Sacred Space Grants Initiative

This grants initiative ended 12/05

The Sacred Space Grant Initiative helped congregations address the challenging issues they face in matching their physical spaces to their missions.

The Sacred Space Grant Initiative seeks to link congregations with the best resources available for building stewardship and expansion. Congregational teams reflect theologically about the nature of sacred space, design plans to address sacred space needs in their own distinctive way, and receive technical assistance as well as financial support toward implementing their own sacred space plans.

We know that the needs of congregations in the area of sacred space issues are varied - landlocked parcels, traffic flow issues, classroom space, zoning and building code concerns, upkeep on older buildings, and many more. Congregations are encouraged to look at building issues through strategic reflection, strategic planning and strategic action, a three step process that links congregational facilities to missions.

The Center recognizes that place itself isn’t holy. Still, place is an instrument that helps us participate in the mission of God. As architect Rudolf Schwarz said, “It is only out of sacred reality that sacred buildings can grow … that sacred substance out of which churches can be built must be alive and real to us.” The Center’s desire is to work with your congregation so that your sacred space may be alive and real to you.

Click here for information about the instructional DVD and study guide.

See information on the Holy Places book.

See information on the Sacred Space Conference.