Second Baptist

Second Baptist Church, Springfield, MO voted in favor of an extensive renovation of their two-story children’s areas as step one of a multi-year, multi-phased project designed to attract young families looking for community, connection, and fellowship. Paragon was selected for the project due to the wide scope of work they could bring to the table as a partner. Paragon worked with Joyce Buxton (BKD) who acted as the church's space designer while the GC (JE Dunn) did the infrastructure work.

The overall concept for this project was intentionally designed as more abstract than realistic with elements that would almost feel timeless and be less likely to grow tired over a relatively short period of time. This echoes what Paragon is seeing from clients looking for new children’s spaces today. The abstract design also allowed the budget for the project to be spread out on elements throughout the space as opposed to being condensed into the lobby space alone.

Stylized trees made from CNC routed plywood anchored the entrance points for both floors. In addition, 2D landscapes and themed signage continued the look through the hallways. A series of different sized doors defined the entrance to the tiny town room by separating it from the hallway while still allowing viewing into the room. An indoor playroom was fitted out with a custom finished play-house, forest themed wall graphics and custom, illuminated clouds. Inspirational pieces were added to the hallways for both floors in the form of reflection houses for the smaller kids and dimensional graphic art style vignettes for the older kids.

The main children’s worship room not only featured theming and signage, but also included the integration of audio, video, lighting with custom acoustics. A large LED wall anchors the modular stage that can change shape and size to accommodate a variety of performances / activities. Custom shaped and Halo lit acoustics around the room control the sound in the space. Performance sound and lighting allow the client to use this space at a high level for a variety of purposes.

Other key elements provided areas of interest outside the main functional spaces. The parent pathway was one such element. This piece anchors the hallway between the kids’ space and the parents’ areas. It serves as a visual illustration of the core principles that the kids ministry teaches. A custom-built bubble wall, window graphics, and custom window coverings are a few of the other ancillary elements. This project illustrates how Paragon can help deliver an integrated, themed, functional project to meet a client’s needs.

“Today’s younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, are gathering for different reasons,” says Donnie Brawner, owner and CEO of Paragon. “To be honest, today they can find powerful and inspirational sermons online, but they are searching for community, connection, and fellowship. That means they are looking for a great experience. That is what we have to be thinking about as we look at how we design and build church spaces today. How do we create engaging environments that foster Community, connection, and fellowship? That’s what leads our efforts.”