Redesigning a Worship Space? New Book Provides Theological Discussions And Practical Advice

E.J. Potente and Dr. David Zersen Offer Insight into Worship Space

is based on sound principles and extensive experience. Shaping Worship Space will promote considerable discussion about tradition and relevance in parish study and planning groups.

Kenosha, Wis. (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 8, 2008 -- When faced with constructing or renewing their worship space, congregations are often overwhelmed with choices and unsure of the best way to proceed. A new book published by Concordia University Press helps alleviate such concerns.

In Shaping Worship Space: How Christians Shelter and Adorn Their Liturgies, co-authors E.J. Potente and Dr. David Zersen offer theological discussions on the influences of Christian architecture, as well as practical advice for congregations that are planning to construct or renew their worship space. By examining the historical experiences of Christian people, the authors consider how and why Christian worship spaces have evolved and the relevance such influences have on today’s churches. Also serving as a worship space planning guide, the authors provide practical advice based on generations of experience. Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking study questions. In addition, a comprehensive strategic plan guides readers through the process of designing a beautiful, meaningful and functional place of worship.

Co-author E.J. Potente is the President of The Studios of Potente, a liturgical design company based in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Potente has spent the last 30 years focusing on ways to reorient or enhance worship space in hundreds of denominational settings. Much of what E.J. knows and practices, he learned from his father, Eugene Potente, Jr., founder of The Studios of Potente and to whom the book is dedicated.

Dr. David Zersen is a theologian and educator at Concordia University Texas. Also inspired by his father, a pioneer in the field of illumination, Zersen engages readers with his passion for and extensive knowledge of Christian architecture. His discussions examine why the church building has become what it is today, and how these discoveries are meaningful for today’s Christian communities.

According to the Rev. Frank C. Senn, Ph.D., the book “is based on sound principles and extensive experience. Shaping Worship Space will promote considerable discussion about tradition and relevance in parish study and planning groups.”

The Rev. Richard S. Vosko calls the book “an ecumenical repository of information.” Vosko adds, “It mixes just the right amount of history, theology, ministry and design recommendations to make it a practical primer for any congregation building or renovating a place of worship.”

To read an excerpt from the book, visit The Studios of Potente online at www.sopi.com/shapingworshipspace. To purchase your copy of Shaping Worship Space, please call The Studios of Potente directly at 262-654-3535.

About The Studios of Potente, Inc.
For over 70 years, The Studios of Potente has been bringing the beauty and inspiration of hand-crafted workmanship to churches, synagogues, chapels and columbaria. The body of work concerns the complete interior – the way it looks and the way it functions. All elements including space planning, lighting, seating, arrangement for music, painting, decoration, positions of altar and railings, backgrounds and accents are considered equally important in the way in which the building works. Additional information about The Studios of Potente may be found online at www.sopi.com.