Church buildings and church growth have not always been synonymous of each other. A look at the early church shows how staggering numbers of converts were brought into the fold using only homes and catacombs to meet in.
It wasn't until after Christianity became accepted that buildings began to take on an increasing importance. Eventually, in many cases, cathedrals and monuments became so ornate they reintroduced the idea that the presence of God could be housed in an inanimate structure, reminiscent of the tabernacle of the Old Testament.
Throughout history, there seems to have been a tension between whether design outweighed functionality. Proponents of design held that God was best honored through aesthetics; while proponents of functionality championed gaining as much additional space as possible for growing membership.
It would seem functionality won out.
In the modern church, design is much less about bricks and mortar than it is about innovation and connection.
|
What's Important Churches can use technology to grow beyond their physical limitations. |
Because of this shift and advances in technology, churches have more possibilities open to them than ever before. Among the options, consider these:
Start another service. A growing number of churches are seeing the benefits of adding a second or third or even greater number of services on the weekend. Logistical concerns, such as staffing and childcare, are much easier to deal with than the burden of a major debt load for a new structure.
Add video projection. Some churches have an existing area of their building that could be converted to overflow space quite easily. With a modest investment in video technology, services could be broadcast either concurrently or at a later date. Heartland Community Church in Rockland, Ill., actually has no teaching pastor. During every service their worship team leads worship and then Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., is projected on the screen to deliver the sermon.
Start an Internet church. Research shows that a huge number of people begin their search for religion online. Instead of making the church Web site an overblown bulletin, why not broadcast the Good News to the world? A church Web site can be a portal for thousands to hear the gospel message at a fraction of the cost of media broadcast.
Teach via the Internet. Many churches lament the fact that their classrooms aren't adequate for their Christian education needs. Why not leverage the best teachers and re-broadcast their lessons on the internet for those who want to learn at their own pace on their own time? Additionally, the recorded sessions could be rebroadcast at the church any time throughout the week.
Of course, with these changes, ministry paradigm shifts must also occur.
One of the most significant that will take place as churches begin to implement new ministry offerings, is the shift to "buy people" in place of buildings. While buildings will always be needed for shelter, advances in technology are allowing us to invest in people that can leverage that technology in creative ways.
When fewer dollars are spent for structures, more dollars are available for ministry. And, as younger generations begin to take the mantle of leadership, they will also be much more comfortable with both real and virtual presentations.
So don't retreat from growth because of prohibitive building costs. Ask God for innovative, creative ways to grow through the emerging tools with which He has blessed us.
Remember the difference between the method and the message.
Since 1983, Jim Couchenour has partnered with hundreds of churches to design and build new facilities through his work with Cogun, Inc. He is currently developing ways to bridge the gap between church and the unchurched.
