Comments on: Should We Remodel Our Church or Build a New One?

By: William McQuade

William McQuade — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 09:48:00 +0000

I think there are two questions worth seeking answers to. 1. Do we need to expand in order to accomodate increasing attendance? 2. Should we be considering a church plant?
Reminded of some words of William Still concerning the missionary emphasis of the church. “My job isn’t to fill this building with people, but to empty it”
Of course, if the question is more about aesthetics than accomodation, then thats another question best answered by peoples willingness to dig deep.

By: Sarah Perez

Sarah Perez — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 16:32:00 +0000

Oh, as a young mother, I can say this is definitely hugely appreciated when spaces like that are available.

By: Seth Huckstead

Seth Huckstead — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:32:00 +0000

I would also add to this that there needs to be a separate room for nursing mothers with small children and a room that can accommodate fathers. My wife informs me that having men in the same room where you nurse is not very comfortable. But this is probably more of a policy decision.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 14:20:00 +0000

I agree with you, Jack. I suppose it’s included under style. But it really deserves its own category.

By: Jack Kremers

Jack Kremers — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:55:00 +0000

David, good list and very comprehensive – except I see no mention of aesthetics. Perhaps style touches on this but style is only the pattern and not the essence. Most Protestant churches do neglect this aspect to our own detriment. It relates to our witness but more than that, it relates to our God, the creator of the our universe. There is no better human argument for the existence of God than the existence of beauty. It inspires us in our worship and it honors God.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:16:00 +0000

Thank you Michael. I have passed on this info to our building committee chairman.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:16:00 +0000

Thank you for this. Great point!

By: gyen

gyen — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 01:12:00 +0000

Under “Accessibility” I would add Families with Small Children: Will there be a place for taking wigglers where the service can be heard and seen? Will there be a place for moms to nurse babies and still be able to hear the service? Will that space allow for small older siblings who can’t sit well through the service but stuck near mom while she nurses? What will the facilities be like for babies and toddlers? Will they have separate nurseries with age-appropriate toys?

By: Michael Poirier (directorfsm)

Michael Poirier (directorfsm) — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:38:00 +0000

Thank you David. As our ministry is “Faith Builders Ministry” concerned primarily with helping smaller churches plan, design and build (or expand/renovate) houses of Worship your article hit on many of the same points we stress.

I especially like that you included “Witness” and “Future” in your assessment. Maybe it is just me, but I growing pass by a number of these modern designs without realizing they are a church. What does that say to the local community, that they are afraid of or ashamed of the Gospel? I also emphasize that one should never undertake a build or reno, with the sole goal of meeting today’s needs. These are never cheap undertakings and being Faithful Stewards of all God has given us should mean we are building today for generations in the future.