Church Architecture

“It goes without saying that this church is exquisitely ugly, bleak, and depressing….Why do I care? And why should you care? In short: because buildings preach. They proclaim a message to the world about what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful. This is especially true of our most public buildings.” - Mere Orthodoxy

“Nearly 90% of Americans say a church should be ‘easily identifiable,’ and eight of 10 say they want the building to ‘reflect the beauty of God.’” - Church & Culture

“Before these conversations, I’d never considered the spiritual significance of the lobby as I came and went from worship. Merely having this pointed out to me has—in no time—created a more grace-filled heart posture as I approach this preworship and postworship pass-through.” - TGC

“…most Americans experience positive emotions when sitting in a church building, reporting they feel ‘peaceful’ (47%) ‘connected to God’ (42%), ‘safe’ (40%), ‘welcomed’ (39%), ‘comforted’ and ‘hopeful’ (37% each).” - Barna Research

How to read what the wood, glass, and stone say about God. - CToday

Back when the Sunoco that occupies the space was an Exxon, locals sometimes referred to the complex as “Saint Exxon.” The gas station is known for being somewhat cramped and claustrophobic, but it is also locally beloved, and Virginians have developed another clever nickname for it: “gas ‘n’ god.”

Don’t overlook the philosophical importance of worship facilities

Larger churches building smaller buildings with community areas are a growing trend.