Holy Places: Matching Sacred Space with Mission and Message

Holy Places: Matching Sacred Space with Mission and Message, Nancy DeMott, Tim Shapiro, and Brent Bill, The Alban Institute, Herndon VA, 2007. ISBN 978-1-56699-345-6. Buildings communicate. Stained glass windows, high altars, multi-purpose worship/gymnasium spaces, Plexiglas pulpits, padded pews—these and all other architectural elements say something about a congregation’s theology and mission. They point to a faith community’s beliefs about worship, identity, purpose, and more. From the stark simplicity of a Quaker meetinghouse to the splendor of a Romanesque Revival building, sacred spaces speak loudly. What they say can either reinforce a congregation’s mission or detract from it. Holy Places is designed to be used by congregations who are involved in or are contemplating work on their facilities. This could include renovation, remodeling, expansion, or building. No matter how extensive the project, approaching the work with mission at the forefront is the key to having a final result that strengthens the congregation’s ministry. "Have every member of you leadership team read Holy Places; it offers a clear and compelling guide to rethinking--not just rebuilding--your sacred place." Ron Wolfson, author of The Spirituality of Welcoming: How to Transform Your Congregation into a Sacred Community,

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