Holy places : matching sacred space with mission and message / Nancy DeMott, Tim Shapiro and Brent Bill

Buildings communicate. Stained glass windows, high altars, multi-purpose worship/gymnasium spaces, Plexiglas pulpits, padded pews--these and all other architectural elements say something about a congregation's theology and mission. They point to a faith community's beliefs about worship, identity, purpose, and more. From the stark simplicity of a Quaker meetinghouse to the splendor of a Romanesque Revival building, sacred spaces speak loudly. What they say can either reinforce a congregation's mission or detract from it. Holy Places is designed to be used by congregations who are involved in or are contemplating work on their facilities. This could include renovation, remodeling, expansion, or building. No matter how extensive the project, approaching the work with mission at the forefront is the key to having a final result that strengthens the congregation's ministry. The process outlined in this book--discern, decide, do--lets congregations begin where they are and provides the help they need to move to the next level. Discern Who are we as a congregation? : identity Who are our neighbors? : demographics Who is God calling us to be? : mission Decide What do we want our building to convey? : aesthetics What approach to building will we use? : project delivery What service providers will we use? : resources What sources of funding will we use? : financial concerns Do How will we keep the congregation informed? : communication How will we maintain our spiritual focus? : spirituality How will we ensure that the work is done properly? : oversight.