Previously, we posted about how the “third place” philosophy is used in church design. That approach emphasizes creating church spaces that function as a welcoming place where people can gather throughout the week, not just on Sundays. But regardless of whether your church embraces a third-place-influenced ministry, one reality remains true: almost every church building includes a gathering space.
Spatial Differences
It’s important to note that gathering areas are not the same thing as third place spaces. Third place philosophy is intentionally attractional; it invites people from the surrounding community to spend time in your building throughout the week. Gathering spaces, by contrast, are designed primarily for the church family itself. They support the natural fellowship of people entering your church building.
Gathering Places in Every New Church Building and Remodel
A place to gather is now part of almost every new church building and remodel project. Whether we’re designing a brand-new facility or renovating a church from the 1890s or 1970s, one of the first conversations we have is about how and where to incorporate such a space. Church leaders recognize that people desire opportunities to connect, and these spaces go beyond a simple building entrance. These spaces are for building relationships and often include:
- Expansive lobbies or foyers that encourage mingling
- Cafés or coffee counters for informal conversations
- Comfortable seating clusters with couches, chairs, and tables
- Multipurpose gathering zones that can flex for events, receptions, or ministry fairs
How Big Should these Spaces Be?
Over the years, the size of gathering spaces has grown significantly. Decades ago, the rule of thumb was to allocate about one-third of the size of the worship center or less for a basic foyer or narthex. Today, the standard is much larger and the spaces are often creative. Many churches now design gathering areas that are half the size of the worship center. In some projects, we’ve even built several spaces equal in size to the worship center, a one-to-one ratio that truly prioritizes fellowship and community.
Real-World Examples: Genoa Church and X Church
Two of our recent church projects illustrate some different design approaches to gathering spaces in a church building.
At Genoa Church in Westerville, Ohio, the large foyer provides a warm, inviting environment where people can connect before and after services. The design creates a natural flow from the worship center into the community area, offering plenty of room for conversation and fellowship. The result is a beautiful, practical space that enhances the overall ministry of the church.
By contrast, X Church in Canal Winchester, Ohio, embraces a sleek, modern aesthetic. Its gathering area feels almost like a contemporary museum, with “mid-century modern” furniture, crisp finishes, and an open, pristine atmosphere. The space is not only functional but also communicates the church’s unique identity, inviting people to gather in a setting that feels welcoming and up-to-date.
Both examples underscore how gathering spaces can reflect a church’s personality while still achieving the same goal: fostering connection among people.
If you’d like to learn more about design trends like these and other topics surrounding the church design and building process, be sure to join us for our free i3 webinars. These sessions cover a wide variety of topics, including practical design strategies, remodeling insights, and ways to align your church building with your mission. You can find upcoming topics and register directly on our website.