new monasticism

As the conversation continues regarding the future of church facilities, the New Monastic movement is beginning to break substantial ground in the U.S. I can't help but wonder how this trend may influence the function of local church buildings in the years to come.

New Monasticism has been around for decades, but was officially birthed in the summer of 2004. New Monastics live in community with one another, sometimes in one building and other times in close proximity to one another. Singles, couples and families are all included in a communal way of life that seeks to return to the first century Church's way of doing things.

There are 12 "marks" that New Monastic communities live by , but general values can be outlined more simply:

1. Thoughtful, prayerful, and/or contemplative lives
2. Communal life
3. Focus on hospitality
4. Practical engagement with the poor

What that ends up looking like is several homes in close proximity that give shelter to even more families. They usually eat together on a regular basis, and host meals that are open to anyone in the community. They often shelter the homeless, or individuals recently released from jail/prison. They develop devotionals that the whole community participates in during their individual prayer times and corporately. Some attend a local church for weekend worship services; others do not.

So what does this mean for a local church? I think it simply means there may be church plants in your community that could use your support. They're not church plants in the traditional sense that they're trying to establish a house of worship like yours, but they are a member of the body of Christ doing the work of the gospel. They could probably use some extra food, or help with home repairs, or extra Bibles, or training/info on helping someone overcome a drug addiction.

It seems to be one more trend that would shrink a local church body, but have more use for a flexible church building. A quiet chapel or prayer room might be appreciated by New Monastics in your community whose homes are generally full of people. A library/bookstore with a few computers might be helpful for those trying to ease ex-cons back into society. A gym, rec room, or garden would be an asset for them as well.

The local church body in the digital era may need to become less about being the Church and more about supporting the church - whether or not they're "members."

keyless entry and alarm systems

Church Solutions' Factbook 2008 also features an article titled "Is Your Church as Secure as it Could Be?" Something none of us really want to think about, and a question to which most of us would probably answer "No." The article points out that many churches foster a very open environment: easy to get in and out of, and easy to case. Also, "more than ever, church facilities contain valuable, high-tech items such as musical instruments and multi-media equipment."

Two things the author mentions that I found interesting: keyless entries and different kinds of alarm systems for after hours.

Keyless Entries
You know: ID badges, keyfobs, access cards, etc. In addition to everything a lock-and-key entry does, keyless entry systems allow temporary access for visitors, provide entry and exit reports, and eliminate the need to rekey or change locks.

Alarm Systems
Conventional systems are motion-based and work a lot like what you see in the movies. The problem with these is that the alarm creates a loud noise (so the intruder has time to escape and knows where the alarm is), and police are often slow to dispatch because 98% of these activations are false.

Another kind of alarm system is based on noise. First of all, they're silent, so the intruder doesn't know an alarm has gone off. Second, they're verified, which means trained professionals at a monitoring station are listening to determine if a break-in is actually taking place. If they decide it is, they dispatch local police to a "burglary in process," which gets much higher priority.

adaptive reuse

The Church Solutions 2008 Factbook arrived digitally in my Inbox this morning - brimming over with good content. I will hereby commence regurgitating some of said content back to you.

One article, called "Adaptive Reuse" caught my particular attention because it seems like we hear more and more about local ministries opting to renovate an existing, non-church building rather than build from the ground up. Mars Hill in Seattle caused no small stir when they opened their newest campus in an old dance club. Several churches are now taking over bars on Sunday mornings. ... Or maybe I'm partial because my own church is in a former Big Lots department store space.

The Church Solutions article - teasingly labeled "Part I" - discusses some of the benefits to these "found spaces."

1. Lower first cost.
   
2. Faster occupancy.
3. Increased proportion of volunteer-ready work. (New constructions required trained, experienced professionals to lay concrete and erect steel. In a renovation, more of the work can be done by skilled or unskilled volunteers, and construction managers are usually more apt to let skilled volunteers participate since the risks are reduced.)
   
4. Location. (Renovating allows a ministry to set up in densely populated areas.)
5. Environmental sustainability. (Fewer raw materials and less garbage, and you can still get LEED certification.)
   
6. Cultural familiarity and mission. (It's all about knowing your church's DNA.)
7. Experimental freedom. (Go ahead and paint the walls ... again and again.)

Check out Church in the Word in our Project Gallery for one example of adaptive reuse.

church building news

Local churches and the buildings they call home (or would like to) are making all kinds of news lately.

Celebration Community Church filed suit against the city of Muskegon (Michigan) after being denied a special-use permit to move into a building previously owned by a car dealership, according to The Muskegon Chronicle. "The planning commission's denials of the special-use permit came after opposition to the church's request by several people who live or do business in the area, including the owners of two nearby bars who feared negative consequences for their businesses."

In another part of Michigan, First Baptist Church in Waterford are - conversely - worshipping too loudly. A neighbor filed suit complaining of the noise, so the church filed a counter-suit. The counter-suit, as quoted by the Detroit Free Press, claims, "uniformed Waterford police officers raided ... without a search warrant ... or on any other legal authority, detained Pastor Mark Kerr, interrogated him and seized his driver's license."

Carlinville Southern Baptist Church is working on renovating an old Wal-Mart store in Carlinville (Illinois). So far they have permission from the city to set up offices, daycare, and just about everything they'd like ... except worship. According to Townhall, the decision as to whether or not the church will be allowed to worship in the building is yet to come.

Finally, in a move that hasn't resulted in any lawsuits at all, Dayton B2B reports that Country Rock Church's new facility in Sidney (Ohio) has "a dance floor, riding bull, big screen TV, pool tables, pizza, beer and a pleasant, everybody-knows-your-name vibe." They've started holding worship services in a local pub in order to "reach people where they are." Whether or not alcohol was available for sale is still undetermined.

happy earth day

In honor of Earth Day we want to help your church building get greener, faster. Here are a few of the odd things you can get LEED credit for.

(In an existing building)
SS Credit 5: Reduced Site Disturbance - 1 Point
"Over the performance period, have in place native or adapted vegetation covering a minimum of 25% of the site area, excluding the building footprint." i.e. Let a quarter of your grounds get over-grown.

MR Credit 5: Sustainable Purchasing: Food - 1 Point
"Achieve sustainable purchases of at least 25% of total combined food and beverage purchases (by cost) during the performance period." i.e. Get donuts from a local bakery and USDA Certified Organic coffee.

EQ Credit 2.1: Occupant Survey - 1 Point
"Implement an occupant comfort survey and complaint response system to collect anonymous responses about thermal comfort, acoustics, indoor air quality, lighting levels, building cleanliness and other occupant comfort issues."

(In a rented interior space)
SS Credit 3.2: Alternative Transportation - 1 Point
"Provide secure bicycle storage, with convenient changing/shower facilities for 5% or more of tenant occupants."

SS Credit 3.3: Parking Availability - 1 Point
"Priority parking for carpools or van pools will be provided for 5% or more of tenant occupants."

MR Credit 1.1: Tenant Space - 1 Point
"Occupant commits to remain in the same location for not less than 10 years."

Who said going green isn't fun?

why go green?

Two weeks ago was Green Week here at the WDG blog. It was fun, but it wasn't the end of the green speak. Before we go any further, however, let's discuss the Why? factor.

The April issue of Grow focused on a green Church, and closed with an address to the Why? factor. I think they put it pretty succinctly, so I'll just insert a block quote:

Your church can be designed, built, and operated to be energy and resource efficient. All it takes is a willingness to start with a goal, and assembling the right team to make it happen. The result will be a well-designed, functionally efficient building that is a 'living' example of stewardship in action.

Churches are community examples, not only of the ministries the people do, but also of the facilities they have. Church buildings stand for something - the recognition that there is a God of creation, that His people are stewards of the Earth, and that the Church should be a leader and example in all areas of community life.

To put it simply, if we are efficient in the use of our resources, we can be more effective in our ministry endeavors.

Wal-Mart made a huge impact on the national scene by encouraging their customers to make a difference by changing one light bulb. No matter how well-intentioned Wal-Mart is, they shouldn't be the leader in your community when it comes to sustainability issues. So take up the green challenge, and change your world - one light bulb at a time!

design build

The April issue of Grow includes a short piece on two construction methods: design-bid-build and design-build. We're big fans of design-build here at Wildesign, but don't take our word for it.

Traditionally, the church will first hire an architecture firm to prepare the drawings and specifications. Then it will choose a contractor by competitive bidding, usually accepting the contractor with the best price (though, many times, the lowest bid is still well over the church's budget). This is referred to as the design-bid-build (DBB) approach.

The article mentions some of the problems with DBB and presents the following, which I found interesting:


The writer then summarizes the benefits of design-build.


The article closes with the following advice:

Of course, to realize these benefits, it is important to hire the right design-builder. Make sure your contractor has the necessary church-building experience.

We couldn't agree more.

what's in a building?

Churches should leave their doors open throughout the week, making use of their facilities for more than just Sunday worship, the Archbishop of Wales says.

Dr. Barry Morgan is scheduled to speak to church delegates Monday at the Transforming Communities and Congregations conference in Llandudno, North Wales, to encourage them to "think creatively" about how their buildings are used.

An article in the Christian Post this morning reveals that the Church in Europe may be having the same re-think-about-how-we-use-our-buildings discussion as many local churches on this side of the pond.

"A church that is closed Monday to Friday is the worst possible advertisement for Christianity," he said, according to BBC News.

Making the most of church buildings includes opening it up for use as conference facilities, for school groups and for counseling services, among other things.

Conference attendees will be introduced to Church in Wales churches that are already adapting, including St. Hywyn's at Aberdaron, Gwynedd, which has been renovated to serve pilgrims making their way to Bardsey Island, as well as local visitors. St. Maelog's at Llanfaelog, Anglesey, built a meeting room above the church for wood and glasswork by local artists, and hosts concerts and classes, as well as worship, as reported by BBC News. And at St. John's in Llangollen, Clwyd, pews were taken out to create a flexible space for intimate or contemporary services.

The idea takes on a slightly different flavor in Europe, it seems, where churches meet in centuries-old feats of architecture. It's more difficult to remove pews or create multi-purpose space in that setting.

But still, the conversation continues: In our increasingly post-Christian, isolated societies, what should a church building be?

Green Week, Day 5: Acronyms and Labels

More and more companies are stretching to get their products up to someone's code. It's a good idea to keep an eye out (or ask your contractor to keep an eye out) for some of these labels and acronyms.

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. They have third-party certifiers around the world assessing forest management activities and tracking of forest products. If a forest landowner or manager becomes certified by the FSC, he signs a five-year commitment to continue sustainable forestry practices.

There are over 1500 FSC certified suppliers in the U.S., and many retailers stock FSC products. FSC certified wood usually costs about 2% more than non-FSC certified wood.

The CRI is the Carpet and Rug Institute. In 1992, they launched the Green Label program to test carpet, cushions and adhesives to help identify products with very low emissions of VOCs. Then came the Green Label Plus program, which is just a little more stringent. Green Label and Green Label Plus certifications must be re-evaluated annually.

VOCs are volatile organic compounds. They come from a wide variety of chemicals in a wide variety of products, and are released as gases into the air. They can create short-term or long-term, adverse health effects and are usually much worse indoors than out. As you're looking at paint, cleaning supplies, lacquers, furniture, etc., make sure you're looking for products that have low-VOC emissions. Prices should be comparable.

WaterSense is the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) label for efficient plumbing products. Prices are comparable, but the products will save you money in the long-run anyway!

That's enough to get anyone started! If you can get FSC Certified wood in your building's structure and/or finishes, Green Label carpeting on the floors, low-VOC paint on the walls, and WaterSense sinks in the bathrooms your church building will make a dramatic statement to your community without leaving a dramatic impact on the earth!

Green Week, Day 4: Green Roofs

Green roof systems cover the roof of a building, partially or completely, with live plants over a waterproof membrane.

There is no shortage of companies that do this. Some lay it out as one big garden; others bring up scores of individual flats. Both methods work.

This looks really cool, especially if the roof is accessible and you put a big chess board or some seating up there too. I always assumed, however, that it was probably pretty terrible for the building. On the contrary, I've learned. Like most sustainable building initiatives there are few, if any, down-sides to this.

Highlights:

• Reduces heating needs in cooler weather by adding mass and thermal resistance
• Evaporative cooling reduces cooling load on building in warmer weather.
• Increases the life span of the roof by protecting it from weather and UV rays
  
• Reduces storm water runoff
• Filters air and rain water
• Provides sound insulation
• Creates a wildlife habitat
• Improves the aesthetic environment

Green roof systems also reduce the "heat island" effect in an urban area. This phenomena describes urban temperatures that are two to ten degrees higher than surrounding areas. The two main causes of urban heat islands (UHIs) are the modification of land surfaces by development, and the excess heat created by large buildings. These warmer temperatures have been linked to a variety of problems from residents' health to local weather patterns. Green roof systems help reverse the effect.

Green Week, Day 3: ULFs

The average toilet uses 5 gallons of water per flush.


Low-flow toilets (LFs) use about 3.5 gallons of water per flush.


Ultra low-flow toilets (ULFs) use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.


That's impressive. A more efficient bowl design and (as one website puts it) "increased flushing velocities" make sure that the 1.6 gallon flush is effective.

AND (scoop your jaw up off the ground for a minute 'cause we're not done) we now have Dual Flush Toilets. These are ULFs with an additional option for an ultra ultra low-flush that uses something like 0.8 to 1.1 (depending on the model) gallons of water per flush.

Most models have two buttons on them so the user can decide if the toilet just needs a little rinse or an increased flushing velocity. Some models, like the Sloan ECOS pictured, also use sensors to detect how long a user is in front of it, and automatically selects the smaller flush for short visits. That's right, the potty's timing you in the name of water conservation.

And if it's wrong, you can always hit the button. These models also ship with etched-metal plates clearly and concisely explaining the toilet to users.

The cost of a ULF toilet is comparable to the cost of a regular one, but if you want to get a nicer model it will pay for itself soon enough anyway. And they install just like regular, water-guzzling toilets: no special skills required.

Green Week, Day 2: Waterless Urinals

I'll be honest: The first time I heard someone talk about waterless urinals my mind instantly went back to the "out-houses" in India and I recoiled. You can't put a waterless urinal in an American church building! Eww.

Then I did the research and I have to say, I'm about as big a fan of waterless urinals as a woman could be.

The picture (left, from Falcon) does a pretty concise job of describing the process. The blue sealant liquid is less dense, so it stays on top. It traps bacteria and odor beneath it. The small compartment beneath the sealant liquid quickly overflows into the drain line.

In some models, what you see pictured is a cartridge that needs to be changed every so often. In other models (like the Kohler at the top), maintenance only requires pouring a little more of the sealant liquid in and Tada!; you're done. I worked on our church's volunteer cleaning crew for about a year, and I must say: If you have church members volunteering to clean your building you owe them this.

And, while this initially seems completely counter-intuitive, they actually make restrooms more sanitary. Think about it: no standing water in the bottom of the urinal, and they're touch-free!

AND they're usually less expensive than traditional urinals. I know, everyone likes to argue that they can't build green 'cause it costs more but it's not true in the men's restroom (actually, it's generally not true overall). The models are less expensive because there's no flushing mechanism, and installation is easier because all it needs is a drain line.

In a nutshell:

• Zero water consumption
• Low maintenance and operating costs
• Easier and more sanitary maintenance prodecure
  
• Lower sewage costs
• Less expensive installation
• More hygienic restrooms

I'm sold.

Green Week

Welcome to Green Week at Wildesign. This week will feature some of my favorite sustainable building options, but first, allow me to introduce you to Keystone Community Church.

Keystone is the first LEED-certified church building in the U.S. Our new mantra is "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's LEED certification." We're working on it.

Keystone is a non-denominational church in Ada, Michigan. They minister to about 850 people every weekend in a really cool, earth-friendly building. Worship Facilities featured them last spring; you can check that out here.

Highlights:

• Sensored lighting insures that lights are not left on in empty rooms.
• Waterless urinals and low-flow toilets save a bundle of water and money (we'll talk about those tomorrow).
• The building was intentionally situated in a natural clearing of a wooded area to protect the building from weather and avoid tree clearing.
• Every room gets some degree of natural lighting.
• Old, exterior building products were re-introduced as interior finishes.
• All paints and finishes are low-VOC products.
• There are electric car outlets in the parking lot.
  

Of course, LEED certification is not easy to come by. Every meeting and every decision needs to be made with LEED in mind, and the up-front costs for paperwork can be daunting.

Eventually, though, it all pays off. Your community knows that your congregation shares its values and is willing to put its money where its mouth is. Not to mention you save tremendously on reduced water and energy consumption.

Props to Keystone. May the rest of us be close behind.

the war in iraq, the economy and third place

That's right, third place is a campaign issue. Project for Public Spaces has an article up highlighting each candidate's response.

Hilary: "When that red phone rings at 3 AM I will have my tennis shoes on and be ready to hit the streets with carefully drafted plans to calm traffic, revitalize business districts and create public plazas in every neighborhood from Bangor to Bellingham.”

Barack: "My record speaks for itself. While Hillary Clinton was in the White House, I was a community organizer in the streets of Chicago, working to help people create neighborhood places to hang-out and have fun. It will take that kind of bottom-up approach to give the American people the great places they desire and deserve.”

John: "America is the most free nation on Earth, so we cannot tolerate a situation where people are not able to take a walk in their own community due to poor urban planning and everything-for-the-auto transportation policies."

(I'm exercising serious restraint in not commenting on those quotes.)

The lack of public space (the "problem of place," as Oldenburg refers to it in The Great Good Place) was bound to become a trendy social issue sooner or later. We've been helping churches jump the curb, but are enough churches on board?

When this thing gets really popular, will people say, "Oh, the church in my town has been doing that for years" and wonder what all the fuss is about? Will the media be hard pressed to talk about third place without talking about local churches? It's probably not to late for churches to get a head-start, but it may be getting close!