MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED
RYAN BINKLEY / SENIOR PASTOR / CREATE CHURCH / RICHARDSON, TEXAS
The bright, airy lobby offers
plenty of comfortable spaces for
fellowship or even remote working
during the week. (Photo provided
by ML Gray Partnership)
Bringing the outside in
Worship happens inside a uniquely designed 550-seat sanctuary.
HH Architects’ team was intentional about natural light being part
of the worship experience, so they incorporated large windows on
each side of the sanctuary. For filming or other events, when ambient
light is a problem, shades installed on each window can create either
a partial-light or full-blackout effect. This has the added effect of
being able to set just the right atmosphere for weddings, banquets
and other gatherings.
Of course, with all this glass, heating and cooling costs in the
space had to be (and were) kept in check.
To this end, as Bruce pointed out, the front façade faces east,
taking advantage of natural morning light into the large gathering
space. “This provides a welcoming sense of transparency to
passersby,” he explained. “We created the same experience as part of
the sanctuary design, providing an invitation to the community.”
The design also features several offices and education spaces.
These, too, feature plenty of natural light and views to the large
wooded creek.
Room to grow
Thanks to HH Architects’ master planning, the first phase was
completed with the second phase in mind. As such, the church can
confidently expand when the time comes.
This will likely include a larger sanctuary.
And given the land’s beauty, expanse, and creek access, outdoor
ministry spaces might also become a priority. Ryan said he envisions
a courtyard with fire pits and grill-out areas — possibly even an
outdoor amphitheater or recreational ball fields.
For Bruce’s part, he envisions the campus naturally moving
down the hill towards the creek, integrating outdoor gathering and
fellowship areas, building community engagement with a natural
QUICK FACTS ABOUT CREATE CHURCH
Year established: 2014
Location: Richardson, Texas (North Dallas)
Staff (full- and part-time): 7 / 4
Combined weekly attendance: 650
2020 budget: $2 million
park setting, and leveraging existing City jogging trails which cut
through the middle of the site.
When the church is ready to take those next steps, Ryan said, he
hopes to enlist the HH Architects team again.
“It’s all ministry to me”
Across the street from Create Church’s stunning new facility, is
another brand-new building. It houses Generational Group, Ryan’s
company — a visual representation of the duality he navigates every
day as a businessman and pastor.
Currently, Ryan splits his time about 50/50 between the buildings.
He spends a few days a week at the business, a few days at the church,
and the rest of his time preparing and praying for messages.
If it seems like an unlikely pairing, Ryan, for his part, believes
businesspeople like him are increasingly being called into ministry
and serving both roles.
“It’s the modern day ‘king and priest calling,’” he said. “Some
people ask me when I’m going to give up the business, but it’s all
ministry to me. God’s always doing new things for the furtherance
of the Kingdom of heaven. We just have to come into alignment with
what He is speaking and step into it.”
6 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | MAY / JUNE 2020