Study Shows Millennials Turned Off by Trendy Church Buildings, Prefer a Classic Sanctuary

The Christian Post ^ | 11/14/14 | Stephanie Samuel

[marshmallow]

Millennials gravitate toward classic, quiet church spaces that feel authentic and provide a break from the busyness of a fast-paced, technological world, revealed a study commissioned by church architectural firms.

Online surveys administered to 843 young adults ages 18 to 29 by Christian research firm Barna Group and Cornerstone Knowledge Network, the market research organization created by church design firms Aspen Group and Cogun, found 67 percent chose the word "classic" to describe their ideal church. By contrast, 33 percent prefer a trendy church as their ideal.

"They don't want something created artificially for them; they don't want a bait and switch. What they want is something deeper and more authentic," Aspen Group AIA Architect Derek Degroot said of the survey results.

That search for authenticity translates into the look and sound Millennials prefer for their ideal church.

When asked to choose their preference between a church sanctuary and a church auditorium, 77 percent chose sanctuary. When shown four different kinds of church windows ranging from modern and least "churchy" to traditionally ornate, over a third of all respondents chose the most ornate stain glass window common to chapels. When shown four styles of church altars, the study showed that a majority of respondents chose altars that "are unambiguously Christian and are more traditional."

"Millennials are a very visual group," explained Barna Vice President of Publishing Roxanne Stone. "If they go into your church and they don't know where to go or it's ambiguous or they don't understand what something is for, they will move on."

Additionally, 78 percent of millennial respondents selected a quiet church as the ideal over a loud church.

[far sider]

Soon everyone will be talking about the Post-Millenials. Can’t wait. Sick of hearing about Millenials.

[Paulie]

And not just millennials either.

[Jewbacca]

FWIW, I am a member of 2 different Orthodox shuls (Jewish) in two different towns, depending on where I am at the moment.

Both obviously very traditional and traditional-looking.

In the last, say 5-6 years, both have been inundated with young, formerly secular, “kids” in the 17-27 age range, some young parents, most single. Most become very serious and engaged.

[Fester Chugabrew]

A good many new church buildings look more like pole barns. The older buildings require expensive maintenance. The National Cathedral has been desecrated by Muslim idolatry. The god of the golf course beckons.

[grania]

and not just millenials either

agreed

[CrazyIvan]

A lot of “modern” church architecture is hideous. Just do a search for ugly churches. I think there is some satanist architect cult that somehow rigs the system so that they get most of the bids. The plan is to make churches so repulsive no one will attend.

[Alex Murphy]

When asked to choose their preference between a church sanctuary and a church auditorium, 77 percent chose sanctuary. When shown four different kinds of church windows ranging from modern and least "churchy" to traditionally ornate, over a third of all respondents chose the most ornate stain glass window common to chapels. When shown four styles of church altars, the study showed that a majority of respondents chose altars that "are unambiguously Christian and are more traditional."

"Millennials are a very visual group," explained Barna Vice President of Publishing Roxanne Stone. "If they go into your church and they don't know where to go or it's ambiguous or they don't understand what something is for, they will move on." Additionally, 78 percent of millennial respondents selected a quiet church as the ideal over a loud church.

When asked when they would start tithing to pay for their new ornate sanctuary, Millennials chose to begin attending another church.

[Fiji Hill]

The National Cathedral has been desecrated by Muslim idolatry.

Why are so many conservatives outraged over this? The building was already desecrated last year when it was announced that same-sex "marriages" would be performed there.

It may be called the National Cathedral, but it's not a national cathedral. It's an Episcopalian house of worship, and members of that church can use it as they please.

[tanknetter]

If it’s not Barocque, don’t fix it!

[dangerdoc]

I’ve been to the National Cathedral, went to services there 20 some years ago, it was pretty secular back then, probably more so now. Never went back, I found a church that taught Christ.

[skeeter]

Same thing with music - prefer old hymns to arms-in-the-air contemporary stuff. But then Presbyterians aren't known for being charismatic.

[Resolute Conservative]

True, or elementary school lunch rooms.

[Albion Wilde]

A lot of “modern” church architecture is hideous. Just do a search for ugly churches.

Here's the "Chicken Church" in Tampa Bay, Floriduh:

[Hattie]

Well in my huge church they prefer the loud music and tech age.

[left that other site]

First Prize

In The Ugly Church Contest!

ML/LTOS

[oblomov]

Eero Saarinen was the architectural pioneer in designing churches in the modern era. He had many imitators who did an even worse job of designing a worshipful space.

Is it a National Park gift shop? A golf course clubhouse?

[SoFloFreeper]

Here you go, from real clear religion:

Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio...

Why, God, why?!

[SoFloFreeper]

Roman Catholic church in Nevers, France. Blockhead design.

[SoFloFreeper]

Catholic church in Armonk, New York. Not so bad, just very, very 1960s...