Core Shifting

At Paragon, we’ve worked on over 1,000 church renovation and new construction projects over the past 24 years, and we’re witnessing a major shift in church design, driven by the needs and preferences of Gen Z and Millennials. Here are the key factors shaping the future of church environments:

1. Community, Connection & Fellowship: Gen Z and Millennials value meaningful community, fellowship, and engaging spaces. They prioritize environments that foster connection, such as children's spaces, gathering areas, and strong security. Churches are increasingly focusing on renovating existing buildings rather than embarking on costly new construction. We’re also seeing a trend toward smaller, more intentional spaces rather than large, traditional sanctuaries. The emphasis is on creating multifunctional areas, such as coffee shops and gathering zones, that promote fellowship.
2. Online Presence will become critical: A robust online presence is essential for church growth. Done correctly, it doesn’t compete with in-person experiences; it enhances and drives them. Before the pandemic, only 27% of churches streamed services. Now, 92% do. Surveys show that 1/3 of Millennials are attending both online and in-person services. This shift makes online engagement a critical driver for in-person attendance.
3. The Main Attraction is changing: The new generations are gathering for many different reasons, and technology is a part of that, but it isn't the main focus. As the line between digital and physical spaces continues to blur, churches need to think about how their physical spaces and technology can work together to create seamless, immersive experiences for both virtual and in-person congregants.

In summary, the church design landscape is evolving toward smaller, community-focused spaces, with a strong emphasis on creating both digital and physical environments that foster connection and engagement.