A recent survey probed nearly 1,700 unchurched American adults, putting photos of four different church exteriors in front of them. Respondents indicated their preferences for designs by allocating 100 points across the four images, giving more points to those they liked and fewer to those they didn't.

The medieval-style cathedral averaged 48 points, more than double the next-highest finisher, a white-steeple-and-pillar exterior that averaged about 19 points. The other two churches, possessing more contemporary, suburban-plex feels, averaged 18 points and 16 points, according to the study, commissioned by Cornerstone Knowledge Network and conducted by LifeWay Research.

So with increasing attention paid to evangelicals who are drawn to liturgical church styles, should church leaders weighing new building designs opt for traditional approaches as a way to attract the churched and unchurched alike?

Download a copy of research results.

For at least some people who don't attend church, the idea of setting foot in a Gothic cathedral for worship may not be as intimidating as we think. In fact, it might actually appeal to them.

In this video clip, Ed Stetzer provides some context for how the "Sacred Space" research can inform church building and design decisions.

The U. S. Census Bureau shows that the amount spent on religious related construction has grown over the past fifteen years from $3.5 billion to nearly $8 billion. Even when inflation is factored out, churches are still spending significantly more than just over a decade ago. Yet, according to Barna's statistical tracking, church attendance has actually declined over that same period of time.

I am thankful for my friends in information technology. For all my exposure to IT, I still have not been able to get past the "novice" stage. One thing I do know is that, if you are using a certain software application to accomplish a project and it is the wrong software or, worse yet, viruses, you are unlikely to have a successful project. In a similar way, the building committee is like the software the church uses to accomplish the building project. If the software isn't right, it is unlikely the church will end up with what they need to facilitate their ministries. That makes the selection of the building committee members critical in every program.

Creating space, engaging people, and transforming lives—that's the mission of BuildingForMinistry.com, a website created through a collaborative partnership between Christianity Today International and the Cornerstone Knowledge Network (www.theCKN.com). Christianity Today International is the publisher of Christianity Today, Leadership, Your Church, and Church Law & Tax Report, and Cornerstone Knowledge Network is comprised of a select group of companies that design and build churches and provide expert guidance through conferences and consultations.

Ed has a passion to help build better churches, not to just build better church buildings. He serves as president of Aspen Group, the Midwest's premiere church construction company. Aspen Group designs and builds original, effective facilities for growing churches by using an integrated process, combining visioning, feasibility, architecture and construction.

When Ed met Bill Couchenour, the two discovered they had much more in common than just an expertise in building churches. They both share a deep desire to understand what factors contribute to ministry effectiveness. It was this shared vision and passion that led to the birth of Cornerstone Knowledge Network (CKN), a joint effort initiated by Aspen Group and Cogun, Inc.

As a founding member of CKN, Ed has directed research that demonstrates building better churches requires an understanding and clear alignment of these dynamics: Evolving Culture, Relevant Ministry, Empowering Leadership, and Intentional Facilities. Along with speaking at the CKN regional conferences, Ed is a frequent speaker at events such as WFX, NACBA and NACFM conferences,

You can keep up with Ed at:

Website: Aspen Group
Cornerstone Knowledge
Network
Blog: EdBahler.com

Bill Couchenour serves as president of Cogun, Inc., a premiere church construction company, which has coordinated the design and building of more than 650 church facilities since 1970. Since 1995, Bill has led the company in serving hundreds of congregations to bring about facilities that met specific ministry plans and budgets.

Bill is the author of the book, Churches: Before You Build (2003).

Ed Stetzer has planted churches in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia and transitioned declining churches in Indiana and Georgia. He has trained pastors and church planters on five continents, holds two masters degrees and two doctorates, and has written dozens of articles and books. Ed's primary role is President of Lifeway Research and Lifeway's Missiologist in Residence.

He has written many books, including his most recent, Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches That Reach Them (with Richie Stanley and Jason Hayes, 2009)

Dave Ferguson is the Lead Pastor of Community Christian Church, an innovative multi-site missional community that is passionate about helping people find their way back to God. Community Christian Church (CCC) has grown from Dave, his wife and four friends to more than 5,000 people meeting every weekend at nine locations. CCC empowers more than 600 volunteer leaders to oversee difference-making ministries throughout Chicago and was recently recognized as one of the most influential churches in America.

Dave provides visionary leadership for the NewThing Network, whose dream is to be a catalyst for a movement of reproducing churches. NewThing is a network of reproducing churches internationally and a resource to churches looking to reproduce to multiple sites or start new churches. Dave is also the co-founder and serves on the board of directors for the Institute for Community, which partners with real estate developers to accomplish their mission of helping people build quality relationships where you live and work through the power of genuine community.

Dave is the author of the newly released, The Big Idea: Focus the Message, Maximize the Impact along with Jon Ferguson and Eric Bramlett.

Next to Jesus, Dave loves his wife, Sue, the most and then his three terrific kids, Amy - 18, Joshua - 15 and Caleb - 10. Dave and his family live in Naperville, IL. Dave enjoys hanging out with his family, reading, running and playing any sport with a ball. If you want to keep up with Dave's adventures check out his:

blog: daveferguson.org
church: community christian church
network: newthing

Skye Jethani serves as the managing editor of Leadership Journal, a publication of Christianity Today International. Leadership's purpose is to equip pastors and church leaders for the challenges of ministry in a complex world. In this role, Skye not only has the opportunity to engage many of Christianity's most influential leaders, but also translate their thoughts into practical help for those struggling to live faithfully in a rapidly shifting culture. Skye also contributes regularly to other resources within the Leadership Media Group including Out of Ur , Preaching Today, and Building Church Leaders, and he's the author of The Divine Commodity: Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity (Zondervan, 2009).

Prior to his editorial role with Leadership, Skye served for six years in full-time pastoral ministry at Blanchard Alliance Church in Wheaton, Illinois. During this time he helped Blanchard launch a second congregation in Warrenville, Illinois, and wrestle with questions of mission and spiritual formation in a postmodern, post-Christian culture. As a teaching pastor, Skye has taught adult classes with a special focus on issues of faith and culture. He continues to serve as a member of Blanchard's teaching team and preaches in both Wheaton and Warrenville regularly.

What kind of name is Skye, anyway?It's a nickname. His given name is Akash, a Hindi name that means sky in English. Since birth his family has called him Skye, although he still doesn't know who decided to add the -e.

Marian V. Liautaud is the editor for Your Church Resources at Christianity Today International. Her position includes serving as editor for a variety of books, publications, websites, and e-newsletters, including BuildingForMinistry.com, ChurchSafety.com, Church Law & Tax Report, Church Finance Today, and Church Office Today. Marian has edited dozens of books and written numerous articles. She is a member of the National Association of Church Business Administration.

Marian has been married for 23 years to Dan. Together, they are raising four boys and savoring the joys of a grandson.

Jim Couchenour began his career serving churches 25 years ago as a Project Consultant with Cogun. He currently serves as Director of Marketing and Ministry Services, and has developed tools for growing churches to bridge the gap between the church and unchurched. Jim has spoken on these subjects at many conferences, and has written a number of articles on church ministry in postmodern culture that have appeared in national Christian magazines. He graduated from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and received his MBA from Youngstown State University.

Rex Miller is a nationally respected futurist, consultant, speaker, theologian and communications expert and author. His book, The Millennium Matrix: Reclaiming the Past, Reframing the Future of the Church, introduces an innovative historical view describing the power of changing media on culture and the organizations within the culture. It describes the new leadership models necessary to navigate change and lead a rising iGeneration. His book outlines the new leadership and organizational paradigms for a digital world.

Rex is an expert in working with Generation Y and the iGeneration and is a trusted advisor and consultant to over 200 organizations over the past 20 years. He has been active in lay ministry since the late 1970s with a degree in theology and communications from the University of Illinois.

Rex has been a youth leader, tennis coach, Boy Scout master and lay pastor. His interests include camping, tennis, music, photography and researching future trends. His lifelong focus has been on mentoring relationships while his professional focus has been on developing healthy organizational cultures. Rex, a Chicago native, lives in Southlake, Texas with his wife and three children.

Other books by Rex Miller:

The Commercial Real Estate Revolution

The Millennium Matrix, published in July 2004, by Jossey-Bass, is his first book.

Kevin Ford is the Chief Visionary Officer and Managing Partner of TAG Consulting, a management consulting firm specializing in strategy, leadership and ministry development. TAG's client list includes Merrill Lynch, the Federal Aviation Association and the Salvation Army. Kevin is also an author and speaker in both the corporate and Christian world. His father is Leighton Ford and his uncle is Billy Graham. Kevin and his wife and two daughters live in Northern Virginia.

He is the co-author of The Thing in the Bushes: Turning Organizational Blind Spots into Competitive Advantage (Pinon Press, 2001). His newest book, Transforming Church was released by Tyndale House Publishers in 2007 with the paperback version released by David C. Cook in 2008.

Sam S. Rainer III serves at Sarasota Baptist Church, a multi-site church on the Sun Coast of Florida. Sam is the co-author of the recently released book, Essential Church. He has written numerous articles for several publications. He serves as president of Rainer Research, a firm dedicated to providing answers for better church health. He is a frequent conference speaker on church health issues. Sam holds a BS in Finance and Marketing from the University of South Carolina and an MA in Missiology from Southern Seminary. He is currently working on his PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University. Sam enjoys hanging out with friends and family in the Florida sunshine.

You can follow Sam at:

Website: RainerResearch.com
Blog: SamRainer.wordpress.com

Michael created Third Place Consulting after experiencing success as founder, owner, and church bartender at Third Place Cafe in Corona, CA. With more than 17 years of professional experience, Michael brings a great balance of knowledge and skill from a variety of disciplines including business, cafe ownership, education, youth ministry, project development, church planting, and the specialty coffee industry. Michael's undergraduate work was focused on ministry and pastoral development; he holds a M.A. in organizational leadership and development from Regent University. He travels the country experiencing and creating environments that enhance and compliment the vision and mission of churches, businesses, and organizations. Michael enjoys speaking and consulting throughout the country, as well as writing and contributing to a variety of publications. Most recently he engineered the initiative Message In Hand - which are conversational coffee sleeves that bring awareness and support to humanitarian causes.

You can contact or blog with Michael at:

Third Place Consulting
Message In Hand

Brad is passionate about teamwork. He understands that a collaborative environment is needed to develop creative, cost-efficient ministry solutions for church building projects. And he believes that a team with expertise in planning, design and construction, coupled with a heart for ministry, a knowledge of the church community and a willing spirit can offer the best service to our valued clients.

A native of the Chicago area for most of his life, Brad Eisenmann earned his engineering degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. Upon graduation, Brad joined a Fortune 100 company where he gained experience in design engineering, project management, jobsite safety and contract procurement. Brad joined the Aspen Group team in 1994 as a Design/Build Manager. He was Director of Business Development, then Vice President of Project Development before being promoted to his current position as General Manager.

Brad and his team of Chicago District Business Developers, Project Developers, Architects and Project Management staff work hard to support the mission and ministries of our church, para-church, and non-profit clients.

Brad, his wife Cindy, and children Greg, Ryan, Julie and Nelson live in New Lenox, Illinois. Brad is very active in his church, having served in several leadership roles, including Trustee, Building Committee, lay minister, and as chairman of his denomination's national Building Advisory Committee.

At the Cornerstone ALIGNMENT4 conference, you'll learn about the underlying movements in our society so you can understand culture. You'll hear about ways to have a more relevant ministry. Experts will explain how to empower your leadership. And you'll learn how to channel all of that into an effective church facility.






The ALIGNMENT4 conference is for anyone who desires relevant ministry in an effective facility, including:

Pastors
Business Administrators
Staff
Lay Leaders
Building Committee members

You'll also discover research-based, experience-tested information to:

Connect with your evolving culture and powerfully address the soul cravings of your community. Avoid ministry burnout by discovering your church's unique call.
Discover how to leverage your next change initiative to pull your leadership team and congregation together.
Inspire spiritual growth and congregational generosity in these times of economic difficulty.
Design the right space to support a culture of connection.
Assemble an effective building team based on the strengths of its members.
Explore the benefits of building a sustainable, green facility.

Register now online or call 888-595-7360 today!

Dates & locations for 2009 conferences are: Indianapolis, March 3, 2009; Orlando, May 5, 2009; Chicago, September 15, 2009; Charlotte, October 27, 2009

People leave the church. The dropout issue is well known and widely discussed. Perhaps less known is the alarming rate of young adults rushing for the exit doors of churches. We discovered this disturbing trend when we analyzed the results from a national survey of 18- to 22-year-olds.