No matter the size of your church, you will probably have a need for a multipurpose space at some point. Nearly every congregation has activities outside of worship services. If you’re currently building a new church or trying to create a multi-use area in your current building, here are some things to consider.
Existing Space
Before you decide to build a new area, consider how you can utilize the existing facilities. Be creative about ways to repurpose space in your church. Do you have spare meeting rooms or offices that could double as a multipurpose room? Perhaps you could even hold activities in your sanctuary area if you’re using church chairs instead of pews for your seating.
Layout and Dimensions
Consider what you really need in terms of size and layout. Practice good stewardship by finding the right balance between budget and your congregation’s needs. If you typically get a few hundred people at your weekly worship services, do you really need to plan for 1,000 people in your multipurpose area? On the other hand, if you frequently draw a crowd from the surrounding community, the extra space may be necessary. Only you can make that judgment call based on your typical attendance.
Acoustics
Acoustics is something else to consider, especially if you are going to have presentations and speakers in this space. When building a new church, your architect can help you design a room with the right acoustics. If you are working with an existing space that has less-than-ideal sound properties, there are sound-absorbing panels for walls and ceilings that can help.
Storage Space
You should try to build storage space into the room or close by. The very definition of a multipurpose room is a space that holds different events and activities. Each activity will come with its own (very different) needs and equipment. It’s helpful to be able to quickly put things away and set up for the next activity or event. Investing in chair storage accessories can help speed up this process.
Aesthetics
Designing a multipurpose room can be tricky because you want a design that works well in different environments. Banquets and fundraisers may call for a classic, tasteful look, while a kids’ ministry room calls for playful, whimsical elements. It’s best to choose a neutral design that can adapt to multiple purposes.
Choose colors that go well with virtually anything, such as white or beige. You can always set the mood for an event through decorations, but the basic aesthetics of the room will remain constant. Make sure it’s a look you can live with.
Extras
You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but adding some extra touches like lighting fixtures and furniture can really make the space your own. Think of what will be universally appreciated. For example, comfortable couches would be much appreciated for furnishing children’s ministries, small group meetings, or Bible studies.
Furniture
When purchasing furniture for your space, think versatility. Stacking or folding chairs can be easily set up and taken down, and they are suitable for a variety of uses. You can also use church chairs or multifunction chairs for more formal events. These chairs make an attractive and comfortable seating option for banquets, fundraisers, and more.
Plastic folding tables are also highly versatile. They can be dressed up with tablecloths for a banquet or left bare for children’s ministry activities. They also hold up well to outdoor use.
Lastly, consider investing in room dividers to create “walls” as needed. This is helpful for breaking up a larger space into smaller units. Some room dividers even absorb sound.
Need multipurpose furniture for your church? Contact a ChurchPlaza sales representative to discuss your needs. We can help you decide on the right furniture for your needs.
