Design Guidelines for Non-Denominational Church Projects

Designing for non-denominational churches requires a modern, evangelical approach that avoids Catholic and Orthodox influences. Simple communion elements, empty crosses, and contemporary worship environments align with the theological and cultural identity of these churches. By maintaining consistency with non-denominational values, designers can create visuals that enhance the worship experience.

Overview

  • Focus on non-denominational aesthetics by aligning designs with modern, Western evangelical church styles while avoiding Catholic or Orthodox influences.
  • Avoid certain religious symbols, such as crucifixes, rosary beads, stained glass, and liturgical imagery like priests in robes or ornate communion elements.
  • Use simple and modern elements, including plain communion visuals (cup and bread), empty crosses, and contemporary church environments.
  • Reflect evangelical worship culture by creating designs that feel welcoming, informal, and in line with Southwestern evangelical aesthetics.
  • Ensure theological and cultural consistency by encouraging creativity that aligns with non-denominational values to support the intended worship experience.

Design plays a crucial role in shaping the worship experience of a congregation. When creating visuals for non-denominational churches, it’s important to align with their theological and aesthetic preferences. Unlike Catholic or Eastern Orthodox traditions, which have distinct symbols and artistic styles, non-denominational churches in the Western evangelical tradition favor a modern, minimalist approach. This guide outlines key design principles to ensure that church visuals effectively support the intended worship environment.

1. Understanding the Target Audience

When creating designs for church projects, it’s essential to understand the audience. Most requests are for Western or American evangelical churches, particularly modern, non-denominational congregations. These churches differ significantly from Catholic or Eastern Orthodox traditions, which have distinct visual and liturgical elements that do not align with the intended style.

 

2. Design Do’s and Don’ts

Avoid the Following Elements:

  • Orthodox or Catholic symbols: Items such as ornate communion cups, rosary beads, and crucifixes (crosses with Jesus depicted) should not be used.
  • Stained glass aesthetics: While stained glass is common in traditional churches, it does not fit the modern, non-denominational look.
  • Eucharist imagery with priests: Designs should not include depictions of priests in robes or Catholic-style Eucharistic elements.
  • Liturgical references: Elements related to Catholic or Orthodox liturgy, including ceremonial garments and chalices, should be avoided.

Acceptable Design Elements:

  • Simple communion representations: A modest cup and bread can effectively convey communion in a non-denominational setting.
  • Empty crosses: The preferred cross imagery is an empty cross, symbolizing the resurrection rather than the crucifixion.
  • Modern evangelical aesthetics: Designs should reflect contemporary church environments that are more informal and welcoming, often inspired by Southwestern evangelical culture.

 

3. Visual Examples

To guide design choices, here are some characteristics of acceptable visuals:

  • Communion elements: A plain cup and bread without excessive ornamentation.
  • Cross imagery: Empty crosses or abstract representations rather than crucifixes.
  • Worship environments: Spaces that feel modern, warm, and representative of a non-denominational evangelical church culture.

 

Understanding the cultural and theological context of the church projects is crucial. While creativity is encouraged, it should align with the aesthetic and theological preferences of non-denominational evangelical churches. By adhering to these guidelines, designs can effectively support the worship environment and message these churches aim to cultivate.

 

Watch the video below for more details: