building for the next generation

You know that times are changing. You know that the age of digital is dawning. You know that your mission field is getting younger and more jaded. You know that they have very little Christian background, that they're naturally cynical about Christianity, and that they don't trust and respect your ministry like they should. You know music most defines them and media most affects them.

You've been paying attention.

This morning, I watched Granger Community Church's Christmas worship service, and was reminded of an article I read yesterday in Church Solutions.

Danielle Maheux contributed an article called The Art of Worship. She writes about creating beauty, being excellent, and being relevant. That last bit is where technology comes in, and is what GCC's presentation of the nativity reminded me of.

Maheux quotes Matt Card of Clark ProMedia extensively as he discusses entertainment vs. communication, and discovering a target audience. Then he comments,

Too many people think they should decide how the building should look and feel, and then they shove their worship arts to fit within that box.

If you have a vision and a mission statement, you probably know your audience. As you consider design or redesign for your worship space (the most important space in your facility to the unchurched), start thinking about media about the time you start thinking about how many chairs you'll need.

It's okay to engage people.