How quickly are first impressions of churches made? According to building experts, passersby and visitors make decisions about churches much faster than most church leaders realize.
Despite the numerous issues that help develop these conclusions, they usually begin with the church’s curb appeal or appearance, professionals say.
Gary Swafford, director of new work and church building services for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, defines curb appeal as the visual image left in the mind of a stranger as he passes by or visits a church facility.
“People who are members of the church seldom think of curb appeal as nonmembers do,” he stated. “They see it from a different perspective. A member does not think so much of how it looks on the outside. They think of what’s going on inside. Whereas, the nonmember’s opinion of the church is formed by the image created by the landscaping and design of the facility from the outside.”
Because of these tendencies, building experts advise church leaders to take great care in making sure that the message presented on the outside of the church is as welcoming and appealing as the one delivered inside.
Gary Nicholson, consultant in the LifeWay Christian Resources Church Architecture Department, usually tells church leaders that decisions about churches are made before anyone ever walks into the building.
“Today’s world is an instant world and people make decisions quickly,” he said. “I’ve heard it said that people decide whether they like a church or not within the first seven minutes.”
David Payne, president of Payne and Associates Architects, in Montgomery, concurred. “The landscaping is what draws us into the facility and makes us want to stop,” he stated.
“Cool, inviting and pleasant atmospheres are created by plants, trees and beautiful lawns,” he continued. “They literally make the building cooler temperature-wise and soften a building. There is something good about seeing the beauty of God’s handiwork.”
Payne added that churches with a commitment to landscaping usually have a high percentage of giving to missions. “Well-maintained buildings and grounds send a signal of conscientiousness and generosity,” he said.
Curtis Faulk, a partner with J.K. Terry and Company, also explained the importance of good curb appeal in attracting new members.
“Before they [visitors] meet a church member or the pastor, hear a sermon or hear the music, they see the landscape,” he said. “If what they’ve got is neat and well-maintained, it can make a good impression.”
Church landscaping tips
Signs
- Always follow building and safety guidelines for marking exits.
- Signs should be accurate and up-to-date.
- Identification should be the first priority, then information according to the size and purpose of the sign.
- Directional signs should be easily visible from the entrance of the property.
- When possible, match signs to the landscaping but not so much that it makes them hard to read.
- Handicapped and visitor parking signs should be clearly indicated.
- Label all entrances so that people know what to expect before walking in.
- Signs should pull the architecture into the landscape.
- Signs near passing traffic should be legible at the driving speed of vehicles passing the church.
- Signs should be lighted and easily readable even at night.
Lighting
- Parking areas, walkways and entrances should be well lighted, using a variety of light sources.
- Churches that cannot afford to install exterior lighting systems as a part of the building project should install an adequate conduit so the systems can be added later at minimum expense.
- Interior and exterior security lighting should be coordinated.
Walkways
- Always locate walkways in normally expected paths of travel into buildings.
- Walk surface materials should be changed where the walk crosses a driveway to assist the visually impaired.
- Large, paved areas near major entrances should be designed to provide space for gathering before and after services. The surfaces for these areas should provide safe footing.
Creating Curb Appeal
According to building experts, church leaders should consult a professional designer when planning landscaping projects to make sure their church lot complies with building codes and provides the best curb appeal. Since lack of funds is a major hindrance in many church construction projects, the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and LifeWay Christian Resources offer free advice to churches on various building topics including landscaping and curb appeal.
Alabama State Board of Missions
Gary Swafford, New Work and Church Building Services
1-800-264-1225, Ext. 323
gswafford@alsbom.org
www.alsbom.org
LifeWay Christian Resources
Gary Nicholson, Church Architecture Department
615-251-2466 (phone)
615-251-2898 (fax)
One LifeWay Plaza
Nashville, TN 37234-0168
www.lifeway.com/churcharchitecture
Compiled by Sondra Washington
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