Theology

What kinds of floor plans for the nave of a worship space encourage fellowship?

Overhead view of a radiating floor plan

We do not attend Divine services primarily for individual worship and devotion. Neither a person’s exclusive nor private interest is a celebrant’s concern. We frequent the sanctuary not only to assist one another in faith, but also to corporately worship, bonding more fully into a body of believers. The worship space should be designed so we can sense oneness. Generally common worship involves people meeting together as a single body to receive God’s blessings and to respond with praises through canticles, hymns, and psalms. The concentric floor-plan and radiating floor-plan as opposed to the longitudinal plan are layouts that encourage oneness within the worshiping body.

Side view of a radiating floor plan
  1. Introduction
  2. What is the first consideration when building a new place of worship?
  3. Why be concerned about the architecture and art of a church building? After all, isn’t style of architecture and its art simply about a person’s taste of color and form?
  4. What is a good approach when selecting visual art pieces for a worship space?
  5. Is there a formula for the design of a perfect worship space? What are the design concerns?
  6. Should there be communion rails in a church?
  7. Where is the best position for the baptismal space, by the entrance of the church, or in the chancel?
  8. Why are restrictive lids placed on some baptismal fonts?
  9. What forms of the cross are best for a worship space chancel?
  10. How can the cross be used in a congregation’s symbol or logo?
  11. Should the two flags — American and Christian — be placed as a pair in the chancel of a church? Why or why not?
  12. What is the purpose of an eternal light in a worship space?
  13. Where is the best location for the praise band in a worship space?
  14. What about using artificial materials on the worship structure to save money?
  15. Is light an important consideration in worship? Please explain.
  16. What kinds of floor plans for the nave of a worship space encourage fellowship?
  17. Biblical Numerology
  18. What is the difference between religious art and liturgical art?