The Impact of Interior Design in Student Ministry Facilities

I realize this may seem like an odd topic to address, however this is THE question I am attempting to answer through my extensive research and designs for my senior thesis project! The main criteria for a senior thesis project is to do something that you are passionate about and can have a significant impact on. For example, (and please keep in mind that I am not speaking arrogantly when I say...) that I was always very involved in the church, especially in my youth group. I had the privilege to practically travel the world through numerous mission trips and I felt as though I was totally equipped spiritually to face the temptations of this world once I left for college. However, I did not realize just how fallen this world is and how enticing a sinful life can be. By God's completely sufficient grace, He has protected me from many harmful and negative life choices, that I could not be more grateful for his ever present help, especially in time of need! Praise the heavenly Father for His ever sufficient grace!

Okay....so here's the mystery that I am earnestly seeking to solve: why are the statistics so high, that 60-80% of professing high school "Christians" completely disown their faith and walk away during their college years? As a senior in college, I do truly understand the temptation and the thrill of adventure college brings, which who doesn't love a little adventure, but there's a difference between tasteful adventure and just having no boundaries or convictions. Is all that worldly pleasure really worth sacrificing the beauty and the privilege of having a personal relationship with the creator of this world? Here's the challenge: How can I, as an interior designer, find a way to design a student ministries facility where students don't come just for free pizza and a cool t-shirt every week, but they come b/c the interiors of the space draw them in and once they are in, they just can't pull themselves away. Their little ears just take in THE truth that is so boldly taught in these places that the Lord leaves them hungry for more. THAT'S my mission as a designer for the upcoming student ministries facility at one of the local churches here in Birmingham, AL. Praise be to God!

I would encourage as much feed back as possible, as I am taking every statistic, opinion, scripture and pastoral interview into great consideration for this project. Please take a few minutes to think about this, pray through it with me and maybe even examine your own heart as I am and help me figure out how we can help better prepare and shape this upcoming generation with the Lord's help and with more practical and beneficial interior designs! :)

Let me just say one more thing: I realize that we are all human and we will make mistakes and poor decisions through out our lives, but I am confident that we can lower these statistics and further His kingdom through this process, as well!

"This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17