“I walked through this building probably 10,000 times
before we ever broke dirt.”
— Mark Allen
use it to tell people, ‘We love you, and if you need anything, come see
us,’” Pastor Mark says.
Stepping inside, the focus on fellowship space is evident. As
architect Small points out, “The limited lobby in the church’s first
building didn’t allow people to visit with each other between
services. For the new facility, Space designed a lobby and commons
area that spans more than 9,600 square feet — larger than the first
building altogether.”
Pastor Mark shared with Space a vision for a church lobby that
looked like an airport concourse. True to form, glass is everywhere,
from the café, to the bookstore, to the “dream team” area for volunteer
check-in; everything in this space is designed with an open concept.
An abundance of seating is available for people to grab a coffee, read a
book, or talk with friends.
“It’s all about people seeing that they can help us make a difference.
Everyone is welcome to get on our team,” Pastor Mark says. “You hear
about children's ministries that are so good that kids are upset when
they have to leave. I want that, but for adults — to love coming to
church and not want to go home.”
To foster fellowship throughout the facility, Space designed the
café space to flow to an outdoor café with a custom-built fire pit. It’s
just one of the many porches and patios that occupy 65,000 square
feet of outdoor fellowship space, providing the ideal site for birthday
parties and events or even just a break for church staff during the
workday.
As Pastor Mark points out, this design strategy supports the
church’s focus on relationship, community, and providing a space
that belongs to the church family.
“I correct people all the time when they refer to it as ‘your
church,’” he says. “I say, ‘This is your church. You own this. It all
belongs to you’.”
Life Fellowship moved into its new, $11.5-million facility in
December 2018. By the time it opened its doors, it was nearly
50-percent paid off. The plan is to pay the rest within four years.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT LIFE FELLOWSHIP
Year established: 2006
Number of staff: 12
Combined weekly attendance: 1,300
2019 budget: $3.4 million
“We have people walk in — people who’ve never heard our music
or our preaching — and tears stream down their face, though they
can’t explain why,” he shares. “There's something different here than
I've ever experienced before. They come into a building, an experience,
an environment of people, and it all says: Welcome! We're glad to have
you. You're a part of our family.
16 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JULY / AUG 2020