Have you looked at your facilities with fresh eyes lately? If it’s been a while, then perhaps it’s time get a good look at the place. Consider the following:
A survey by Barna Research says 47% of Millennials (born 1984 to 2002) say it’s important for a church to look like a church. The number is even higher for people with some church background. In that case, an older facility might not be a turn-off, if it’s kept fresh. “The winning combination is ‘cathedral’ in your worship space and ‘coffee shop’ for your gathering space,” said Barna advisor Kevin Miller from Wheaton, Ill., so long as the worship service supports that approach with some appreciation for a few traditional elements.
When planning to spruce up, multisite expert Jim Tomberlin recommends that you
- Upgrade AV to maximize the worship experience;
- create large lobbies and expand narrow halls;
- convert church parlors, fellowship halls, and gymnasiums into relationally inviting rooms that foster community, like Wi-Fi cafes, conversation pits, and conference rooms; and
- transform children’s spaces into cutting edge environments that are colorful, open, and secure.
And remember to put Millennials on the design team.
– From “Making Space for Millennials” (Barna Group)