Worship Center

Lancaster, PA

106,313 SF New Construction

This massive worship facility is designed with a circular lobby featuring seating clusters for fellowship and informal meetings without impeding traffic. This wandering foyer bisects the building and allows easy access, separating the worship center and education/fellowship wings. The worship center seats 1,500 with an intimate “theater in the round” environment; 375 additional seats can be added as the congregation grows. Sloped seating leads to stadium seating at the rear of the sanctuary, creating bold sight lines and increased intimacy. An extensive catwalk accommodates the necessary theatrical lighting and A/V control. The wide array of classroom and offices provide flexibility throughout the entire facility. The building design also features large gathering spaces for youth and children’s ministries plus both a youth cafe and family coffee shop.

The buildings exterior elements were carefully selected to break down the building mass to a residential scale, fitting the rural nature of its Pennsylvania location. Large gables mark the entrances, cementing each wing as a separate entity. Glass window expanses create a natural bridge to the outside, and natural interior design themes create consistency and a sense of completion within the building.

Architect of record: Dan Cook, BGW Founder Emeritus