Five Things to Keep in Mind when Designing Your Children's Ministry Space
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 01:09PM 
Written By Lynn Schutt, Aspen Group Interior Designer
1. Keep it Relevant
When designing your children’s area, you want something that’s going to last longer than the last popular cartoon character. Keep it fresh for years to come with themes that are timeless and captivating to any child, such as nature or local landmarks. Or consider using materials that allow for changes in your displays with each new season or round of VBS.
2. Align with Your Church’s DNA
For a children’s ministry to be effective, the church as a whole needs to be in synch. First comes understanding your church and the DNA that makes them who they are. Then it’s time to carry out that unique mission in your children’s ministry, maybe even incorporating it into your theming.
3. Pay Attention to Detail
It’s all in the little things. Explore new materials, such as acrylic panels that act as display cases, carpeting that comes to life as part of the theme, or surfaces that children can touch and interact with. And never underestimate lighting. By adjusting its position, type, or even color, something as simple as lighting can change the entire atmosphere of the room.
4. Be Flexible
Creating a children’s space is a process. It’s not like a canned food you pull off the shelf; it takes time and collaboration to come together. Being open to ideas you hadn’t thought of and willing to shift your point of view will go a long way toward building cohesiveness in your church and creating something special.
Design by: Redbox Workshop5. Build a Team
Understanding who you need to partner with to design a powerful children’s space is the first step. Theming consultants with experience in ministry projects can be invaluable in this process. And make sure not to skimp on the visioning end. Having someone help you define and communicate your church’s vision and DNA through your children’s space will ensure that you get more than a flashy theme.
Reader Comments (3)
Thanks for taking the time to share this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
our worship center is small with two classrooms. these classrooms is a rectagular shaped, holds about 6 to 7 kids ages 6-10 yrs old. I want to post on the wall a monthly lesson with a picture, or something that would catch their imagination. I would like to start with basic things they need to know for their age group again thats going to make them want to come to Sunday school.
that sounds like a great idea! Making it flexible yet interesting...it shows you care about the kids! And there's so many ways you can accomplish that, paint, wall mounted vinyls, a 'coming soon' movie poster look, or even something the kids have created themselves!