How to use room dividers in your church
By Katie Albrecht
As a good steward of your facility , you need to prepare for a high level of adaptability . To adjust to the fast-paced atmosphere in the church , room dividers have become a staple for several decades .
Though no church membership uses them entirely the same , here ’ s how some congregations use portable room dividers in their space for maximum flexibility .
Extra classroom space It ’ s no secret that church facilities could always use more classroom space to accommodate new growth . This space often comes from a repurposed basement or multipurpose room . However , challenges can occur if multiple groups need the area at one time . For this reason , one of the primary uses for portable room dividers in the church is breaking up these larger spaces into smaller classrooms . Screenflex partitions , in particular , provide the most adaptability for any church space . Because these portable walls fold accordion-style , they can create a variety of shapes . The panels even create a 90-degree angle and form temporary new rooms within your current space . Additionally , these dividers can absorb up to 60 % of sound when two or more of them connect in a “ U-shape .” These features help you maximize your facility for Sunday school sessions , children ’ s ministries , or other fellowship groups by limiting visual and auditory distractions .
Adapt to attendance fluctuations Not only do you prepare your congregation for steady growth , but also for the regular fluctuations of Sunday service attendees . For instance , while attendance during Christmas and Easter generally spikes , it usually slows down in the summertime . Other church leaders use room dividers to manage these ebbs and flows of people in their space . For instance , using a temporary wall in your facility can help create overflow space during those high-traffic times . In contrast , if your sanctuary or multipurpose rooms are too spacious for the slower times of the year , portable screens can make the room feel more appropriate for the smaller crowds .
Another scenario that creates fluctuations in attendance are community functions in the facility . There might be times when your congregation needs to flip these events quickly and efficiently to allow new ones to use the space afterwards . By using room dividers that are freestanding and portable , you can create temporary backdrops , make the space more intimate , or even create a place for banquet prep . The dividers easily close when the event is over .
Hide storage areas As your church community expands , sometimes you have to think outside of the box to best use all of your space . For instance , Immanuel Lutheran Church converted an old storage room into a workspace when they were running out of room . However , they needed to then accommodate their children ’ s ministry crafts , toys , and lesson plans that previously occupied the storage area . Their solution to creating more storage space included installing shelves near the back of a large classroom . Then , to keep the room looking neat and tidy , these leaders placed a Screenflex portable partition as a visual barrier in front of the storage . This movable divider keeps the stuff out of sight in an attractive fashion and also allows easy access to it when needed .
Block light and other elements If your church has several clear windows or entryways , consider limiting the excess sunlight exposure . While bright , open windows can look appealing , they also can leave your congregation to the mercy of the weather outside . Blanchard Baptist Church needed a barrier to partially block their glass entryways and windows . On hot and sunny days , their facility became sweltering with heat . On the contrary , icy drafts would also seep through the glass during the cooler seasons . By placing a few Screenflex Dividers in front of the glass , Blanchard Baptist was able to help control the temperature while also sleekly and professionally framing the room .
Screenflex Dividers in front of large windows for temperature control at Blanchard Baptist Church .
The use of room dividers in the church is constantly evolving . While these examples worked for other churches in the past , use your experience and best judgment on what works best for your facility . Practicing good stewardship of your space , after all , resides in the difference between simply using your tools and thriving with them .
Screenflex Room Dividers create overflow space for a Sunday service .
22 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JULY / AUGUST 2021