Unchurched Americans prefer churches that look more like a medieval cathedral over contemporary church buildings, a new study showed.
Although billions of dollars have been spent on church buildings and more contemporary designs, church attendance has declined, said Jim Couchenour, director of marketing and ministry services for Cogun Inc., a founding member of Cornerstone Knowledge Network. The network was thus prompted 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?"
In a study conducted by LifeWay Research for Cornerstone Knowledge Network, the unchurched preferred more traditional looking buildings by a nearly 2-to-1 ratio over any other option. Given 100 "preference points" to allocate among four photos of church exteriors, the unchurched used an average of 47.7 points on the most traditional and Gothic options.
The other three options were given only 18.5 to 15.9 points.
"Quite honestly, this research surprised us," said Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research and LifeWay Christian Resource’s missiologist in residence. "We expected they’d choose the more contemporary options, but they were clearly more drawn to the aesthetics of the Gothic building than the run-of-the-mill, modern church building."
Stetzer believes unchurched Americans may be drawn to the look of the Gothic cathedral because it speaks to a connectedness to the past.
Young unchurched people particularly preferred the traditional look. Those between the ages of 25 to 34 gave an average of 58.9 of their 100 preference points to the more Gothic church exterior while those over the age of 70 gave that option only an average of 32.9 points.
One survey respondent said modern churches "seem cold."
"I like the smell of candles burning, stained-glass windows, [and] an intimacy that’s transcendent," the respondent said.
"We may have been designing buildings based on what we think the unchurched would prefer," Couchenour noted. "While multi-use space is the most efficient, we need to ask, ‘Are there ways to dress up that big rectangular box in ways that would be more appealing to the unchurched?’"
Most churches that look like a cathedral, however, are in decline, Stetzer pointed out.
"Buildings don’t reach people, people do," Stetzer said. "But if churches are looking to build and are trying to reach the unchurched, they should take into consideration the kind of building. Costs and other considerations will play into the decision, but the preferences of the unchurched should be considered as well."
Survey results showed that more than half of the unchurched said the design of a church building would impact their enjoyment of a visit to church. Twenty-two percent said the design of the church would strongly impact their enjoyment of the visit and 32 percent indicated it would have some impact. More than a third said it would have no impact whatsoever on their visit.
The survey was conducted on 1,684 unchurched adults on Feb. 4 and 5. Unchurched people are defined as those who had not attended a church, mosque or synagogue in the past six months except for religious holidays or special events.
Comments
Perhaps, many just want the sense of continuity with past Christians. A feeling that Christians have been praying to God in the same place for centuries. We often forget that America is still a young country. In Europe, you can go to houses that have been lived in for centuries whereas our oldest buildings are often less than two hundred years old. In our ever increasing fast paced life, many may seek something that says God is here, has been here and will be here in the future. This may help anchor Christians who feel adrift in the tide, if it helps then more power to them.
From the perspective of designing a building to reach the "unchurched" this is already a losing battle. You can't please all of the people all of the time. Tastes and preferences will radically change long before the building exceeds its useful life. This is a wasted effort.
I agree that no one is saved by the type of building or great architecture.
God wants us to be a temple worthy of His Spirit. Fancy building are nice. But God prefers obeidence more. Remember, Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manager. God met Moses in a burning bush. God dwelled in a tent for over 40 years.
As some one stated earlier: If cathedrals are what attract unbelievers, all of Europe would be saved.
People can be drawn to fancy building where God word is not preached. Architecture is nice but God is not found there in. The Taj Mahal, St Basile Spasskaya Tower, Kaaba and Potala Palace are excellent examples of great architectural design. However, Jesus Christ is not preached in them correctly or at all.
holito,
I never suggested anything else. Of course we don't worship the building.
There shall be no other God before Me.
Are you suggesting that we cannot have a Godly church and a building that honors the holiness of God?
Not in the least, however, we are called by the good new not to a building. When we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we should present ourselves holy and acceptable to God. God word can be preached in a store front church or a wonderous building. If you are drawn to the church first and not the word, you are coming already for a different reason. Your mind is not on serving God.
holito,
Are you suggesting that we cannot have a Godly church and a building that honors the holiness of God?
The first thing that came to mind when I read this???...
2Ti 3:5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof..."
We're talking about folks who only want to "play church" every now and again.
It's only natural that they would value form over function. It's the mantra of the relativistic culture that we are in, that regards symbolism over substance.
...and what's more It's the stepping stones of man-driven works-based salvation. " I put on my "Sunday best" and "give" God an hour of my time to show how "good" I am, I kneel and clasp my hands together in a traditional prayer pose, and think that there is some special super-godly magic that makes old unintelligible liturgies and lofty sounding choral music a better or more holy way to get to God - or so I think. Yep, I'm racking up points with the big man upstairs for doing this, even if it means nothing to me personally!"
Not. Jesus will say unto these: "Depart from Me, I never knew you".
Are you looking to "get right with God"? You're time would be better spent with a Bible and a few Christians who tuly love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul, that could answer your questions and guide you in more humble surroundings.
God isn't impressed by your candles and chanting and long prayers and big buildings.
Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifice You (God) want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise."
Of course the church is people and that the building is not the church but I agree with Kevin. Why can't we have both?
Because you can have a beautiful building with the devil as the sheppard or you can have a person filled with the Spirit preaching salvation.
Seriously people. This study is not about what attracts people to actually going to church; the study simply showed images of different architectural styles in order to determine which are deemed most attractive to people (and, by the way, a sample of 1000 is standard...if done on scientific randomness principles, it is accurate +/-3%).
Lucifer was the most gorgeous angel in heaven. But He has not lead anyone to God. Please let me know where it is written we would be drawn to God based on a building?
Faith comes by hearing hearing the word of God. Ever perceiving but not seeing and ever hearing and not understanding. God said: My people perish for a lack of knowledge.
What we so easily forget is that the old gothic cathedrals were designed to draw the attention of the people toward heaven and the holiness of God. There were actually things in the architecture of those cathedrals which were intended to be viewed by God alone.
Of course the church is people and that the building is not the church but I agree with Kevin. Why can't we have both?
Seriously people. This study is not about what attracts people to actually going to church; the study simply showed images of different architectural styles in order to determine which are deemed most attractive to people (and, by the way, a sample of 1000 is standard...if done on scientific randomness principles, it is accurate +/-3%).
The study should be no surprise. Why on earth would someone prefer a warehouse to a gothic (or romanesque or baroque or spanish missional etc.) church. Why can't all these rich suburban evangelical churches make beautiful spaces to praise God? Yes, the heart of each believer is most important, but why either/or? We can go from the heart and move outward into creative endeavors, including architecture.
If cathedrals are what attract unbelievers, all of Europe would be saved.
Say it again: Building will not save us. We are suppose to be the temple of God. We should carry Him wherever we go.
I have a few observations. Although I spent much time in Europe and LOVE the cathedrals and "old style" buildings, I do not feel this makes as much of a difference as we think. I do not feel the research has been extensive enough. First of all, where did these 1,000 something "subjects" come from? Where they from many different areas or just one city? Also, there is a much broader and more detailed study(s) showing that the movement is going the way of house churches and small groups. The Cooperate woship with thousands is still yearned for but the environment of a smaller "house" church is the driving force...especially in the culture shift today. I do not know the age of who has done the research but I am in my twenties and consistently around college and grad students. They are not seeking buildings but are seeking smaller groups that have a driving force and purpose. They want authenticity and purpose. Asceticism and commitment. There are many, many others who also have found this. I do not want to bash this post as I see how that might be observed but the research was not carried out very well or "professionally" in my opinion. I look forward to this being researched more and learning of the outcome! Keep on keepin' on warriors!
So....does this mean we all need to go out and build cathedrals, now??? C'mon. The unchurched!!! Hah!!!!
The fact is, many of the cathedrals are cold buildings!!! The unchurched don't have a clue!!!!