Repurposing Space - Smarter Church Design

By Lynn Noe, Aspen Group Customer Relations Coordinator

In my role at Aspen, I have the opportunity to visit many different churches each week - something I really enjoy.  During conversations with ministry leaders, they talk about their vision for the church and the ministries they have identified as the core of that vision.  After all, defining and clarifying vision has certainly been the “buzz” in the world of churches over the last several years. 

Over the life of a church, some things change with time ….leadership, the church’s vision, the culture of the church, community needs, and/or ministry focuses.  But what happens when the facility doesn’t change as well?  Two problems can potentially arise:  

1. The facility is not aligned with ministry, culture and leadership. Therefore, the facility becomes ineffective in maximizing ministry opportunities.
2. There is an automatic assumption that new space needs to be added.

So picture this…A church built in the 1960s or 1970s, with a very traditional feel, a small foyer area, and small classrooms.  It was an effective design 40-50 years ago.  But what is happening with that church today?  Are there a lot of young families coming now?  Is building community within the church important?  Are there community needs that could be met if different space was available?  How does that look in the existing building?

This is where repurposing space can have a huge ministry impact.  The church may not need any new space, but the existing space can be redesigned to complement where the church’s needs are today.  We are seeing this more and more as a need with churches in our area.  One church was using its Family Life Center for worship and community, but now has started a sports ministry that has taken over that space.  Where do all the other ministry activities get “relocated” to?  In another case, a church plant is moving into an empty church building where the “feel” and space lay-out is anything but inviting or in alignment with the DNA of the church plant.  What can they do to convey community and outreach in that space?

Is your church facility aligned with your ministry, leadership & culture?  You may want to consider repurposing your facility if:

• Effective ministry is being hampered by ineffective space
• The vision of your church has refocused on new ministry areas
• The building has become dated and uninviting
• You have areas in your church where no one wants to meet
• Demographics of your church and community have changed