What Does Your Lobby Say?

What Does Your Lobby Say?

As the generational switch in leadership continues to take place, more and more churches are evaluating whether or not their lobby is the inviting space they want, or a holdover from a past era. If your church is either asking this question now, or you think it will in the near future, here are some tips to help navigate through the lobby remodeling process.

1) Think ahead. If your church is working through a cultural shift, plan your lobby space to match where you’re going, not where you are now. That might mean a lobby that looks a little out of place compared to the rest of your church, but use the space to help people catch the vision of where you’re going as a church.

2) Evaluate the effectiveness of your space. Before you buy paint and wood, think through the entire space. Is now a good time to move your coffee to a new location? Is there an extra coat closet that no one uses that you could remove some walls and gain extra lobby space? Changes don’t have to be monumental, but if you’re going to paint, now might be the best time to cut some drywall.

3) Think outside the lobby. Now might be a great time to evaluate your signage narrative. As people drive onto your property, make sure the messaging on your signage becomes more focused as people get closer to your entrance. Start with your logo and “Welcome” on flag banners at the entrance and narrow down to guest parking, directions to children’s check-in, and restrooms as people progress into your lobby.

4) It’s hard to have too much light. You want your lobby to be a place that feels alive and where people enjoy sticking around and talking to others. Allow as much natural light into the space as possible and if needed, add more light fixtures into the ceiling.

5) Make it easy to stay. Some bar height tables and chairs, or even a couch or two, can do wonders for making a space where people want to stick around and keep talking.

6) Decorate with your vision. If you’re going to add wall graphics, canvas prints, or some other form of wall decoration, take the opportunity to use words, phrases and imagery that reflects the messages you want members to embrace, and guests to experience.

What other tips would you give to a church embarking on remodeling their lobby?