Joseph W. Booth Jr.
Cole Mattox
Cole Mattox
As 2025 ushered in a new year, members and students at Oakwood University Church (OUC) were welcomed into an updated version of what they left in 2024.
After six months of renovations, OUC now captures the look and feel Debleaire Snell, M.Div., senior pastor, hopes to generate for those who attend in person and online. His goal was to merge the “classic beauty of the church with a forward- facing approach to technology and innovation.” By doing this, Snell hopes to enhance the television and online viewing experience, while creating a sense of community for members and students.
“Oakwood Church has always had a classic beauty,” said Snell, “but over time, it’s experienced some wear and tear that our online and TV audiences were able to see. Cameras can be very unforgiving.”
With that in mind, the sanctuary platform was redesigned to provide visual interest, especially for those watching services on television or online. And, because everyone watching may not be familiar with the look or feel of a traditional church service, the enlarged LED wall screen and colored LED lights, add a contemporary touch while also hiding the clutter of cords and cables.
In the main lobby, greeters sign in visitors at the new welcome desk, log their information in OUC’s database, and hand out welcome gifts. In either corner, an assortment of tables and chairs create café spaces for fellowship, connection, and light refreshments.
“We believe that church is not just a service, but a community,” said Snell. “So, we wanted spaces where people could sit, talk, and share life with one another, especially between our retirees and college students.”
Directional signs in the corridors guide visitors to their destinations. Monitors on the walls display the history and accomplishments of OUC’s pastors. Large murals highlight the church’s commitment to worship, children, its history, and the five pillars of its mission.
The secondary lobby provides an additional connection space equipped with a table and chairs. The walls are adorned with plants and artwork, enhancing areas both on the ground floor and in the lobby corridors. Overall, Snell believes the renovations give OUC a much stronger and more professional presentation.
However, now that the church renovations are complete, it doesn’t fulfill the entire vision. Snell looks forward to eventually building a center dedicated to OUC’s youth and children. He envisions a space where they can grow both spiritually and socially while also feeling a sense of community. As he sees it, “Our hope and prayer is that we can create a culture where our kids are genuinely excited about what’s happening at their church, so that they’ll want to invite their friends to come and join them there.”
South Central | April 2025
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