New Traditional

Bryon Akerman from The Church of Acts in Oklahoma City, OK brings us this modern twist on a traditional stage design.

They are a church less than two years old and this is their first building. They wanted their stage to feel like its been there a while, with elements of a traditional church. They were given a 100 year old lectern/pulpit, which they refinished and used it as the basis of their stage.

They matched the lines and arches of the pulpit on the stage. The arches were made out of 1/4 cheap plywood and stained. Then they used 3/4′ foam sheets for the white overlaying arches. They trimmed it out with rope that they painted silver.

The columns were cardboard tubes for pouring concrete. They used actual column caps for the tops and bottom of the columns. They lit the interior of the columns with RGB strip lights and put up 1/4” wood sheets for the back drop of the Cross logo. The logo was made out of the same foam insulation sheets that they used for the arches. They hung it with l-brackets and put LED strip lights behind it.

Everything was purchased at their local Home Depot and the total cost of the look was about $1000.

Design Inspiration and Implementation

This design demonstrates how a church can honor traditional aesthetics while working within modern constraints. The Church of Acts faced a common challenge: creating a worship space that felt established and reverent despite being a new congregation in a new building. By incorporating the century-old pulpit as the centerpiece, they anchored their stage in history while the surrounding elements provided contemporary flair.

The use of affordable materials like foam insulation sheets and concrete forming tubes shows that impressive stage design doesn’t require expensive equipment or professional fabrication. These materials are readily available at most home improvement stores and can be worked with basic tools that most churches already have on hand. The foam sheets are lightweight, easy to cut with a utility knife, and accept paint well, making them ideal for creating custom shapes and backdrops.

The RGB LED strip lighting adds versatility to the design, allowing the church to change the mood and atmosphere for different services and seasons. During worship, warm amber tones can create an intimate feeling, while cooler blues might work well for contemplative moments. The ability to adjust lighting colors means this single stage design can serve multiple purposes throughout the year without physical changes to the set.

One of the most impressive aspects of this design is how the team created visual cohesion by echoing the curves and lines of the antique pulpit throughout the stage. This design principle of repetition creates harmony and makes the various elements feel intentional rather than assembled. The arches frame the pulpit beautifully while drawing the congregation’s eye toward the center of the stage.

For churches considering a similar approach, the key is finding that one anchor piece that tells your story. Whether it’s an inherited pulpit, a meaningful piece of art, or architectural salvage from your community, building a stage design around a significant object creates depth and meaning that purely decorative elements cannot achieve.

Related Designs

• Columns and Mod Scenes – Another design featuring architectural columns with modern lighting elements
• A Journey of Light and Unity – Contemporary design using LED elements to create atmosphere
• Powered Cross – Illuminated cross design with similar lighting techniques
• Purple Spread – Bold use of color and geometric shapes on stage
• LED Sunburst – Creative LED arrangement for dramatic effect

Pro Tips for Traditional-Modern Stage Designs

Source Authentic Pieces: Check estate sales, church closures, and antique shops for pulpit furniture, altars, or architectural elements that can serve as your stage’s centerpiece. Older pieces often have craftsmanship and character that new materials cannot replicate. Make sure to verify the history of any piece you acquire, as congregation members often appreciate knowing the story behind elements in their worship space.

Layer Your Lighting: Don’t rely solely on front lighting. The RGB strip lights inside the columns in this design create depth and dimension. Consider uplighting, backlighting, and accent lighting to add layers to your stage. LED strips are affordable, low-heat, and can be controlled with simple remote systems or integrated into your existing lighting console.

Balance Old and New: When mixing traditional and contemporary elements, aim for a 60/40 or 70/30 ratio to maintain visual cohesion. Too many competing styles can create confusion, while a dominant style with accent pieces from another era creates interest without chaos. In this design, the traditional pulpit anchors the space while the foam arches and modern lighting provide contemporary accents.

Plan for Flexibility: Use lightweight materials for your constructed elements so you can reconfigure or remove pieces as needed. Foam sheets, PVC pipes, and fabric panels can be stored compactly and brought out for special seasons. This approach allows you to refresh your stage periodically without starting from scratch each time.

Related: Transplanted Ranch – A stunning rustic stage design featuring reclaimed ranch buildings, weathered tin roofing, and authentic farmhouse aesthetics perfect for creating warm, inviting worship spaces.

Related: Headlights – A dynamic stage design from Journey Church featuring rectangular blinder arrays, GLP pixel tape, and creative LED lighting perfect for high-energy worship events.