Practical Planning Steps to Renew Your Worship Space

As a building ages, there can be many challenges to address in order to best serve both congregation and community. Some projects may seem approachable, such as audio/video upgrades or new flooring and paint. Other challenges may feel more daunting, such as accessibility improvements, lighting, or expanding your building, while also being sensitive to the historical character of the church. Sometimes these goals can feel overwhelming. This presentation will help congregations, no matter the financial starting point, develop a roadmap to renew their worship spaces. We will take a closer look at the renovations planned for Emanuel in New London, Wis., and learn how design professionals can assist a congregation’s leaders to determine a meaningful path forward. Projects from other churches will also illustrate possibilities.

Bio | Todd Dvorak

Todd Dvorak, AIA, ACLS, is an architect and senior project manager with GROTH Design Group. Todd has over 20 years of experience in the architecture and construction industry and has been blessed to serve many WELS congregations on their journey toward expanding or renewing their worship spaces. Todd is currently a member at St. Paul in Appleton and serves on the church’s properties committee.

Bio | Mark Tiefel

Pastor Tiefel serves at Emanuel, New London, Wis., and is worship coordinator of the WELS Northern Wisconsin District. He previously served in Houston, Texas, and as worship coordinator of the WELS South Central District. He was a member of the hymnal committee and has contributed to past worship conferences in service design and presentations on the practical history of worship.