/// Stories
Living Word Lutheran Church
Waukesha, WI
Building a Home for a Growing Church
When Living Word Lutheran began planning their first permanent facility, it felt both exciting and overwhelming.
As a contemporary-only WELS (Lutheran) church plant, they had been meeting in a local school, setting up and tearing down every single week. Their entire ministry operated out of cases and carts. Stepping into a building process brought plenty of unknowns. They were referred to Avenue Systems by a previous client, who trusted us with their previous projects.
Early conversations weren’t about equipment lists. They were about identity. Who is Living Word? What should this space feel like? How do we move from portable to permanent without losing what makes this church special?
A Space That Feels Like Them
Living Word’s heart is community. They didn’t want a room people rushed out of, they wanted a place where conversations lingered.
The sanctuary was designed with a flat floor for flexibility and connection. Large glass bay doors open directly into the lobby, allowing both spaces to become one after service. It’s not just a design feature; it’s an invitation. Coffee flows from the café, kids check in through an automated system built with young families in mind, and the whole building feels open and approachable.
One word guided many of the decisions: warm. They didn’t want a stage that felt cold or overly theatrical. All of this was reflected with intentional AV design choices. For example, warm white house lighting was carefully selected to make the room feel welcoming from the moment someone walks in.
Smart Solutions, Realistic Budget
Like many church plants, Living Word had to be thoughtful with every dollar. That meant prioritizing what mattered most.
They needed lighting that supported future live streaming and allowed seasonal color changes, but didn’t require a complex console. We designed a simple, intuitive lighting system using QSYS with entry stations that met their needs without adding unnecessary cost.
For budget, we repurposed their existing Yamaha TF console, and expanded its capability with a digital snake and Dante integration. The majority of the AV budget went toward a new Martin Audio CDD speaker system, because great sound wasn’t optional. It was foundational to their mission. We also installed a distributed Martin Audio system in the lobby, time-aligned and sonically matched to the sanctuary. When the bay doors are open, the sound flows naturally between spaces.
Behind the scenes, a full IT backbone supported future streaming, kids check-in, and future expansion.
A Turning Point for Ministry
The biggest change wasn’t technical—it was operational.
For the first time, the worship team could rehearse during the week. Volunteers could practice. Sound engineers had the chance to truly learn how to mix on a quality system instead of rushing through Sunday morning setup. The building became a tool that strengthened the people serving inside it.
Moving from a portable setup to a permanent home marked a new chapter. Living Word didn’t just gain a facility—they gained stability, flexibility, and room to grow.
Today, they continue to thrive as a contemporary congregation rooted in connection. And we’re grateful to have played a role in helping create a space that feels unmistakably like them.
