Architect. President @Aspen_Group
Chicago, IL
Joined December 2009
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Derek DeGroot retweeted
I know this a ridiculous aspiration at only 6 months of existence as a church plant, but I want to build a beautiful church building here in Waxahachie that looks unmistakably like a church. Something like what The Paradox Church in Fort Worth has done.
Beauty. Meaning. Truth.
Let’s make beautiful things again!
Derek DeGroot retweeted
Runway100 is our prayer that God would provide 100+ monthly partners giving $100+ each month to strengthen Greystone's mission and prepare Christ's people for faithful service to Christ's Church.
Derek DeGroot retweeted
🧵 God represents himself in his Word as Master Farmer, Gardener, Builder, and the like, and he has called us, as his image bearers, to adopt the mindset of such crafts in relation not only to the material world but to one another.
Derek DeGroot retweeted
As others have said, I don’t agree with all of it, but I’m glad to see it discussed. I grew up in churches whose architecture spoke of God at every turn. Bring back architecture/aesthetics that speak of a transcendent God and demand we call Him to mind: mereorthodoxy.com/12-theses-…
Derek DeGroot retweeted
Children’s Discipleship – FREE Downloadable Resource on an Untapped Element of Church Growth buff.ly/JFJiWvN Incredibly important and helpful resource for #pastors & church leaders from @BarnaGroup @Aspen_Group @DDDeGroot
Derek DeGroot retweeted
Ever stopped to ask, “What does God think about our space?”
Most churches have a theology for everything—except their building. This episode digs into why that matters: vist.ly/3y68r
Had a ton of fun, thanks for having me on to talk about why space matters for churches!
In this thought-provoking episode of the Ministry Architects Podcast, we are joined by Derek DeGroot, President of Aspen Group, to explore the overlooked yet essential role of physical space in church ministry.
Listen in today: vist.ly/3n8xied
As church architects and builders we are excited about the built environment’s important role in this renewal. And the research we’ve done with @BarnaGroup backs it up: Aspengroup.com/insights
Derek DeGroot retweeted
Outreach-minded evangelicals have often argued that church buildings need to be less “churchy” to draw in would-be seekers.
But that might not actually be true according to recent research.
christianitytoday.com/2025/0…
All of us @Aspen_Group are proud of this research project with @BarnaGroup which has catalyzed so much of our vision. Get the full research here Aspengroup.com/insights
Should church buildings be more “churchy”?
A recent survey shows most Americans want religious spaces that feel more timeless and transcendent, less trendy and modern.
christianitytoday.com/2025/0…
Derek DeGroot retweeted
As fewer congregations choose to cook together, church kitchens are on the chopping block.
@danielsilliman reports:
christianitytoday.com/2025/0…
We are seeing the beginnings of a counter-movement to this! Aspen has a vision for a New Church Architecture, one that is more intentional about how the built environment promotes human flourishing. And many are with us. Research with @BarnaGroup says people are hungry for it!
This should have been re-titled: "10 Modern Non-Denom Church Design Trends in 2024."
"As 2024 approaches, we’re seeing a shift in church design. No more outdated looks; now, it’s all about modern styles that connect with younger people."
Big yawn.😑
harlemworldmagazine.com/10-m…
Derek DeGroot retweeted
Christmas isn't just a 1 day thing—it's a season that lasts until Epiphany. The feast continues. In a world of rapidly changing trending topics, we move on too fast to the next thing.
As Rolheiser has said "Our society knows how to anticipate an event but not how to sustain it."
Derek DeGroot retweeted
Enjoyed this conversation on beauty. @iamculturecare
Is beauty a social construct or a transcendent good? Can the arts still inspire us and call us higher today? Can we recover the true meaning of beauty in a post-modern age?
NEW: Artists and Musicians @MrWinMarshall @PageauJonathan @iamfujimura and Timothy Patitsas sat down for our latest ARC Conversation to answer the question:
"is beauty real?"
Derek DeGroot retweeted
3. "Churches don't need buildings"
Yeah, technically. Lots of global and early churches without buildings.
But in America, every church planter knows the limits of being portable. Wise churches prioritize investing in full-time facilities to have as a hub for ministry.
RT @iamfujimura: Dear Wormwood
We managed a frenzy of attention from “The Last Supper” (a painting I despise and I refuse to understand) c…