Our culture is changing, and historical cultural shifts have always been preceded by architectural presentiments. While bricks and mortar have had their place in traditional building design, innovation and community now drive effective ministry building design.

There are four factors that reign supreme as we think about church design in our changing world:

1. The need for belonging
2. The desire for participation
3. The interest in experience
4. The appetite for images

The following is a description of a building that was designed out of an understanding of those four components and how they will shape church design. It represents what we might see as we consider ministry in the future.

Entering this building is like walking into a lush, colorful botanical garden. Abundant flowering plants, herbs, and trees surround a large central waterfall. Natural illumination from skylights gently touches these earthy elements, offering people a sense of peace and balance.

The center Atrium is much like an “Embassy Suites” area. It’s dotted with interactive touch-screen art galleries, computer terminal hookups, and verses from the Psalms placed throughout the greenery. A large gas plasma screen at one side acts as the focal point for the “Higher Ground” coffee shop, which comfortable tables and chairs. In this relaxed setting people meet friends, sip tea and coffee, and “attend” a church service or seminar.

The larger area hosts computer kiosks, which provide newcomers with links to Christian websites, church information, and archived reference materials. The kiosks also allow people to interact with the staff via email. Hard copy can be printed immediately at a central printer. The stewardship stations--designed for the use of existing members--accept tithes and offerings via debit cards that use instant fingerprint access technology.

Next to the Atrium is the Interactive Zone. This includes three spherical pods that offer IMAX-like theater presentations of stories from the Old and New Testaments. In the center of each pod, the audience sees lifelike representations of elements from the particular story being experienced. This could include elements such as a Roman cross, palm branches, or a sling much like David used to slay Goliath.

From the Interactive Zone, a churchgoer enters one of four Instruction Theaters. These vary in size. The theaters provide a number of ministry opportunities. For worship, one can choose music ranging from a single acoustic guitarist to an alternative Christian rock band. Large screens at the front would display additional musical offerings and teachings from the pastoral staff and other Christian specialists on a variety of topics.

Each seat has infrared hookups, a pop-up writing table, and a small computer with access to the Internet and relevant searchable databases. Throughout the week, various seminars and teachings take place in these theaters and participants can be “in person” or “online” for their learning experience. All building functions are remotely controlled from beneath these theaters. Security, lighting, video recording and projection, and post production are housed here.

The octagonal Worship Center at the other end of the facility contains four to eight large projection screens. Since multiple congregations may use the same space, each screen can be programmed to provide images that support the preferences and traditions of specific congregations. More liturgical services may show one stained glass image, where “Gen-X” services would involve multiple images that are constantly moving and evolving. The worship center’s flexibility supports dramatic presentations, musical concerts, and a three-dimensional hologram projector for lifelike dramatizations.

Each seat is equipped with modem and infrared connections that allow interaction between the congregation and the speaker. “Smart” lights are managed from the central control room to create the right ambience for presentations, and special spray systems create mist and fog. These would augment teaching scenarios such as when the glory of God filled the Temple, or Noah and the Ark. Outer “living rooms” provide space for those who wish to speak with members of the staff. When someone enters a living room, heat sensors alert control room personnel, who then radios a staff person.

The Children’s Zone is adjacent to the atrium. A large glass window separates the two areas. Parents can monitor their children’s activity through this window. Those parents not able to stay near the zone are given special video screen monitors, allowing them to see their children at any time. The children’s zone also includes a recreation area that houses multiple video games based on biblical characters and stories. Children who answer the biblical quizzes correctly win tickets to additional games. A miniature golf course allows parents and children to “putt” their way through Old Testament events such as the parting of the Red Sea.

The last major area is a Recreational Zone that hosts numerous activities. Customized flooring allows flexible set-up. Video cameras broadcast all events to a website for disabled family members and others to view at any time. This area also seats overflow crowds-—using large projection screens--for concerts and other large gatherings.

Now we come to a smaller but important area: the Contact Zone. This area contains individual rooms that surround a central media resource room. Each room is designed and decorated to replicate living rooms in homes, where small groups can meet in an intimate setting. Floor lamps, large windows, ambient colors, and comfortable furnishings contribute to the warmth of these rooms. Resources are readily available for study and discussion.

Administrative space is laid out in office groupings of five or six rooms. A central administrative area serves each of the offices. Much of the support comes from remote locations through telecommuting and free-lance services. Each staff member involved in presentations has a miniature view of the worship area and theaters to help in planning upcoming presentations.

Why a radical building like this? Every major transition in history began with a corresponding architectural paradigm shift. As we seek to design ministries to postmodern culture, we will need buildings that allow for effective, innovative connection points to those searching for spiritual fulfillment. This postmodern prototype building facilitates high tech and touch ministry with its goal: people coming to say “Hi Jesus.”

About the author…
Since 1983, Jim Couchenour has partnered with hundreds of churches to design and build new facilities through his work with Cogun, Inc. He is currently developing ways to bridge the gap between church and the unchurched. He can be reached at 800-258-5540. Email: jrc@cogun.com.

The Cornerstone Knowledge Network is a central source for fact-based, experience-tested information that can help churches clarify their missions, improve organizational leadership and successfully complete building projects. For more information call 1-888-595-7360 or visit www.theckn.com.

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