Construction of a church is required whenever a congregation increases or starts anew. If you’re in the planning stages, consider these three types of church floor plans and designs, and be aware of the important details you need to ask about throughout the process.
There are multiple variables that factor into the construction of a new church. No longer are churches just about an area to worship. They’re multi-use facilities that can include:
- Cooking or warming kitchen
- Activity space
- Daycare facilities
- Conference rooms
- Classrooms
- Administrative offices
It’s common for a congregation’s eyes to grow wide with all the possibilities, but the approach needs to be pragmatic, as costs can escalate quickly without smart planning.
Before we share some floor plans and designs, take a look at multiple factors to consider during the planning process:
Think About Your Needs
Start with a wish list. Think about all the needs you have in the facility, and consider how space would address them.
- Do you need more space for worship, or would you like a fellowship hall, too?
- Would you like to expand your facility to include classrooms and daycare facilities?
- Do you want to include risers, music areas, sound boards and wiring runs in the worship area?
Beyond your immediate space needs, there are some big picture considerations in terms of building, such as:
Sustainable building: Is your church going to be a green building?
Building techniques: Are you comparing different construction approaches?
Choosing a builder: Are you looking for someone who can meet your building needs?
Keep in Mind Building Codes
Building codes are important, as certain limits trigger requirements. Here are some examples:
- Sprinkler systems: A building needs to be sprinkled based on the number of occupants and square footage.
- Kitchens: The type of kitchen you’re using is important. A warming kitchen is different from a commercial kitchen.
Check out our post on building codes for more details.
Consult With a Design and Engineering Team
When moving from a simple worship facility to a multi-use building, there are many factors that require design and engineering expertise. You’ll need a construction team eventually—but in the planning stage, it’s crucial to partner with a team that understands the entire process from concept to completion.
One cost-effective option is working with a design-build company—an experienced builder that also provides in-house design and engineering services.
By contrast, hiring a separate architect and engineering firm, then bringing those plans to a builder, often results in rework and costly changes. That’s because the design team may not account for the building techniques and construction methods your contractor actually uses in the field.
Ok, let’s jump into the floor plans and designs!
Small Church Floor Plan
Church: Short Creek Baptist Church
Capacity: Under 100
Description: Small countryside worship facility. This is strictly a worship space, with some additional office space included.
Interior Space
Exterior View
Mid-sized Church Floor Plan
Church: Abiding Love Baptist Church, Kearney, MO
Capacity: Just under 300
Description: Multi-use facility. Includes kitchen, room for daycare, extended fellowship hall. Includes 2nd floor storage area.
Interior Space
Exterior View
Actual View
Big Church Floor Plan
Church: South Creek Church of God, Kokomo, IN
Capacity: Over 500
Description: Multi-use facility, includes a gymnasium and church classrooms. This large open center space, designed to be all-purpose, is surrounded by classrooms. The open areas don’t have fixed seating, which allow the flexibility to be used as a gymnasium or a performance area.
You’re limited when you anchor things to the ground — but when you have movable walls and seating, you can use the facility for multiple purposes.
Interior Space
Exterior View
Actual View
Download Church Floor Plan PDFs
The images we’ve shared with you here are just the start of the building process. Quite often we work with churches that want these basic designs and the shell only. They then enlist the help of the congregation to help with interior walls, electrical, plumbing and HVAC.
Other buildings, such as the large First Church of God, require expert contractors to complete the task.
Use these floor plans as inspiration. You can download them here.
Mid-sized church floor plan PDF
And if you’d like, you can also reach out to a Wick Builder to learn about how this design and construction process can work for your congregation.
