Technology impacts our lives in many ways, and churches are not exempt from the benefits of tech in daily living. Here’s how newer technological trends and advances can improve a church building and impact church design.
AVL Technology—and More—in Your Worship Center
Audio, video, and lighting (AVL) are three systems integrated in any modern worship location, especially in church buildings designed for real-time simulcasting. Integrating Wi-Fi and connectivity with AVL increases the seamlessness of multi-campus ministry with virtual worship. AVL, when set up well, can make it feel like the pastor is in the room with you.
Another technological advance in church design is handling sermon questions in real time, which allows people to text questions while the pastor preaches. After the question arrives, the pastor can quickly read it and respond. (Please note that we do not design AVL systems, but we can incorporate them into your church design and can recommend a list of reliable vendors for purchasing the technology.)
Integrating Technology Throughout Your Church Design
A dedicated space for monitoring and controlling these advanced technological systems is another big need. Modern church design can incorporate rooms set aside for video control, online streaming and recording control, video editing, and sometimes audio-visual recording studios. Because technology constantly changes, we suggest including space for additional technology in your church design.
We also suggest integrating technology throughout your church campus because tech innovations aren’t limited to worship. Digital signage, kiosks for giving, and dedicated church apps, which can include real-time sermon notes and an option for feedback to the leadership team, are examples of using technology in your church building.
Easing Church Building Management
Not all modern technology supports church attendees; some of it supports leaders such as you. For example, many commercial structures now have smart-building controls for HVAC that staff, from a distance, can manage through apps. We can include these energy-management systems in your church design. Wherever you are in the world, and with a reliable signal, your phone can regulate your church building’s heating and cooling units.
When we started building churches in 1970, none of this technology was available. Since then, so much has changed, but the bottom line for church design remains the same: The building and technology are tools to bring people closer to God.
Technological advances have also helped us share our i3 webinars for free—and in a format that’s easy for you to access. By registering for our next i3 webinar, you can keep up to date on the latest in church design and building trends.