I am currently conducting research to examine the meanings and messages inherent in the worship space of Baptist churches. My study proposes and tests a way to evaluate the theological messages of worship space based on a combination of architectural semiotics and ethnography. It is based on the idea that it is not enough to only look at the architectural elements of worship space to determine theological meaning. This is because architectural messages can be supported, modified or even negated by the way the space is actually used in worship. In Baptist life, an example of this in can be seen in some congregations which have contemporary style worship services. In many of these services, the minister delivers the sermon from the floor in front of the communion table, at the top of the center aisle. In these situations, the space where the sermon is preached is not an elevated podium or an area centered around a pulpit, but the floor at the top of the center aisle, close to the congregation. In churches that have not been designed or modified for this type of worship, the elevated podium remains visible in the background. The result is a negation of the message of the podium. The height and distance of the platform stands in contrast with the floor level and proximity of the actual preaching event. The result is a shift in meaning relating to the authority of the preacher as well as the sermon. My hope is that this research will sensitize congregations to the ways that the silent but powerful messages inherent in worship space can either support or contradict their theological beliefs.

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If you are interested in semiotics or would like to learn more, Daniel Chandler has put together a nice introduction, "Semiotics for Beginners," which you can get to from my links. There are also a couple of sites for more information on ethnography (see anthropology listings.)