This blog is published in partnership with our capital partners at AspenGroup. The content is based on an exclusive Gloo+ webinar. If you want to watch the recording and attend events like this in the future, you’ll love Gloo+. 

Why July Is the Best Time to Prepare Your Church Space for Fall

Right now, things might feel slow.

Attendance is spotty, the calendar’s lighter, and the rhythm of Sundays has shifted. But don’t be fooled—this is one of the most strategic moments of the year.

Your church is more than a building. It’s a space where people connect with others, find purpose, and build community. From Sunday morning worship to weekday gatherings, your space is the physical canvas where transformation happens.

And here’s the key: Long before anyone hears a sermon or shakes a hand, they’ve already experienced your church through its environment. Church hospitality isn’t just about greeters and coffee stations—it begins the moment someone turns into your parking lot.

July is the perfect time to reimagine your physical environment—not just as a facility, but as a frontline of ministry. This blog will help you refresh your space with practical, cost-effective ideas that create a culture of welcome for Back to Church season and beyond.

How Church Building Design Shapes First Impressions for Visitors

Whether you realize it or not, your space is speaking—and visitors are listening. Here are some key elements to consider when designing or updating your space:

Entrance Matters

The entrance is the first impression visitors will have of your church. What’s the vibe when someone arrives? Ensure it is inviting and accessible. Consider the parking lot, adding clear signage, well-maintained walkways, warm lighting, and perhaps a welcoming committee to greet newcomers. Is there visible hospitality before anyone even walks in?

Visual Clarity

One of the easiest ways to improve church guest experience is to help people get oriented quickly. Can guests easily find the sanctuary? Are bathrooms clearly marked? Is there a greeter at the kids' check-in?

Layout and Signage

A confusing building layout can create tension, while clear signage makes people feel at ease. Church signage best practices suggest using friendly, visible, and consistent language that guides rather than overwhelms.

Back to Church Tip: Walk through your church this week like it’s your first time. Bring someone new with you and watch what they notice.

How to Use Your Church Building for Community Outreach During the Week

Here’s something striking: 88% of people believe churches should serve the broader community, not just members.

So, how can your building become a daily invitation to neighbors, families, and visitors?

A few ideas:

• Open your lobby during the week for co-working or quiet reflection
  
  
• Host support groups, youth nights, or community events
  
  
• Partner with schools for tutoring or space-sharing
  
  
• Create a meeting room that’s available beyond Sundays
  
  

Even small steps can go a long way. These are practical, low-cost church outreach ideas that build trust and connection in your neighborhood. Even small acts of weekday hospitality can plant big seeds of trust—just in time for Back to School rhythms to kick in. 

Why Your Church Website Is Critical to Creating a Welcoming Experience

Before someone parks in your lot, they’ll visit your website.

Today, your digital church presence is often the first touchpoint, and it should reflect your values as much as your building does.

Ask yourself:

• Is your website as inviting as your Sunday service?
  
  
• Do your photos, fonts, and messages feel personal and real?
  
  
• Are service times, locations, and ministries easy to find?
  
  

There should be consistency between digital and physical spaces. Use technology not to replace in-person community, but to enhance it. The tools are there—use them to extend your church welcome strategy.

Back to Church Prep Idea: Update your homepage now with clear fall service info and a fresh “Plan Your Visit” section.

Designing for Real Life

Great design doesn’t have to be trendy or expensive; it just needs to be intentional.

Here are a few tips for creating spaces that support both community and function:

• Use the 1:1:1 ratio: Sanctuary, lobby, and kids’ space should be proportionate to meet real needs
  
  
• Avoid patchwork renovations—design as if your church is one cohesive space
  
  
• Think through the flow: What do people see, hear, and feel as they walk through?
  
  

How to make your church more welcoming starts with stepping into your visitors’ shoes and reimagining the space through their eyes.

Big Impact on a Small Budget

Don’t have a renovation budget? That’s okay. You can still create meaningful change with a few simple, strategic upgrades.

Start with:

• Lighting: Brighten up dark corners and add warmth
  
  
• Paint: Refresh tired walls with inviting colors
  
  
• Landscaping: Tidy entrances signal care and vibrancy
  
  
• Signage: Clear, friendly, and helpful signs reduce confusion
  
  
• Seating: Comfortable, modular furniture makes a difference
  
  

These are low-cost church upgrades that improve the atmosphere without major spending—and they go a long way in hospitality.

Pro tip: Invite a few volunteers to tackle one of these areas each week in July. You’ll be amazed at the momentum it creates.

Align Church Space, Website, and Culture Around Your Mission

Your space speaks. What is it saying?

When your physical and digital environments reflect a clear and consistent message, people notice. Hospitality becomes more than a moment: it becomes an ongoing invitation to feel safe, seen, and welcomed.

Start with your “why.” Clarify the purpose behind your space, and take steps—big or small—to shape your church into a place that invites connection and community.

Because no matter your budget or building, every church can take practical steps toward becoming a more inviting space where people feel at home.

Want to learn more about the topics in this blog? If you're a Gloo+ member, you can access resources from the AspenGroup in the Members Hub.