The following is a sponsored post from The Aspen Group. They are one of my favorite organizations and receive my top recommendation. When a church is building a new facility from the ground up, or has existing facilities it needs to expand or renovate, Aspen Group has the expertise to bring a church’s vision to reality. But while this highly-competent design/build firm, what I love most about this organization is their heart.
If your church has an upcoming need to expand or reimagine its facilities, click HERE to start a conversation with Aspen today! Now onto their thoughts.
Making Space Podcast
In this episode of the Making Space Podcast, Dr. Matthew Niermann speaks with Pastor Benjamin Windle about the importance of re-enchanting church spaces. People are increasingly seeking beautiful, sacred environments that make them feel close to God. The black box model, where auditoriums are designed to prioritize production values much like concert venues, do not serve the faith formation of worshippers. Our society has shifted from seeking loud, vibrant spaces to desiring tranquil ones that exhibit beauty and promote transcendence.
Niermann, Associate Dean of the College of Architecture at California Baptist University, explains how prioritizing the beauty of churches as a missional pursuit can help church leaders grow and disciple their congregations. Windle supports Niermann’s point by referencing research conducted by the Barna Group on the importance of beauty in the church. Often, people are drawn to the beauty of a building, which invites them to explore the inside and discover what is happening. When our church spaces fail to reflect the beauty of God, they become barriers to ministry rather than tools. Re-enchanting these spaces makes God’s presence more tangible. Re-enchanting our spaces is essential for spreading the Gospel in the modern world.
Throughout this episode, Niermann challenges the narratives that often shape our understanding of building beautiful churches. He offers suggestions for how to re-enchant spaces on large and small budgets. If beauty is a mission category, then beautiful design, architecture, and space are attainable practices for all. We invite you to listen to the Making Space Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!
Once again, if your church has an upcoming need to expand or reimagine its facilities, click HERE to start a conversation with Aspen today! You will be glad you did.