A church building should be a tool for ministry. But what happens to an old building when times change and a church’s vision for ministry evolves? It is another reason why church leaders may need to revisit their church design.
In our last post, we looked at both planned and unplanned remodels, showcasing various ways that churches adapt to those situations. Here, we will highlight some examples of church designs created to meet shifts in ministry focus.
From Multi-Use to School Gymnasium
Our first example looks at one church’s 30-year-old multi-use space that served as both a gym and an area for youth and children’s ministries. The gym featured two platforms on opposite walls, one with a set focused on children and the other with a stage for youth ministry. During the week, the stage platforms were hidden by curtains, as seen in the picture on the right.
Over time, as the church expanded, it saw the need to establish a Christian school. This space no longer served the church leaders’ vision for ministry and needed to transition from a multi-use area to a dedicated gymnasium. The picture on the left shows how changes were made to accommodate the student body of the school by installing bleachers in place of the two stage areas and modernizing the entire space for athletics.
The Shift from Bookstore to Youth Ministry Space
Bookstores are another example of changes in ministry needs. At one time, they were a staple in many churches, offering easy access to Christian sundries, literature, and study materials. However, with the rise of digital resources and online shopping, the need for physical bookstores within churches has declined.
Here’s one such church that faced this reality and decided to repurpose its large bookstore, which saw dwindling use. Recognizing a greater need for a youth ministry space, the church transformed the bookstore into a vibrant ministry area for 5th and 6th graders (pictured left). Now, instead of an underutilized retail space, the room is a hub for young students, fostering faith development and community engagement.
Redeeming and Repurposing an Old Church
Another scenario is when an entire new building is needed for ministry changes. What happens to the old church building?
In this example, a 55-year-old church building found new life. Originally constructed in 1970, the building reflected the architectural style of its time (pictured on the right). Over the years, it served as a worship space, then a daycare, but all of this had eventually relocated to a new church building. The old building wasn’t ever vacant, however, as another church had plans for the facility.
A new congregation saw potential in the old church building and chose to purchase and modernize it. Through renovations, they updated the interior and gave it a more modern feel, as this picture shows. Today, this revitalized church is thriving, proving that even older buildings can be redeemed and repurposed for contemporary ministry.
At The McKnight Group, we specialize in designing and remodeling church buildings to align with a church’s ministry goals. If you’re considering a new church design, a remodel, or need guidance on repurposing an existing space, we can help. And if you’d like to learn more about the church building process, be sure to sign up for our free i3 webinars. are available on our website!