104 - How to Negotiate

The second you mentioned the layout of a church implying its theology, I had the epiphany. I'd looked at designs before, and listened to discussions about it - traditional vs contemporary, the majesty of catholic designs, etc. How modern times have shifted from a forward and upward awe-inspired majesty-proclaiming design, to a more..say..'practical', community, efficient design. Even the change in podium design - whether it's high or low, large or small, light or heavy, visible or non-existent. All of that paints a picture about a church's mission, theology, goals, structure... but I hadn't considered the length vs width aspect! hehe. It's so true. Modern churches tend to be wider than longer, while traditional (I won't just say Roman Catholic since I grew up in some less-contemporary churches, and especially older Baptist churches) tend to be longer, balcony, tall front, large cross, large pulpit, etc. And from my experience in those varieties of churches, there *tends* be a different congregational mechanic, where one is more focused on teaching, the word, vertical worship - and the other is more presentation-focused, community, inter-personal fellowship, even performance (for better or worse). So that design mentality exists in the protestant portion of Christianity as well, not just Catholic vs Protestant. Excellent point to have raised in regards to your help in constructing churches Matt.

I Haven't read the book (I think I initially had a mind view of Matt's re. everything is a negotiation comment, but will now go back and read it in light of your discussion. thanks). Not the reason I was posting. More to do with a comment re. "one cuts, the other chooses". I've recently stumbled upon a version of this when putting two sporting teams together. Rather than a "schoolyard pick" where two captains take turns in choosing players one by one (usually with the "better" kids being picked first, and the not as skilled ones always being picked last). you still have two captains, but one of the captains assembles BOTH teams, and then the other captain picks which team will be theirs. Not only does it make sure that both teams are even, it also eliminates the feeling of the not so skilled kids being always picked last etc.

Andrew Leonard