As Alabama Baptists move into the 21st century, changing trends are having an effect on the way churches are designed and built.
Following are ways issues such as quality, comfort, convenience and security have impacted members’ views of their churches and needs.
Worship Center
–Designed for multiple use instead of one giant assembly room
–Smaller main level — larger balcony that flows onto main floor
–Larger choir and drama area with more space for orchestra and praise band — fewer organs
–Sloped, fan-shaped seating with more spacious aisles in the worship center — at a width of least six feet.
–Greater spacing between pews — at least 40 inches
–Fewer people per pew — minimum 24 inches per person
–Improved technology including use of video system, theatrical lighting, sound systems and portable microphones and headphones
–More visuals — screens for video clips and presentations
Classrooms
–Larger in size — 12 to 16 square feet per person in youth and adult rooms
–More in attendance — 16 and above
–Better technical equipment with VCR, DVD, PowerPoint possibilities
–Comfortable seating — cushioned chairs, no metal
–Closed circuit video — master teacher viewed in several rooms
–Flexible room sizes — smaller room for starter class
–Age-group ministry — children’s or youth building is a growing trend
–Larger restrooms with baby changing stations
Parking
–Plan on 1.8 persons per car; based on Easter attendance
–Closer, not more than 400 feet from the nearest door
–Wider parking spaces — at least 10 feet in width
–Quality landscaping — no more than 100×100 asphalt lots
–More than one main entrance with special entrance for preschool and children’s building
First Floor Crunch
–Providing spaces for nursery-aged children through second grade, senior adults and offices on the first floor
–Fellowship mall with openings to worship center, nursery, offices, bookstore, media center and café
Security
–Child care — locks, telephones, beepers and ID cards
–Building zoned for doors with key access only
–Evacuation plan
–Burglar and fire alarm systems tied into local police or fire station
–Parking lot and building patrol
–All doors and windows should lock securely
–Landscaping should not block window or door sight lines
Other trends affecting church ministries and services:
–Life-impacting preaching, curriculum, music, printed resources
–OK to wear casual clothing
–More choices in worship times and styles including separate worship services for preschoolers and children
–Specialized staff (1 person per 100 attendees)
–Worship services that respect the shorter attention spans of attendees
–Fewer revivals and more worship events and workshops based around a theme
–Easy entry into a common area that allows space for informal conversation and leads to other high-demand areas
–Fiscal responsibility and honesty from leaders
Share with others: