We just released a new research project.
Unchurched prefer cathedrals to contemporary church designs
by Tobin Perry
People who don’t go to church may be turned off by a recent trend toward more utilitarian church buildings. By a nearly 2-to-1 ratio over any other option, unchurched Americans prefer churches that look more like a medieval cathedral than what most think of as a more contemporary church building.
The findings come from a recent survey conducted by LifeWay Research for the Cornerstone Knowledge Network (CKN), a group of church-focused facilities development firms. The online survey included 1,684 unchurched adults – defined as those who had not attended a church, mosque or synagogue in the past six months except for religious holidays or special events.
"Despite billions being spent on church buildings, there was an overall decline in church attendance in the 1990s," according to Jim Couchenour, director of marketing and ministry services for Cogun, Inc., a founding member of CKN. "This led CKN to ask, ‘As church builders what can we do to help church leaders be more intentional about reaching people who don’t go to church?’"...
Stetzer suggested that the unchurched may prefer the more aesthetically pleasing look of the Gothic cathedral because it speaks to a connectedness to the past. Young unchurched people were particularly drawn to the Gothic look...
Stetzer noted that despite these survey results, most of the churches that look like a cathedral are in decline. Just because someone has a preference for the aesthetically pleasing, Gothic churches doesn’t mean they’ll visit the church if that’s the only connection point they have to the congregation, he said.
"Buildings don’t reach people, people do," Stetzer said...
Read the whole story here.
The Christian Post has the story here.
Some of the more insightful posts on the research:
From Ministry Today.
Comments (6)
I find it interesting that people prefer "old-timey" architecture in churches they don't go to. That in itself ought to tell us the statement attributed to you ... churches don't reach people. People do.
Churches seem to have their hands full reaching other churches, if you look at who's joining our church these days.
Posted by Bob Cleveland | April 5, 2008 4:42 PM
Posted on April 5, 2008 16:42
Ed,
I almost laughed when I read this (I'm tired of being mad or sad...I just laugh now). I'm amazed at how many churches spend millions on buildings which attract already "churched" people! That's just great! They tend to be better and more consistent givers/tithers after all.
I wonder what the price difference is between building a “gothic cathedral” church building these days as opposed to the multi-purpose centers/play lands/coffee shops/gymnasiums/worship spaces?
Posted by irreverend fox | April 5, 2008 7:31 PM
Posted on April 5, 2008 19:31
Oh great... where can we find some tower bells for our one story metal building? ;)
Posted by Jeff | April 6, 2008 10:14 PM
Posted on April 6, 2008 22:14
Interesting research and we appreciate that it was well conducted. It's maybe not as surprising as it seems at first glance. We are seeing folk convert to Eastern Orthodoxy because they say they long for tradition and personal spiritual connection that evangelical churches frequently lack. Maybe the unchurched equate facades that appear sterile with a belief that is lifeless. We would do better to pay attention to the unchurched people we actually KNOW, offering them the kind concern and care we offer to each other. Once known and loved, they may not care so much what the front of the church is like...because they will be meeting us there... Thanks again -- very thought-provoking.
Posted by Mary M Gibson | April 6, 2008 10:46 PM
Posted on April 6, 2008 22:46
Amazing....so we try so hard to be unchurchy when in fact it's what they prefer. Do we actually consult with unchurched when we try to be seeker sensitive or do we just assume to know what they are looking for?
Great survey!
Posted by Camel Rider | April 7, 2008 10:58 AM
Posted on April 7, 2008 10:58
And probably when they are looking for a bowling alley... they are not looking for something that looks like a church.
Posted by Michael | April 7, 2008 11:30 AM
Posted on April 7, 2008 11:30