7 Inspiring Church Design Trends For 2025
“Well, looks like we’re back in style!” Pastor Joel laughed as he looked at his 75-year-old church building in the middle of a quaint neighborhood. Huge, cathedral-like windows adorned the northern wall. A wide-open sanctuary with a highly vaulted ceiling welcomed worshippers and provided space for remote workers. Some repairs were needed, but the community didn’t have the budget for full-scale renovations in their church building. The previous generation couldn’t afford to hire a construction company specializing in church architecture. “Turns out, if you just wait long enough, your outdated building might become fashionable again!” Joel isn’t passive or lazy. [...]
Value Engineering in Construction: 5 Key Ways the Church Can Apply It to Its Design
Meet Pastor Sam. Sam wants to expand his church’s gathering space to include elegant finishes and a modern design. He imagines engaging the community with multimedia screens, comfortable seating, beverages, and ample lighting for gatherings and meetings. However, the church budget doesn’t align with his dream, and he’s disappointed, to say the least. So, the question is: how do you honor God’s vision for your church while still making practical decisions? Churches often struggle to create spaces that inspire and serve their communities while remaining within tight financial constraints. This is where value engineering comes in—and early in the process. [...]
Overcoming the Challenges of Church Growth
Imagine a growing church alive with energy—a packed worship space filled with engaged attendees, children who look forward to church, and welcoming faces at the door. While growth can be exciting, it won’t come without some growing pains. Don’t worry, though. Others have gone before you and learned a few lessons the hard way. You can benefit from their experience and maximize the opportunities before you! Church growth is a gift but also an opportunity to adapt, prepare, and kindle our leadership development. The size of your church affects more than attendance; it influences decision-making, relationships, and leadership roles. So, [...]
Church Construction for Music Ministry: Designing Spaces for Sound and Worship
Music is a powerful form of worship that demands thoughtful and purposeful planning from church leaders. When constructing a church building focused on its music ministry, creating a space where every note resonates and word is clear is essential. People need to focus on worship and not be distracted by poor sound systems. Jesus could communicate effectively with large crowds aided by the natural acoustics of seas, mountains, and God's grace. While your church may not be situated near large water and landforms, you still have divine guidance on your side, so follow the calling of the Lord as you [...]
Prioritizing Community-Centric Development in Church Construction: What You Need to Know
St. Mark’s was bustling with joyful activity as the aroma of roasted chicken and potatoes filled the air. Each week, the church’s multi-purpose hall transformed into a welcoming cafeteria, serving as a beacon of hope for those facing food insecurity. As the adults expressed their gratitude and the children whispered, “Thank you,” before taking a bite of their meal, it was clear that St. Mark’s was fulfilling its divine mission within the community. Pastor Joe often thanked God for the community-centric design, which was influenced by members during the church construction planning process. From the look on the volunteers' faces, [...]
4 Tips for Effective School Construction for STEM Education
Meet Sara, a fourteen-year-old student who became fascinated with coding after being introduced to robotics at summer camp. However, as she entered high school, she was devastated to learn that her school was not equipped to teach the skill—not because the teachers were not knowledgeable but because there simply wasn’t enough room for a maker space. STEM education just wasn’t at the forefront of the school’s design or curriculum. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education lies at the heart of modern learning because it is the basis of everyday life for children and adults. STEM equips students with the [...]
Choosing a Church Capital Campaign Consultant? 5 Red Flags to Look For and Key Questions to Help You See Them
Butter or margarine? Soup or salad? Paper or plastic? Highway or back roads? Most of life’s decisions are benign. It’s rare to face a life-altering choice. When you stand at a pivotal crossroads, you must have a trustworthy guide to help you make the best decision possible. Let's focus on one defining moment in a church's life —a construction project. Whether taking on a new build, addition, or renovation, it’s a high-stakes proposition. The decisions made during this time will become blessings to enjoy – or – challenges to overcome for the foreseeable future. One of the most important decisions [...]
4 Viable Strategies to Combat the Senior Living Labor Shortage
"What’s it like having five kids?" Jim Gaffigan recalls being asked. The comedian replied, "Imagine you’re drowning. And someone hands you a baby!" If you’re an executive in the senior living field, this may describe how you feel. Your work is essential. It requires a high level of specialized skill and a deep well of compassion to provide the care residents and their loved ones deserve. Times are tough, though. Special funding provided during the Covid pandemic is ending. Well-intended regulations are imposing unintended difficulties. Hiring and retaining quality staff is exceptionally challenging; operating margins are low. Moreover, burnout rates [...]
Embracing Partnership and Innovation: A Reflection on Collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College and Catalyst Construction
As I reflect on my journey with Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) over the past 16 years, one significant partnership stands out: our collaboration with Catalyst Construction. This relationship not only transformed our campus but also reinforced the principles of trust, stewardship, and innovation that are vital to our mission of preparing Christian leaders. The Beginning of a Partnership When I began my tenure as President in 2008, WLC was a smaller institution with 600 students. Today, we are blessed with a record enrollment of approximately 1,100 students, thanks in part to the strategic growth initiatives and building projects we've undertaken [...]
5 Ways to Utilize Church Space During Summer
Have you ever wondered where your congregation goes during the summer months? Church leaders often say, “You can’t fight summer,” with calendars quickly filling up with picnics, parties, and vacations. It’s true that summer offers endless joy for families and communities alike, but preaching to half-full pews and empty worship halls can be disheartening for churches. The good news is that you can position your church as the central hub for sunny activities, laughing children, and joyful celebrations that honor God by optimizing your unused church spaces. With some planning and creativity, these vacant areas can become vibrant gathering points [...]
