United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

A Place for Gathering and Worship

Founded in 1990, the Church of the Resurrection is a 20,000-member United Methodist congregation on a 76-acre campus near Kansas City. The congregation had long planned to move out of its existing worship space—which was dark, isolating, and gymnasium-like. HGA was hired to create a new facility centered on an intimate, naturally lit, and open worship space.

Inspired by a request that individual parishioners should be no farther than 100 feet from the pastor, HGA selected an elliptical building form that cradles the chancel area and creates a column-free sanctuary with seating for 3,500. Atop the building are seven stainless-steel clad sails, inspired by the seven days of Holy Week.

The church hopes the new 141,000 SF facility will aid their efforts to reach future generations, change lives, and transform the community. The form of the building’s exterior is a welcoming beacon, while the detailed interior inspires awe and contemplation.

Portfolio
Location

Leawood, Kansas

Building Type

Sacred

Size

141,000 SF

  • 2018 American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota Grand Award-Structural Systems
  • 2017 Engineering News Record, ENR Midwest Best Cultural/Worship Project

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