Much of the work of Robert Winthrop & Associates has been concerned with the redesign and revitalization of older churches. These projects are often complex and difficult, and result in the transformation of existing structures. This discussion is a way for churches to focus their preliminary thinking as they consider a renovation project.

Many churches have a commitment to a building or a site, either for emotional, historical, or economical reasons. These churches often have outgrown their facilities, or find that the church building no longer meets the needs of a modern congregation.

Many churches add on to solve immediate problems but do not address the long-term needs of the church. Immediate needs often generate a call for an expansion project; the fellowship hall is too small, the nursery needs to be enlarged, the choir needs more room in the sanctuary. More often than not these needs are symptoms of problems. An overall review of the church and its needs is in order.

It is important to try to stand back and look at the building and the way it works. If you were a young family with a toddler, would the nursery facilities be attractive? If you were visiting for the first time, what would your impression of the building be?

Using these questions and those that follow can help a church better assess its immediate and long-term needs, and together with the architect, come up with a plan that will match the needs of the congregation.

• The first step
• What activities take place in the church?
• How do you enter the sanctuary?
• How are special services accomodated?
• What role does music play?
• Where is the weekday entrance?

• Does anyone live there?
• Do you need to add onto the building?
• Where is my classroom?
• Can we build it economically?
• Where does your church want to be at the end of the design process?