Architecture, EnvironmentsEvangelism through Architecture and Design
It’s a fascinating concept, right?
In my undergrad I had a very unique opportunity to take a class where we studied how music could create space; almost literally. It was a fascinating study and I would never see the world of audio the same way again.
Mel McGowan knows a thing or two about creating space and engineering environments. As one of the Principles of Visioneering Studios, he employs a combination of strategy and spirituality in crafting amazing architectural giants of experience.
A recent conversation with Will Mancini about Architectural Evangelism caught my eye and I thought it would be a good read for those here at ChurchCreate:
Mel’s passion is to “tear down the metaphorical walls that separate a church from its local culture and create places that help re-connect the community to the message of Christ.”
I’m digging that.
How have you seen architecture impact your ministry? How often have you considered architecture’s impact on evangelism?
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The Business of Creating Ministry Environments | ChurchCreate
[...] of creating amazing worship environments, people like Visioneering Studios and their attempts at evangelism through architecture and design.Another business that just crossed my desk is Cogun:Cogun was formed in 1970 by James R. Couchenour [...]
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Good stuff John…I’m really digging the architecture and environmental design. it’s definitely a unique art form.
that is it.s.
I wrote about this a while back. http://www.thecreativepenguin.com/?p=278
site is down….?
teh penguin is down
Who HASN’T seen architecture impact their ministry? Right?
If you were fortunate enough to design your space, this is dramatically different than if you moved into a space.
At our church we constantly are attempting to create a place for the un-churched. We met in movie theaters, high school auditoriums, and our “permanent” space is in a business complex. People walk in off the street just to find out what we are- and a church is the last thing they expected.
Yes- architecture is HUGE when it comes to reaching our world. The churches and communities of believers that embrace the ideas of not just “looking” like a church, but exceeding the expected experience will be the leaders in bringing people to Christ.
We need to create Third Places- the term coined by Starbucks to describe the places we go that aren’t home or work. Dave Gibbons talks a lot about this in his book The Monkey and the Fish. We have to be the type of People that are not content with resting on our laurels, but that are breaking trail in a culture that shifts at ever-increasing rates.
At the same time- this isn’t a keeping up with the Joneses- that’s not sustainable. We have to, as The Church, not only be ready, but willing to lead our culture. Architecture and design? – you bet. And everywhere else.
ah. 3rd-place. yup. yup.
i worked at a starbucks for a while. ;0
Nick,
Great thoughts. Though sbux did not coin the term “Third Place” — but they did become known as one for a long time. Ray Oldenburg coined it.
And you can’t go wrong with a monkey or a fish when Dave Gibbons is teaching class – good read – even better in application.
Michael Trent
http://thirdplaceconsulting.com
twitter:: @churchbartender
whatsup michael! haven’t seen you around in a while.
I think architecture and environment are a big deal in reaching other audiences. My current church does very well at reaching baby boomers and families with older children still at home. We hit about 30 and below and it starts dwindling quickly.
The concept of a Third Place for our church/ministry is a burden my husband and I have had for a long time. Unfortunately our church leadership is all baby boomers and they don’t see the problem.
I totally think a non-churchy environment will help reach more people, but struggling with execution in a small rural Iowa town.
ah. yes, it can be “more tough” in certain areas.
I think physical architecture and website architecture are mirrored phenomena. Both are either inviting or repulsive to first timers and can be the difference between engaging them or watching them bounce.
you don’t like ugly?