How gathering / fellowship spaces look now
Daniels President & CEO Churches by Daniels Construction
What are the signs that a church does not have adequate gathering and fellowship space right now ? Charlie Daniels : The first sign starts with pre- and post-service traffic . If your congregation is not gathering before service or staying to gather after service , normally this is due to not having adequate gathering space . Connection groups are a very important ; they provide every member of Church a safe place to grow and find the friendships that they need .
How has the importance of gathering spaces shifted and evolved over the past 10-20 years ? Daniels : One of the important aspects of gathering space for most churches is that of community . The very layout of the facility and its design must invite you to gather . The design of functional space has evolved over the years . Many of us went to church because our grandparents went , and our parents went and so on — it was just what you did . In current time , church choice for parents is often influenced by their children and how connected and engaged the youth feel in church . We want them to have the same sense of belonging that we had in our own growth years .
Are there some common forms or configurations that gathering , and fellowship spaces can take ? Daniels : Designing to the ministry needs should the main the objective when configuring space . Every ministry is different , and the goal is to design intentional space to meet what each individual church needs . A lot of church facilities are adding coffee shops , workspaces , gyms , basketball courts for the youth , and food service . Having a café allows the congregation to gather pre- or post-service . A café also allows the pastor to deliver his message to someone who is not in the service , offering additional seating for people that aren ’ t yet comfortable in a more traditional sanctuary but still giving them the opportunity to hear the Word . Once again , the goal is community involvement and a safe space for families .
What about outdoor gathering / fellowship spaces ? Especially with COVID , have those gained popularity in recent years ? Daniels : Designing intentional space for all ages is important . Taking the gathering space outdoors offers countless additional opportunities to reach the community . Designing with the goal of gathering doesn ’ t just have to stop with the church either , but also offers an opportunity to allow people to rent outdoor facilities during the week , creating additional income and community awareness . From amphitheaters to volleyball and basketball courts , or even a playground , there are many great ideas for gathering spaces to extend outdoors .
How can gathering / fellowship spaces be designed to be welcoming for people of all ages ? Daniels : A space designed that is not functional is a hindrance for ministry effectiveness . Function must be considered as important as aesthetics . Designing spaces that foster and promote social interaction ranks high on the list of of a successful church design . Color , light , texture , furniture , and room proportion all should be emphasized during the planning stage to ensure that spaces are interactive . Architecture can support or hinder social exchange . Prioritize interactive spaces ; a healthy church is a church with a strong sense of community and connection .
“ Prioritize interactive spaces ; a healthy church is a church with a strong sense of community and connection .” — Charlie Daniels
How important is it for a church ' s ' brand ' to be integrated into gathering / fellowship spaces ? Daniels : A unique and solid church brand ( ICON ) tells your unique story . Icon walls are typically what you will find integrated into gathering space . A wall or series of walls that represents a current sermon series , or a more permanent design tying into church mission statement or a core verse keeps the vision in front of your congregation on a weekly basis .
Let ' s talk about wayfinding . What are some best practices for gathering / fellowship spaces ? Daniels : Effective wayfinding is an essential function that needs to be carefully considered . Wayfinding is a set of tools , usually graphics or architectural design , to help a visitor familiarize themselves with the navigational layout of a church facility . Although wayfinding is informational , it can be creative . But in a broader context , wayfinding should be considered in architecture , interiors , landscaping , lighting and , yes , signage and graphics . Wayfinding can bring a sense of safety and security for new members trying to find their way in a new facility , especially parents with children .
— Reporting by RaeAnn Slaybaugh
24 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JULY / AUGUST 2021