Lutheran Architecture: How a Building Reflects Theology
Read the article this discussion is about
- ears4u
- StCatherine
- H2O
- ears4u
This archived discussion is "read only".
For the corresponding "live" discussions, post in the active topic forum here.
» ears4u - Lutheran Architecture: How a Building Reflects Theology
Excellent article as far as it goes. Yes word and sacrament are the focal points of any Lutheran church. However, there are those who feel most of our churches only reflect an adaptation of the reformed of roman style of arthitecture where the minister or priest are the focal points and not the means of grace.John, I mentioned this to you previously but will mention it here for the benefit of those reading the article.
There is a congregation in Houston who is in the process of building a Lutheran "cathedral" along the lines of those in Germany even to the Brouque
style with all the frills. In these structures the congregation is no further than 30 feet from the altar regardless of where they sit. Expansion is not done outward but upward with balconies. The fount, altar, pulit and choir loft are are at the front and center of the structure. I think you can see how this would reflect our emphasis on word and sacrament ministry.
Our congregation is in the process of adapting some form of this architecture into our new worship center which is currently in the planning stages.
-- posted by ears4u
» StCatherine - I have never visited a Lutheran Church
and after reading your article I would certainly like to go and see for myself!!And best wishes to the committee working on the new church plans. Your work has long-reaching ramifications. May the Holy Spirit guide you!!!
-- posted by StCatherine
» H2O - Baroque style
Now that you mention it, Dave, I do recall some newer churches being built are along the lines of what you speak about. Some have the seating on three sides of the altar so that the members of the congregation are closer; others have the altar-pulpit-font on the corner so that the congregation is closer. My congregation at Salem, though built in the twenties and its layout was strange at the time, now looks rather "modern" in light of recent construction trends. And the balcony is nearly the size of the main floor!Maybe others can share their experiences with church architecture.
-- posted by H2O
» ears4u - Church structures
;Several years ago my wife and I visited a church, (newly constructed) in Flower Mound which is a sub of Dallas that the baptismal fount was in front on the altar, however it was large enough for complete immersion. I believe it was the largest I have ever seen. I have no idea how the altar looked as the occasion was a Christmas presentation put on by Dave & Barb Andersen of Fellowship Ministries. All altar furniture was movable obviously since there was none on the "stage."Shortly thereafter we visited in Carrollton at Prince of Peace where they have taken over a huge automobile dealership and turned it into a Christian education campus with the worship center in the former showroom. It too has removable altar furniture. I do know that they use the fish symbol on most all their enhancements.
Just thoughts.
-- posted by ears4u
Please follow the guidelines set forth in the Suite101 Posting Etiquette when adding to the discussion.