Now is the perfect time for church renovations

Now is a good time to do some renovations to your church. With the return of school, there is often a lull in attendance as families get back into the swing of their school schedules. Whether you’re planning a major construction effort or just freshening up, now is a great time to do it. Also, there are no major religious holidays.

Often when churches get renovations these days, they choose to make their sanctuaries more open and inviting to parishioners and visitors. There are many ways to do this.

Clear signage and entry points

Good signage is important so people know where to enter and exit. Also, make sure that once people are in the sanctuary, they know where to go, even if ushers are not immediately available to direct them. Signage is important for other areas of the church, such as meeting rooms and Sunday school classrooms.

It is better to limit the number of entrances and exits in use for regular services. This creates more of a sense of community and gives parishioners the opportunity to visit while they wait to enter or exit the sanctuary. It also minimizes confusion for visitors and new parishioners.

flexible worship space

This is important to create a sense of community and allow participation. Many churches have replaced the pews with mobile church chairs. Some churches have a mix of curved pews and chairs. An additional idea is to place chairs around a communion table. This avoids the traditional communion line.

The same goes for the chorus. Choir chairs can be used to help position members in a variety of configurations where you choose. Some churches place their choir close to the congregation where they can see the pastor instead of looking back.

Some pastors have easy-to-move pulpit furniture that allows them to stand anywhere in the sanctuary or conduct their services in a circle. Who says that the sanctuaries have to be prepared so that all the parishioners look forward listening to the pastor in front?

Of course, it is important to know your audience. A larger congregation may feel more comfortable with a traditional arrangement. However, if you have a younger membership or have special youth services, they are more likely to accept a less conventional setup. Sometimes for special services, or those held after a tragedy, people crave the feeling of closeness and involvement that flexible seating can provide.

let there be light

If you’re looking to create a more upbeat and energetic mood among your congregants, add more lighting to your sanctuary. You can do this whether you’re applying a new coat of paint or completely redesigning the sanctuary. Many churches install skylights and white ceiling panels to allow light to reach the cross and communion area. The effect can be very powerful.

Even relatively minor changes can lighten your meeting spaces. Consider a new color scheme. By changing the paint, rugs, and chair or bench cushions, you can also create a fresh, new look. If you order chairs or cushions from an online retailer, be sure to ask them to send you swatches so you can see how the color and fabric will look with the rest of your decor before you make the purchase.

Tidy up meeting rooms, classrooms, and social spaces

It is important not to neglect meeting rooms, classrooms, and areas where people socialize in the church. An open and comfortable environment can help increase attendance at your events and classes. There is no reason why people participating in Bible study and new member courses have to sit in uncomfortable metal folding chairs.

Companies that sell church furniture have many different types of church chairs and banquet chairs in a variety of colors. They also have banquet tables and folding tables for almost all church sizes and budgets. Find one that gives you a good deal if you buy in bulk. When ordering chairs, don’t forget the caddies for easy transport and storage.

If you are doing an extensive renovation, make sure that the decision makers in the church meet with a few companies that specialize in church renovations. Find one to handle the job, big or small, with a budget you can afford and on hours that minimize disruption to the church and congregation.

Don’t forget to create excitement in the congregation about the changes. They may be somewhat forgiving if they know they can expect a beautiful, spruced up church when it’s finished!