like my building?

Zogby International and the Center for Missional Research recently asked 1200 Americans,

If you were considering visiting or joining a church, would knowing that the church does not meet in a traditional church building impact your decision?

73% said it would not make any difference
19% said it would negatively impact their decision
6% said it would positively impact their decision
2% were unsure

Among the unchurched, the "makes no difference" group was an even larger slice of the pie chart.

The study was done primarily in the interests of church planters - do they need a new building right away or can they meet at the local high school? But what does this mean for you and your new/renovated church building?

It means that if you're building to encourage and allow for more growth, for the next big thing God is about to move you into, for the people in your community who are currently not attending church - your facility doesn't necessarily need a white steeple with a bell.

Now if you really want a while steeple with a bell, by all means - go right ahead. If you set up shop in New England, especially, it might be a good idea. The point is to make your building congruent with your community, comfortable, functional ... and if it doesn't end up looking like the church you grew up in, that's okay. Most people don't care.