
We wish we had (or, We are glad we have…) more spaces in which to have deeper conversations.
Slightly partitioned off rooms or areas, and deliberate acoustic treatments—some of these were designed in, and some were built on, and some were merely wished for. Because all the churches described the need for not only the quick connections and catching-ups, but also the deeper fellowship of “tell me the story” or “how are you really doing.”
Church is a where deeper conversations are okay and good. We are social creatures who enjoy quick quips, handshakes, and hugs. And we are soulish creatures who need conversation, connection, the giving and receiving of the things of the heart.
We wish we had (or, We are glad we have…) better lighting and/or better signage.
It’s important to be clear. To be sincere, forthright, evident, manifest, well-lit, logical… All the ways we talk about helpful communication and understanding. Because these are the things that convey to us that we are safe—we can see—that we are welcome—We’ve been thought of—and that we are seen.
And this care, this well-lit space, is itself a reflection of what it means to walk with God—to walk in the light, as 1John says. It is to know and to be known and to know that you are known—to see, to be seen, and to see that you’re seen.
Something about good signage and lighting is appropriate to worshipping our God.
We wish we had (or, We are glad we have…) planned to expand.
The earth will be so filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, it will be like the way the waters fill the sea. (Hab 2:14)
Not every church that builds grows. But a church building is a kind of statement, of hope, about God. God’s heart is that grace might extend to more and more people… (2Cor 4:15)
Should God see fit to provide us with a church building in which to meet, to which we can happily invite our neighbors, friends, and family, it is honoring to Him to build for what His heart desires. Not what we presume will be or what is in any way guaranteed or our “right.” But is, truthfully, the character of God, and the effect of the presence of His Spirit—the darkness is passing away, the true light is already shining! (1Jo 2:8)
Churches exist in Wisconsin because they existed first in every place between here and Jerusalem. The earth is being filled.
Fellowship, discipleship, evangelism and worship, and the further coming of Christ’s Kingdom—these fundamental features of the Christian faith, and of the work of the Christian church, are also features of the space we’re prayerfully designing. And that we are asking God to build—and are asking each other together to help build.
My hope is that our building be a place we are eager to invite our community to.
Among us there is fellowship. Among us there is rest for souls. Among us there is the shining of the light. Among us there is the hope-giving power of God’s love. Among us, the Spirit draws us together toward Christ, in gratitude and joy to God, growing love and peace, generosity and wisdom.
Though we worship God in Spirit and in truth, yet God has always gathered us in groups, in places. Tabernacles, Temples, synagogues, community halls, homes, specially designed buildings—it is good and right to gather, to fellowship, to talk, to worship, to work.
A building that wants to serve those ends, should reflect them in its design. A church that desires those ends, should try to design and build a space that helps.
Keep praying, my friends.
Yes, and keep being a people who looks like this, without a building, despite our spaces. I’m so thankful that we’re not looking to build a building that changes who we are, that we might become something we’re not. We’re hoping to build a building that reflects who we are.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Photo by Ben McCloskey on Unsplash