thanks - I can say it surprised the heck out of me. We have had our fair share of not acting like the Body!! It is really nice when we get our heads on straight!! :D

As a church we recently went through a space allocation process and found ourselves grappling with many of these issues and more. In the end, we did designate space for different ministries to be the primary users. However, in the design of each space it was made clear that the space must be put together in a way that may focus on a specific ministry, but it can not make it exclusive to that ministry. In other words, it must be able to be used by other ministries as well.

For our student ministry, we actually ended up being responsible for the renovation of an entire wing of the building. In the design, we made sure to not do the typical youth room design. We removed all of the old smelly couches and went to more sturdy and comfy single seating options. We also contacted a church member with a flair for interior design to help make our basement space more open and welcoming. Her help has transformed a dirty, dark basement into an open, airy, and even bright place.

As part of this renovation we installed an integrated audio video system in the main student lounge which allows for our student worship and for meetings for groups of 50-75. In addition, in our break out rooms we put home theatre systems for sound and then either projectors or flat screens depending on the size of the room.

The furnishings of each room are sturdy and usable for the primary use and can be set aside and stored if another group needs to use the space.

Bottom line, by the Grace of God, we ended up with a space that is functional and flexible. In the end, we have adult groups asking to use this space as their first choice rather than as a last resort. And we our students have a place they are comfortable to invite their friends to. Not a bad deal! (but I am a little biased)