LCEF - Architectural Advisory Committee

LCEF’s Architectural Advisory Committee is a team of professional Lutheran architects and liturgical artists who advise on architectural design, planning, construction and preservation of facilities for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod ministries.

Encourage excellence in church architecture and ecclesiastical art.
Stimulate greater understanding of good church architecture and of sound planning for building projects.
Encourage architects and artists to strive for a higher level of excellence in planning church buildings.
Stimulate sound economic approaches to the planning of worship and educational facilities.
Promote responsible business principles and Christian stewardship throughout building project.

An architectural advisor will meet with a congregation on a one-time basis for expenses only. For information about LCEF architectural services, contact your District Vice President or fill out our contact us form or call 1-800-843-5233 between 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., CT, Monday through Friday.

A detailed booklet, “Architectural Handbook” is available.

A Site and Facility Analysis is now offered through the Architectural Advisory Committee to help congregations make good decisions about their land and buildings.

Architect Expands Church He Originally Designed

Members of Risen Christ Lutheran, Davenport, Iowa, asked Gary Landhauser to design their church built in 1990 as a member of LCEF’s Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC). They were so pleased, they asked him back in 1995 to create plans for Sunday school classrooms and a day care. While future ministry plans, aided by an LCEF Demographics Study, are being considered, there is no doubt Gary will be back when Risen Christ expands again. “Both Gary and LCEF have been a blessing to our ministry,” said Rev. Kurt Larson.

‘Historic Character’ Maintained with Architect’s Help

LCEF’s Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) members often provide advice on architectural design and planning. But Elmer Wind was asked for advice regarding a church built in the late 1800s: St. John’s Lutheran, New Minden, Ill. “He showed us how to keep the historic character of the building but make it better able to serve our modern needs,” said Rev. Tim Mueller. “Elmer understands that the church is not a building, but people—people who need space of one sort or another for Christ’s work.”

Nebraska Schoolhouse Moved Next to Church

Adding fellowship and classroom space to Zion Lutheran Church, Hampton, Neb., involved moving a former two-room, 40-ton schoolhouse across the church parking lot. Laborers For Christ, working for the congregation, gutted the 1920s-era building and prepared for what had to be one of the most unusual moves ever made in the town.

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Creating a More Reverent Place to Worship

Simply building a structure doesn't complete a church. One must consider the atmosphere and furnishings. Use one of LCEF's Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) liturgical artists for items such as a baptismal font, or consider adding stained glass windows available through Concordia Publishing House (CPH).

Post-Construction Tip: Be Ready for More Outreach in New Ministry Space

Laborers For Christ can bring your members together in worship and volunteerism, and very often their witnessing mobilizes congregations to accomplish more outreach once construction is complete. Be ready by reviewing your supplies and furnishings; go to the CPH Church Renovations Web site for pew accessories, offering plates, new altar adornments, etc.

Raising the Roof for Christ

Laborers For Christ recently helped the Christ the King Lutheran Church, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, congregation solve its problem with leaks by raising its flat roof. In doing so, the team also helped raised community awareness.

“Every day for four or five months, our community, the vendors, and trades people saw thousands of hours put in by our church volunteers and the Laborers,” said Russ Schumacher, congregation building chairman. “It made them wonder what causes people to put in such a great amount of time [to the construction project]. It was a good witness to our community.”

Architectural Advisory Committee Forms		Architectural Advisory Committee Brochures
Search our literature rack for additional forms.		Architectural Advisory Committee Brochure Architectural Handbook Real Estate Guidelines Site and Facility Analysis Flier Search our literature rack for additional brochures.