Designing for the Kingdom

When Pastor Travis Agnew arrived at Rocky Creek in 2017, he observed that God was preparing the church for something new. “It was obvious that we were going to have some renovation projects in the future,” he said. When the time came to look at architectural design, Travis remembered that, “Almost every church facility that I saw that I loved had been designed by Neal Prince Architects.” By the time Travis started searching for that firm, they had a new name, LS3P. Along with discovering that the architecture firm had a new name, Travis also discovered that LS3P’s Faith Sector Leader, who oversees all church design projects, just happened to be one of Rocky Creek’s members, Spencer Dixon.

For Spencer, the connection was far more than professional. His architectural story began thousands of miles away in Peru, where his parents served as missionaries for over thirty years. “One of my dad’s responsibilities was directing a Christian camp,” Spencer recalled. “They bought land, developed it into a place for 250 campers with cabins, a dining hall, and a chapel. I watched how those buildings became tools for ministry.” Those early experiences shaped his calling to architecture, not just as a career, but as a ministry.

Now, as he leads his LS3P team in designing Rocky Creek’s new sanctuary, Spencer says it’s deeply personal. “It’s such a joy to see my team and my church come together. We get to bring what we’ve learned from other churches and use it to serve my own church.”

His team shares that same heart. Sarah Mandell, Senior Interior Designer, says, “I love furthering the Kingdom in tangible ways. My gifts align really well here. I love to help churches make spaces useful and meaningful.” Inspired by one of Pastor Travis’s early comments, she adds, “Travis mentioned the process of sanctification. He noted how we move from rough to smooth. I thought we could express that visually through the design, showing that transformation through the materials and finishes.”

For Nathan Asire, Project Designer, architecture and faith have always been intertwined. “My faith in God intersected with my study of architecture,” he said. “It allows me to serve churches by creating spaces that connect the message being preached from the pulpit and the music being sung.”

And for Marissa Diloreto, Project Manager, it’s an answered prayer. “My faith has always been a big part of my life.” Marissa sought a place where she could integrate her faith and her work. Marissa shared, “I can’t wait for the grand opening of Rocky Creek’s new sanctuary and to worship there with you all.”

As for Pastor Travis, he sees God’s hand at work both in the design and in the people behind it. “This building will be used in the present and in the future,” he said. “We’re designing with flexibility so that fifty years from now, people will still be using it for God’s glory. For almost two hundred years, the Lord has been using Rocky Creek. I’ve only seen a small fraction of that history, but I’ve watched Him do exceedingly abundantly above what we could ask or imagine. Now is the time to follow Him forward.”

What an incredible picture of the body of Christ. God is using gifted people to utilize their callings, talents, and experiences in creating a place where generations will worship, grow, and serve together. In the building of the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 35, and in the construction of the temple, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29, the craftsmen are listed alongside the people who brought their gifts. Everyone had a part to play as God equipped them to work together.

Just like these designers are doing their part in using their gifts for Kingdom purposes, Rocky Creek members can come alongside with prayer, financial gifts, and great faith. We can expect God to do what only He can do through the obedience of those who place their gifts in His hands.

Together, we are not just building a sanctuary; we are being willing participants in God’s Kingdom work. We are building a legacy of faith for years to come.

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