Ministry Space and its Potential Impact on Church Health

Bud Bennet

Why a company group, specializing in architectural design and construction management of church buildings, strongly encourages their church clients to complete an NCD Survey before starting a building project.

For more than 38 years, The McKnight Group has partnered with hundreds of churches, assisting them with master planning, design, and construction that makes the most of new spaces. Our innovative solutions provide facilities that foster growth by appealing to believers and non-believers alike. Whether the need is a large-scale multi-ministry space or a modest addition for daycare services, our desire is to partner with the local church to plan and achieve the results that best suit its situation and the community it strives to serve.

Our experience and knowledge in both building design and Natural Church Development has given us a heightened awareness of the relationship between the design of effective ministry space and its potential influence on Church Health. The reverse is also true. The current health of a local congregation will directly impact its ability to design a ministry tool that will enable it to reach its community effectively. It will also impact the church's ability to successfully complete the design and construction of their new facility.

Many churches build great buildings without adequately understanding who they are and what their strengths and weaknesses are. They mistakenly assume the building will carry them to the next level. While the building alone does not produce a healthy church, it has the ability to enhance or hinder health. If steps are not taken to identify and remedy weak areas in ministry, the minimum factor can negatively impact the positive influence of a new facility. For these reasons we strongly encourage the churches we work with to complete the NCD church health survey at the beginning of our relationship. This includes a follow up consultation to discuss the results and determine helpful next steps. Our objective is to increase the understanding and appreciation of church health concepts, and identify issues that may impact future ministry effectiveness.

Some Points of Mutual Influence Between Church Health Concepts and Facilities Design:

• Empowering Leadership is the foundation upon which a church grows and moves toward achieving its mission. A key component is the ability to identify and articulate a compelling vision for the future of the ministry. The clarity of this picture will strongly influence and guide the design of ministry facilities. Leadership's ability to effectively lead change will also enhance or detract from successfully completing the journey.



• Effective Structures deal in part with the ability of a congregation to adapt and change to meet the needs of our present culture. To the degree a congregation struggles in this area, it will also struggle in designing a building that will facilitate effective ministry. Like all healthy organisms, the local church requires numerous systems which work together to fulfill its intended purpose. Each must be evaluated regularly to determine if it is still the best way to accomplish the intended purpose. The building is a tool which facilitates these systems and must be evaluated accordingly. Ministry space that is best suited for the 21st century is dramatically different than that of previous generations. When designing a new facility, we always begin by exploring God’s preferred future or vision for the local church. What is He calling this local church to do, and who are they called to reach? The challenge is to design attractive, functional space that will facilitate the church's journey into the future and enhance health rather than hinder it.



• Inspiring Worship is a personal and corporate encounter with God, and while buildings do not generate the experience, they have the ability to provide a positive impact on it. Whether it is providing effective care for children, friendly open space for connecting, or an inviting space that enhances corporate worship, effective facility design plays a major role.



• Need-Oriented Evangelism intentionally cultivates relationships with pre-Christian people so they can become fully-devoted followers of Jesus who are actively participating within the life of the church and community. While many of these relationships will develop outside the church facilities, congregations that are making a significant impact develop creative ways to meet needs and develop relationships by making their facilities user-friendly and inviting to the surrounding community. These include child- and youth-friendly spaces, sports facilities and opportunities, meeting spaces, bookstores, hair salons, cafés, etc., all intended to assist believers in developing relationships with pre-believers and connecting them with the local body.



• Loving Relationships are the heart of a healthy growing church. Practical demonstration of love builds authentic Christian community and attracts others into the family of God. The role facilities play in this quality characteristic is similar to that of Need-Oriented Evangelism. Designed effectively, they greatly enhance the congregation's ability to connect and develop close meaningful relationships over time.

The building is a tool to be used in Kingdom work. Designed and utilized effectively, it will serve the local congregation well as they pursue the vision God has entrusted to them. To learn more, visit us at www.mcknightgroup.com.

R. "Bud" Bennet has 35 years experience in business and church leadership, focusing on leadership development, strategic planning, change management, and human resource management with eight years in church health consulting. Bud serves as a consultant and coach to pastors and lay leaders in cooperation with Natural Church Development, Peacemaker Ministries, and New Church Specialties.