Author: jill
Seating the Sanctuary
Did you know that during the first millennium, congregants typically stood or moved freely during services, with only a few benches or stone seats along the walls for the elderly or infirm? The introduction of pews in the 14th century (gaining popularity in the 15th century) replaced stone benches with fixed wooden benches with backs,
Why Mobile Stages Are Transforming Outdoor Ministry
Across America and beyond, ministries are stepping out of church buildings and onto the streets. Whether it’s a worship night in the park, a revival meeting in a rural town square, or a pop-up outreach in an urban neighborhood, today’s mobile ministries are meeting people where they are – literally. And one powerful innovation is
The Power of Signage in Strengthening Religious Communities
In today’s fast-paced world, religious institutions serve as vital anchors for communities, offering spaces for worship, fellowship, and outreach. Yet, to fulfill their mission effectively, these organizations must communicate clearly and connect with both members and visitors. One often-overlooked tool in achieving this is signage. From welcoming exterior signs to informative interior displays, well-designed signage
Designing Church Facilities Within Budget
Constraints don’t have to limit vision, they can unleash creativity. Most churches are excited and full of vision, so they engage an architect and start designing their dreams and desires. They take those dream concepts and renderings and show their congregation. Now everyone is excited! Then they pay to fully develop a set of construction
Engaging Every Generation at Ministry Events
Baby Boomers. Gen X. Millennials. Gen Z. Gen Alpha. What do these five generations have in common? They are all current and active in ministry. Now, what sets them apart? Plenty of things, but in regard to ministry, they each bring a unique: Perspective Communication style Set of expectations When planning any event, planners have
6 Ways to Protect Your Church
As places of worship face unique safety challenges, creating a church security plan, and having the necessary tools, is essential to create a safe environment and protect your congregants. Whether your congregation meets in a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple, protecting your place of worship requires discussion, planning, training, and the right tools. Here are
Benefits of Streaming with Facebook Live
Facebook Live has made an incredible impact for churches. Going Facebook Live is totally different than signing up for a traditional livestream service. Why is it so different? Two words: social reach. Connecting and interacting is so easy on Facebook Live. Facebook will notify you when your church has gone live, so you won’t miss
Making Kids' Ministry Spaces Accessible for Kids of All Abilities
For many, the church is not just a place of worship but a sanctuary of community, belonging, and support. However, when it comes to children’s ministries, not all spaces are created equal. Many churches, unintentionally or due to lack of resources, fail to create environments that are truly inclusive and accessible for children with varying
Christ Chapel
The Christ Chapel project is a design-build collaboration between Homoly Construction and WSKF Architects. Christ Chapel is a growing faith community in Platte City, Missouri, focused on worship, instruction, outreach and service. All of these elements were under strain in the existing facility and growth was limited. The new project spans about 8,500 square feet
The Correct Approach to Funding Church Vision
Church vision is the driving force for all growing churches. What is the vision and direction God is leading your church? Vision can lead to church growth and that growth can lead quickly to the need for facility expansion. However, expansion necessitates financial investment. This is where most churches start to feel that pull into