Transplanted Ranch

Michael Penn from Grace Walk Church in Phoenix, Arizona brings us this design inspired by Crowder’s Neon Steeple.

This stage was designed by their Lead Pastor Joe Calloway. After seeing Crowder’s Neon Steeple he was inspired to design their stage with a similar look and feel. Most of the material and labor was donated by members of the church. They did spend about $5,300 out of pocket to replace the carpet, for the stone work on the front of the stage, decor, and miscellaneous materials.

Pastor Joe knew exactly the type of rustic/country look he wanted, and after many meetings with church volunteers on how they could achieve that type of look, he reached out to a friend who owns a ranch in Arizona. The rancher gladly donated two old ranch buildings that he was planning to tear down. It took two days and about 12 volunteers to tear down these old wood and tin buildings, one of which was a full bathroom. In fact in one of the pictures you can see the shower head behind one of the guitar players. They often get questions about how they made the tin roof look rusted and weathered. The fact is they didn’t do anything. That is the way the material came off of the buildings.

As you can see the band sets up right under the tin roof which gives the vocals plenty of room. The space under the tin roof is naturally dark so they mounted LED lights to the supportive beams to light the band.

Since they painted the walls black, they needed to do something with the empty spaces on both sides of the projector screen. So their lighting engineer built 6 wooden frames and stained them to match the rest of the wood on stage. He then stapled white vertical blinds to the back of the frames and mounted them above the tin roof. Once they were mounted he was able to adjust LED lights to hit them for some added color.

This project took about a month to complete.

Why Rustic Stage Designs Resonate with Congregations

Rustic and farmhouse-inspired stage designs have become increasingly popular in modern church worship spaces, and for good reason. These designs create an atmosphere of warmth, authenticity, and approachability that helps congregations feel immediately at home. The natural materials—weathered wood, aged metal, and organic textures—speak to a sense of permanence and rootedness that resonates deeply with worshipers seeking stability in their faith journey.

One of the greatest advantages of rustic stage designs is their versatility across different worship styles. Whether your church favors traditional hymns, contemporary worship, or a blended approach, a well-executed rustic backdrop complements rather than competes with the worship experience. The neutral tones of weathered wood and aged metal provide a perfect canvas for dynamic lighting design, allowing your lighting team to shift the mood from contemplative and intimate to energetic and celebratory with simple color changes.

The use of reclaimed materials in stage design also carries a powerful symbolic message about redemption and renewal—core themes in Christian faith. Just as these weathered ranch buildings found new purpose as a beautiful worship space, the message of transformation and new life in Christ is visually reinforced every time the congregation gathers. This storytelling element adds depth and meaning to your stage design beyond mere aesthetics.

From a practical standpoint, rustic designs are often more budget-friendly than sleek modern alternatives. Sourcing reclaimed wood, corrugated metal, and vintage architectural elements can be done through local salvage yards, demolition sites, and community donations—just as Grace Walk Church discovered when their rancher friend provided the building materials. The imperfections that come with aged materials are not flaws to hide but features to celebrate, reducing the pressure for perfection in construction and finish work.

Pro Tips for Creating Your Own Rustic Stage Design

Source Materials Authentically: The most compelling rustic stages use genuinely aged materials rather than manufactured “distressed” products. Reach out to local farmers, ranchers, and demolition contractors who may have old barn wood, tin roofing, or reclaimed lumber they’re looking to dispose of. Not only will you get authentic materials with real character, but you’ll often get them for free or at minimal cost. Document the source of your materials—you’ll be amazed at how the story behind the wood adds to your congregation’s connection with the space.

Plan for Structural Integrity: While aged materials look beautiful, they may have hidden weaknesses from years of weather exposure. Always inspect reclaimed wood for rot, insect damage, and structural soundness before installation. Reinforce key structural elements with modern hardware hidden from view. When working with corrugated metal roofing, wear thick gloves and eye protection—the edges can be razor sharp. Consider having a contractor or engineer review your plans if you’re building significant structures like the roof canopy shown in this design.

Layer Your Lighting: Rustic materials absorb light differently than painted surfaces, creating natural shadows and highlights that add depth to your stage. Install multiple layers of lighting—up-lighting to graze textured surfaces, down-lighting for practical illumination, and accent lighting to highlight specific architectural features. LED strip lights mounted behind beams or under roof overhangs create a warm glow that enhances the rustic atmosphere. The dark painted walls in this design are essential—they allow the wooden elements to stand out while providing excellent contrast for projection and lighting effects.

Balance Old and New: The most successful rustic stages combine aged materials with clean, modern elements to avoid looking like a literal barn. Consider pairing weathered wood with crisp white backdrops, modern typography in your signage, or sleek acrylic elements. This contrast keeps the design feeling intentional rather than haphazard. Grace Walk Church achieved this balance beautifully by adding the white vertical blind panels and professional LED lighting to their reclaimed ranch materials.

Related Designs

• New Traditional – A fresh take on classic church stage aesthetics with warm wood tones and timeless design elements
• A Journey of Light and Unity – An inspiring design that uses natural materials and creative lighting to create a cohesive worship environment
• Purple Spread – Features bold color blocking and textural elements that complement rustic design approaches
• Checkered Past – A creative stage design using geometric patterns and mixed materials for visual interest
• LED by the Spirit – Demonstrates how modern LED technology can enhance natural and rustic stage elements

Related: Bender – Learn how to work with sheet metal for stage designs, including safety tips and budget alternatives.