TheMinistryCafe

For many years worship services were held in what was called the “sanctuary.” This space was considered sacred, holy, “God’s house.” The design for these spaces followed certain common themes: the focus was on a platform, usually in a basilica plan, with an altar, communion table, organ, piano, pulpit, choir loft and perhaps a baptistery. The services followed a very predictable format, or liturgy, tending to change only with the seasons of the church calendar. Tall ceilings, stained glass windows, and a cross in a prominent location could further characterize this space. The seating also consisted of benches (pews). Somebody who grew up in the church tends to be very comfortable with a building like this and associates this style and layout with a “proper church building.” However, for those who did not grow up in a church building, these can be very strange spaces. (Where else in America today are you required to sit on a bench with total strangers?) 

For the un-churched, baby boomer generation (those born after World War II to 1963) the worship center styled after the theater is the setting of choice, complete with the theatrical components of a stage and lighting. These types of spaces are considered contemporary worship centers. The platforms are wide and deep, able to accommodate many different uses (praise band, choir, drama, etc.) and the seating tends to be arranged in a radial pattern. Most natural light has been eliminated so that theatrical lighting and video projection can be used in the services. The walls are generally white, or off-white, with high ceilings and the seating can be either pews or individual chairs. These designs are relatively common; however the acoustics and audio systems are often less than desirable. These spaces have been the mainstay of contemporary evangelical churches for a number of years now – as the baby boomer generation has been the driving force of leadership for these churches. 

As we look to the future, it’s important to understand the changing dynamics of the culture and the generations. The “baby buster” generation will increasingly become the controlling force in the church, and they see things quite differently than their “baby boomer” parents. Their philosophies are much more along the lines of “keep it real.” As a result, they do not require such polished performance spaces as their predecessors. They are content to meet in a warehouse type space so long as it is full of the latest technology. The sound system must be excellent presenting the same type of clarity that they have in their automobile. Likewise, video projection must be crisp and sharp like the wide screen TV in their homes. The wiring and things that drive the technology do not need to be cleverly concealed from view, as was always the desire of the “boomer” generation, which is consistent with their philosophy of “keep it real.” Drama likewise is often reduced to vignettes with minimal props requiring less of a backstage and curtain approach in the platform area. Lighting is used to control mood and direct focus within the space; however, the balance is often quite dark. The costs to construct these types of spaces are significantly less than the polished stage of the “boomer” generation, or the ornate, formal spaces of the “builder” predecessors. The technology however, tends to off-set any savings as advanced mixing studios, computers, projectors, lighting and sound systems are used. 

Looking beyond “baby busters” to the “GenX/GenY” or “mosaic” generations, there are other interesting trends developing. There is a return to some of the mystical, almost gothic elements, in a church, including incense and candles. Even the ethereal spaces themselves, the high-vaulted gothic cathedral add an air of mysticism, which is appealing. There is a strong desire to contact something “otherworldly,” and these spaces seem to offer that opportunity. 

We point out these trends and changes in the generational culture as an encouragement for churches to consider who God has called them to reach, lest you build a worship center that reflects the Church’s identity today, but neglects the philosophical trend that is shaping the Church of tomorrow. Flexibility may be the key operational word. This may be accomplished by creating spaces that can easily be renovated in the future or quickly changed in appearance. The message of the gospel is timeless, but the presentation of the gospel must be in a language that the culture can readily understand.