For those of us who are invested in our churches, we know the importance of engaging the next generation: making sure they understand truth and faith, and making sure church is a place where they want to be. Having spaces that are intentionally designed to welcome the next generation and foster their spiritual growth is an important part of engaging the next generation.
For a recent project, our task was to revitalize a tired, outdated, and unwelcoming youth space into a vibrant space for a growing youth group. The new youth pastor and I worked closely throughout the process to ensure engagement, stakeholder buy in, and mission and budget alignment. Here is what we did.
Develop a mission-oriented design concept and functional layout
We needed to develop a new design concept for the space from both a form and function perspective. We both wanted to ensure that what it looked like and how it functioned supported the goals of the growing youth group and the growing church.
We spent time brainstorming ideas and searching for inspiration in the community and on Pinterest. It became clear through our research and discussions that we needed bold colors on a modern backdrop to energize the space, and a city-identity theme oriented around the community and underscoring the goal reaching the youth of Indianapolis.
We also developed the functional layout for the space. How should the large gathering room space function and flow? We needed to accommodate weekly youth group times with a message and worship, as well as hang out, game spaces, and food areas for before and after youth group, small group times, and other events. And how should the smaller, adjacent rooms be used? These discussions and decisions led us to the right layout for each space, helping us put together plans for what kind of furniture, fixtures, and equipment would be needed.
Update the branding and image
The youth group logo and branding were old and busy. We knew we needed something that was bold, clear and fresh to help communicate who the youth group was today. While we had objectives for what it should be and should not be, we did not have the graphic design expertise in-house to put our ideas together into a compelling logo with branding. We partnered with senior marketing and graphic design major from a Christian college in the region. We communicated our goals, the vibe we wanted, and our overall design concept. She came back with logos and branding, including fonts and colors, for us to choose from (and they were great!).
Ensure stakeholder buy-in
With the design concept established and a logo and branding selected, we developed 3 design vibes and coordinating colors that could have worked well with the design concept, and sought input from those with the most at stake: the youth group members themselves. We laid out the options in a mood board format and explained the context and the goals. The youth group selected, by vote, which vibe and color scheme they preferred.
We also ensured the congregation was aware of the plans so they could know, support, pray, and even give. Several families gave additional offerings for the project, being convinced of the importance of investing in the next generation.
Make a plan
Because of the money, time, and details involved, we outlined the priorities and developed a timeline with various phases and associated budgets. We prioritized the lowest hanging fruit where we could make the most impact in a smaller amount of time, and took more time on things that were going to cost more or take more planning.
Select furniture, fixtures and equipment based on traffic, wear, and budget
In a church context, there is a balance between the need for a commercial, high-traffic grade of materials and the need to keep costs low. We selected furniture, fixtures, and equipment based on these needs. Each item was evaluated based on its function, how it looked and brought harmony and balance to the design scheme, its durability, and its cost.
We also had materials from the old youth room that still had life in them. Not wanting them to be in a landfill and also knowing there was an opportunity to potentially get money from items to fund the renovation project, we had volunteers work to sell items on online marketplace sites and find good homes to donate others.
Collaborate on implementation
There is obviously a lot of work to be done with painting, new flooring, hanging wall art, and assembling furniture and game items, not to mention some light demolition of relics from the past (namely, a stage that was decorated in the 80s or 90s with colorful movie theater carpet and curtains!). We scheduled a youth and family workday on a Sunday afternoon and had amazing participation from the teens and their parents and family members. We made sure to prepare for the day by developing tasks lists with instructions for the various groups to work on. We also ensured we had the right materials the crew would need to implement the plans.
Take time to celebrate!
While this blog post may make it seem like it was quick and easy to accomplish a total renovation of a youth group space, it took significant planning and work over months to complete. It can be easy to just move along without stopping to look around and acknowledge the transformation. We scheduled an open house and celebration after church one Sunday morning to invite the congregation to come see the space and celebrate with the youth group.
Make a plan to maintain what you’ve done
As we are all aware, it takes some intentionality to maintain a space, especially a space that is used for teenagers! Youth rooms can become dumping grounds – from food and materials left over from youth activities to “helpful” donations made by church members (like old couches…). Be intentional to keep it picked up and organized. Also, carefully edit all additions to the space over time to ensure items are in alignment with the design scheme and mission.
