There are many resources and guides available for churches building areas for special activities.
The following are some basic guidelines for individual ministry rooms, as well as resources specifically designed for church construction.
Design rules of thumb
Prayer Room:
15 to 18 square feet per person
Room may seat one to two or 12 to 15 people
May be furnished with Bible stand and four to six pews or one to two comfortable chairs
Subdued lighting
Provide for privacy, comfort and freedom from distraction
Carpeted flooring desirable
Location accessible from street, parking area and main corridor of auditorium
Media Library:
Two square feet per person based on capacity of educational building is recommended; minimum of 1 square foot per person
May include books, audiovisual materials and equipment, microfilming, career corners, music materials and equipment, study or conference room, workroom
Chapel:
Seating capacity: 50 to 175 at 15 square feet per person
Bride’s dressing room: 12 feet by 12 feet recommended; eight to 10 feet minimum
Specialty area resources
Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions:
Associational and Cooperative Missions Office, www.alsbom.org/ associational
Gary Swafford, Church Planting and Building Services, 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 323; gswafford@alsbom.org
Worship Leadership/Church Music, www.alsbom.org/worship
Ray Burdeshaw, 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 216, rburdeshaw@alsbom.org
Keith Hibbs, 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 217, khibbs@alsbom.org
Written resources:
“Planning and Building Church Facilities” by Gwenn E. McCormick
“Designing Church Buildings for Southern Baptist Churches” by Rowland E. Crowder
“Church Property/Building Guidebook” by T. Lee Anderton (TAB)
Share with others: