The Unseen Ministry Partner: Why Your Building Design Matters More Than You Realize

Episode Overview

In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Derek DeGroot, President of Aspen Group, to explore the overlooked yet essential role of physical space in church ministry. Drawing from Derek’s expertise as a licensed architect dedicated to designing and building church spaces, the discussion encompasses sacred stewardship, the intersection of tradition and innovation, and practical next steps for churches—especially those feeling stuck or seeking meaningful growth.

Key Insights and Takeaways

1. Why Church Buildings Matter: More Than Bricks and Mortar

  • Stewardship of Physical Space: “How we use money is kind of a controversial topic and certainly in the world of buildings and space where a lot of money is involved, could be a very controversial topic.” – Derek DeGroot
    • Historical, Theological, and Community Value: Buildings serve as places of commemoration and teaching.
    • There is ongoing tension between honoring church history and meeting practical needs, such as feeding the hungry or accessibility.
    • Many donors value legacy, as evidenced by worldwide support for significant church structures.

Action Step:

Reflect on what your church believes about space. Start a dialogue about your theology of space—ask, “What does God think about physical space in our ministry?”

2. The “Theology of Space” – Designing With Meaning and Mission

  • Churches often overlook a deliberate theology of space, focusing on function over deeper spiritual meaning.
  • “I see very few churches who have a theology of space. They have a theology in a lot of other things, but they don’t have a theology of space.” – Derek DeGroot
  • God as the original designer: “God as a designer could have had food be very utilitarian… but He created richness and a sense of wonder. Why did God put this into his design?”

Action Step:

Gather church leaders to study biblical models of sacred space (e.g., Exodus, temple and tabernacle design). Discuss how intentional, God-inspired design can translate to your church context.

3. Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Church Design

  • Both-And Approach: It’s not about choosing between traditional and modern spaces—a healthy design integrates both. “Is it old and new?… This church is called to a particular location and mission.” – Derek DeGroot
  • Generational Preferences: Research shows younger people often prefer traditional church styles, contradicting expectations.
  • Rootedness vs. Relevance: Spaces reflect not only theological roots but also present-day community needs.

Reflection Question:

What aspects of your current space reflect tradition? What might need to be adapted to serve your community’s present mission?

4. Practical Architecture: Planning and Adapting Church Spaces

  • Churches increasingly struggle to articulate exactly what they want from a building. Initial clarity is rare; strategic visioning is essential.
  • Visual Language: People instinctively react to spaces, even if they can’t articulate why: “Almost no one speaks the language of space… imagery causes some kind of reaction and we can talk about what that means for a church build.”
  • Adapting existing spaces creatively can yield as much impact as new construction.
  • “A multipurpose space is it does it primarily does one thing, but can also do many other things.”

Action Steps:

  • Run small experiments: move seating, adjust lobby flow, or add art/displays to observe impact.
  • Invite outsiders (or new attendees) to tour your building and provide feedback.
  • Consider future flexibility: choose materials and layouts that can adapt without losing purpose or identity.

5. Community Impact & Stewardship Beyond Sundays

  • Growing churches recognize the need to use their facilities throughout the week and serve as active community participants.
  • “How do we become an active participant in the community?… How can we add additional streams of revenue and use our space and think about stewardship in that way?”
  • Revenue ideas: daycares, education, shared community events.
  • Tension between openness and security must be acknowledged—welcoming spaces must also be safe, especially for children.

Action Steps:

  • Analyze building usage: When is your facility actually used?
  • Brainstorm with your team and community: What needs could your building meet beyond your congregation?

6. Trends in Church Architecture: From Mimicking Secular Models to Purposeful Differentiation

  • Trend Fatigue: “One trend I see is that churches are getting sick of trends.” – Derek DeGroot
  • Churches have over-indexed on mimicking retail or secular spaces, leading to a loss of distinctiveness and mission alignment.
  • The move is toward asking deeper “why” questions rather than chasing aesthetics.
  • Key Quote: “The church has…drawn on greater secular trends…what we were left with is spaces that are indistinguishable from other spaces. So I see a little bit of the start of a trend away from trends.”

7. Navigating Disappointment, Failure, and Risk

  • Many dream projects don’t come to fruition; it’s natural to feel loss. Maintain a “fail drawer”—a repository for future reuse or inspiration.
  • Emotional investment is part of the work: “Are you willing to have your heart broken in this?… If you’re passionate, you almost have to be willing to have that experience happen. And it makes the victories a lot sweeter too.”

Encouragement for Leaders: Dream, risk, and experiment, knowing that not all ideas will be realized but all have value.

8. Step-by-Step Practical Tips for Church Leaders and Volunteers

If Your Church Is Just Beginning to Rethink Space:

  • Start with “Why”: Gather your team to discuss: Why invest in physical space? What’s our mission?
  • Observe and Experiment: Temporarily rearrange elements (chairs, signage, lobby flows) and watch reactions.
  • Display art or seasonal decorations to gauge impact.
  • Seek Fresh Perspective: Invite newcomers or even friends from outside your congregation to walk your space and offer honest impressions (wayfinding, atmosphere, accessibility).
  • Identify Basics: Evaluate lighting, natural light, and greenery: Small touches (e.g. planting a tree) can enhance beauty and longevity.
  • Prioritize maintenance of high-impact areas: parking lots, entryways, main meeting spaces.

If You’re Ready for Larger Renovations or New Builds:

  • Consider Longevity and Flexibility: Prioritize materials and layouts that stand the test of time and can adapt to future needs.
  • Balance Multi-Functionality and Purpose: Don’t make spaces too generic; define primary uses but allow secondary flexibility.

For All Churches:

  • Integrate Feedback: Regularly ask for suggestions and ideas from both congregation and community.
  • Align Building Use With Mission: Ensure your building serves both the congregation and the wider community, balancing accessibility and security.

Inspirational Case Story

  • Transforming a Strip Mall: A large church in the DC area lost its building but rallied around purchasing and renovating a strip mall. Despite setbacks (roof collapse, worshipping in tents), they reinvented the space to serve their ministry and community while staying within budget. “They just didn’t realize that it was possible…creatively investing in space doesn’t always have to be an all-new building to get all the benefits.”

Final Reflections and Encouragement

  • Pause and examine your church’s relationship with its physical environment.
  • Don’t default to what’s trendy—discover a theology of space unique to your mission and context.
  • Experiment boldly, risk failure, and regularly revisit your building’s purpose as a spiritual, communal, and outreach tool.