howwehelp

Make smart, God-honoring decisions
about the space you use in ministry

Ready to build or renovate? Or just don’t want to be caught flatfooted when you do? Let’s work together to understand the big picture. Well-meaning, dedicated teams can be so eager to solve today’s challenge that they undermine the story you’re trying to tell or miss an option that will work better over the long haul. No building can do the work of ministry, but a thoughtful process and disciplined design can prepare you to be more effective.

Clarity

Well-articulated purpose simplifies
decision-making and builds unity

Make clear your ministry’s WHY, WHAT, HOW (and HOW MANY!)
Seek counsel without surrendering leadership
Identify spaces and features you’ll need to support growth and change

Strategy

A long-term plan that’s realistic and flexible
helps leaders anticipate and answer change

Benefit from wisdom gained through years of experience
Explore options early and minimize second guessing
See what’s possible through images and digital models.

Reality

Move forward with solutions that reflect
your priorities and budget

Get the guidance you need to make smart choices
Choose a project delivery method that matches your priorities and values
Be good stewards of time and resources

nailed-it

Nailed It!

Chances are, none of these church’s stories matches yours.
But as far as they’re concerned, Good City found the answer they needed.

clients

We’ve worked with some amazing people…

Every week, more than 56,000 people worship and serve in spaces planned by Good City

Advent United Methodist Church Simpsonville, SC
Anglican Church and Community Center Creative Access Country
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Antioch Presbyterian Church (PCA) Woodruff, SC
Augusta Road Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Bellview Baptist Church Laurens, SC
Bethel Baptist Church Westminster, SC
Bethlehem Baptist Church Simpsonville, SC
A Better Belize Camalote, Belize
Bible Baptist Church Simpsonville, SC
Bowling Green Presbyterian Church Clover, SC
Brookwood Church Simpsonville, SC
Calvary Church of God Westminster, SC
Capstone Church Fountain Inn, SC
Cedarwood Community Church Waterloo, SC
Center of Worship Christian Church Mauldin, SC
Charleston Southern University Summerville, SC
Cheohee Baptist Church Tamassee, SC
Cherokee County Meals on Wheels Gaffney, SC
Child Evangelism Fellowship Greenville, SC
Christ Church Episcopal School Greenville, SC
Christ Fellowship Northwest Greenville, SC
Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church Anderson, SC
Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church Pendleton, SC
Church of the Holy Comforter Martinez, GA
Clearmont Baptist Church Westminster, SC
Cliffwood Presbyterian Church Augusta, GA
Concord Baptist Church Anderson, SC
Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church Taylors, SC
Crossgate Church (PCA) Seneca, SC
Downtown Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
East North Church Greenville, SC
Eastminster Presbyterian Church Simpsonville, SC
Eastside Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Edwards Road Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Emmanuel Bible Church Mauldin, SC
Episcopal Church of the Advent Spartanburg, SC
Faith Fellowship Church Pendleton, SC
Fellowship Greenville Greenville, SC
First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Gastonia, NC
First Baptist Church Camden, SC
First Baptist Church Easley, SC
First Baptist Church Fountain Inn, SC
First Baptist Church Gaffney, SC
First Baptist Church North Augusta, SC
First Baptist Church Westminster, SC
First Presbyterian Academy at Shannon Forest Greenville, SC
First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, NC
First Presbyterian Church in Augusta (GA)
Fourth Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Friendship Baptist Church Lugoff, SC
Friendship Presbyterian Church Hickory Tavern, SC
Genesis Church Grovetown, GA
Golden Corner Church Walhalla, SC
Gospel Hope Church Riverton, UT
Grace United Methodist Church St. Augustine, FL
Grassy Pond Baptist Church Gaffney, SC
Greenville (SC) Baptist Association
Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Taylors, SC
Greenville (SC) Vietnamese Baptist Church
Heritage Bible Church Greer, SC

Hope Baptist Church Reșița, Romania
Hope Community Primary School Kiburara, Uganda
Hope Church West Union, SC
Hopewell United Methodist Church Simpsonville, SC
House of Judah Seneca, SC
Immanuel Lutheran Church Simpsonville, SC
Indian Springs Baptist Church Kingsport, TN
Journey Church Huntersville, NC
Kindergarten and Elementary School Creative Access Country
Kirby Church Gaffney, SC
Lake Toxaway (NC) United Methodist Church
Lakemont Presbyterian Church (PCA) Augusta, GA
Lead Greenville Greenville, SC
LifePoint Oconee Church Westminster, SC
Living Hope Church (PCA) Anderson, SC
Mission Aviation Fellowship Nairobi, Kenya
Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Mosaic United Methodist Church Evans, GA
Mountain Creek Baptist Church Greenville, SC
New Beginnings Outreach Ministries Greer, SC
North Hills Church Taylors, SC
Oconee Presbyterian Church Seneca, SC
Outpost Church Jefferson, GA
Palmetto Baptist Church Powdersville, SC
Peniel Baptist Church Tryon, NC
Piedmont Women’s Center Greenville, SC
Prince of Peace Catholic Church Taylors, SC
Quest Church Grovetown, GA
Recreation Camp Creative Access Country
Redeemer Presbyterian Church Moore, SC
Redeemer Presbyterian Church Travelers Rest, SC
Refuge Temple Greenville, SC
Reidville Road Church Moore, SC
Remedy Church Rock Hill, SC
Resurrection Church Greer, SC
Ridgewood Church Greer, SC
Rock Presbyterian Church (ECO) Greenwood, SC
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Greenville, SC
St. Mark United Methodist Church Seneca, SC
St. Matthew Empowerment Center Piedmont, SC
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Gaffney, SC
Samaritan’s Purse Creative Access Country
Shandon Baptist Church Columbia, SC
State Street Baptist Church Cayce, SC
Summit Church Simpsonville, SC
Talatha Baptist Church Aiken, SC
Taylors (SC) First Baptist Church
3rd Person Qwesmay, Jordan
Town Creek Baptist Church Aiken, SC
Townville Baptist Church Townville, SC
Trinity Fellowship Church Greer, SC
Tryon Presbyterian Church Tryon, NC
Upstate Church Harrison Bridge Simpsonville, SC
Upstate Church Haywood Greenville, SC
Upstate Church Mauldin (SC)
Village Church Anglican Greenville, SC
Wesley United Methodist Church Evans, GA
West End Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Westminster Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Westminster Presbyterian Church Spartanburg, SC
Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church Simpsonville, SC

LEGEND Current or Recently Completed Project Project Location Important Non-Ministry Project

Good City works from the ground up, literally and missionally, and wanted to know the “who” of us before considering “what.” He helped us leave a legacy for our church and community through a project described by one City official as one of the best they’ve seen.
Rev. Jason Malone, Pastor, Summit Church, Simpsonville, SC
Mr. Geyer listened to our ideas, separated desires from needs, and helped us develop a plan that was unique, functional and adaptable. He understands church politics and faith-based principles.
J. Wade Padgett, Building Committee Chair, Wesley United Methodist Church, Evans, GA
We were out of our comfort zone. You blessed us with attentiveness, flexibility, expertise, and design. We appreciate the building’s beauty (and the ability to feed 200 people in 30 minutes) but mostly being a place of the word, of worship, and of witness. Thank you.
Susan Reynolds, Building Committee, Lakemont Presbyterian Church, Augusta, GA
We were impressed that Ron was able to make our vision into something greater than we‘d dreamed. He led us with grace. Our meetings were productive, instructive and enjoyable.
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Taylor, Church of the Holy Comforter, Martinez, GA
As a longtime engineer, my previous experiences with architects were often a struggle. In contrast, Ron was attentive to our needs with the heart of a teacher, always willing, even anxious, to help us understand the reasons behind a recommendation.
Richard Canon, PE, Building Committe Chair, Reidville Road Church (A Global Methodist Congregation) Moore, SC
It‘s rare to accomplish all of the project goals, on schedule and under budget, but that’s what we were able to accomplish, in great part due to your experience and wise counsel.
Mike C. Harris, Building Committee Chairman, First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA
Ron ably guided us and worked within our timeframe. He exhibited personal faith, a calm and patient demeanor, communication skills, and planning expertise, that made the entire process rewarding.
J. Richard Cottingham, PE, Co-Chair, Building Team, St. Mark United Methodist Church, Seneca, SC
We wanted our building to convey that it’s home to a church with historical roots and practices and part of our city. The design captured this beautifully. Ron isn’t showy about his knowledge of architectural history and strategies, but when it’s needed, it’s ready.
Rev. Brian Habig, Founding Pastor, Downtown Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC
They took the time to understand our purpose and vision and methodology for doing what God has called us to do. We are grateful they worked within both our budget and culture.
Dan Brooks, Pastor, Heritage Bible Church, Greer, SC
Good City didn’t start by asking us what kind of building we wanted, but rather, asked us who we were and who we were trying to reach. The design was born out of those conversations. They listened.
John Kenney, Pastor, Quest Church, Grovetown, GA
Good City works from the ground up, literally and missionally, and wanted to know the “who” of us before considering “what.” He helped us leave a legacy for our church and community through a project described by one City official as one of the best they’ve seen.
Rev. Jason Malone, Pastor, Summit Church, Simpsonville, SC
Mr. Geyer listened to our ideas, separated desires from needs, and helped us develop a plan that was unique, functional and adaptable. He understands church politics and faith-based principles.
J. Wade Padgett, Building Committee Chair, Wesley United Methodist Church, Evans, GA

about-good-city

About “Good City”

In Jeremiah 29:7, God’s people are told to seek the welfare (good) of the city to which they are sent. Centuries later, Jonathan Edwards reminded us that a man of “right spirit” has concern for the city in which he dwells. Voices as diverse as Aristotle, Isaiah, and Keller have joined them in speaking of the redemptive power of the built environment.

It should be obvious that the wise use of buildings can’t evangelize, or replace the work of ministry, but it can symbolize and serve the best that we envision. It’s our hope that Good City will be part of projects that have an impact greater than their footprint. and serve their community.

Ron Geyer is an architect, interior designer, and churchman with more than 40 years of experience serving ministries, businesses, and cultural organizations. Along the way, he’s developed ways to help ministry leaders articulate, measure, plan, and build tools to more effectively pursue their God-given mission.

Our Statement of Faith and Purpose

questions

Questions?

Does Good City build churches?

No. We design them. Our job is to help you figure out what’s best for your ministry and resources. If that means a new building or renovations (it doesn’t always) we’ll translate what’s been decided into working drawings, help you find the right contractor, and be there through the entire construction process.

Does Good City participate in “design-build” projects?

Yes. We’ve been successful using design-build, construction manager at risk (sometimes called “negotiated”), and a few more project delivery methods. We don’t think one particular approach is “best” for all circumstances (though we won’t take on projects in which the contractor must be selected by an old-style competitive bidding process). Different approaches offer advantages and challenges that should be carefully matched to your ministry’s priorities.

How much do Good City’s services cost?

It depends. (Sorry). Both construction costs and design compensation are driven by the complexity of the project, the value we offer, the efficiency of your decision-making process, and the timeline. Good City is an uncomplicated and efficient organization, but our greatest value comes from our experience with and insight into the needs of Christian ministry and the realities of “doing church.” We’ll be happy to propose a precise fee once we know more about you and the challenges you’re facing.

What style buildings does Good City design?

We don’t show up with a particular style in mind, but confess a preference for simple structures that stand the test of time and accommodate the changing needs of ministry. We’ve served a variety of denominations (and non-denominations), worship styles, vintages, and cultures, and have sought to find an aesthetic that serves the goals and honors the heritage of each.

What if my church isn’t nearby?

Fortunately, architecture and construction aren’t short-order cooking. Good City typically works in the Carolinas and Georgia and engages consultants in the communities where we work. A one- or two-hour drive (or flight) simply means we’ll have thought through the issues just a little bit longer.

How can we get started?

Call or email Good City at the number or address at the bottom of this page. We’d love to learn more about your ministry!

contact-us

Let’s Talk

Contact us at one of the following locations

Email: rgeyer [at] goodcity.net
Phone: US Area Code (864) #360-9292
Mailing Address
PO Box 27234
Greenville, SC 29616-7234

Get ready forLife Changing Work

Articulate purpose | Identify strategy | Put solutions on the ground

Tell Your Story

Make your case | Move forward together

Design Community

Remove obstacles to effectiveness | Set the stage for success

BE good stewards

Prepare for ministry | Plan for change

Make smart, God-honoring decisions about the space you use in ministry

Clarity

Strategy

Reality

Nailed It!

Chances are, none of these church’s stories matches yours. But as far as they’re concerned, Good City found the answer they needed.

We’ve worked with some amazing people…

Every week, more than 56,000 people worship and serve in spaces planned by Good City

Mr. Geyer listened to our ideas, separated desires from needs, and helped us develop a plan that was unique, functional and adaptable. He understands church politics and faith-based principles.

We were out of our comfort zone. You blessed us with attentiveness, flexibility, expertise, and design. We appreciate the building’s beauty (and the ability to feed 200 people in 30 minutes) but mostly being a place of the word, of worship, and of witness. Thank you.

We were impressed that Ron was able to make our vision into something greater than we‘d dreamed. He led us with grace. Our meetings were productive, instructive and enjoyable.

As a longtime engineer, my previous experiences with architects were often a struggle. In contrast, Ron was attentive to our needs with the heart of a teacher, always willing, even anxious, to help us understand the reasons behind a recommendation.

It‘s rare to accomplish all of the project goals, on schedule and under budget, but that’s what we were able to accomplish, in great part due to your experience and wise counsel.

Ron ably guided us and worked within our timeframe. He exhibited personal faith, a calm and patient demeanor, communication skills, and planning expertise, that made the entire process rewarding.

We wanted our building to convey that it’s home to a church with historical roots and practices and part of our city. The design captured this beautifully. Ron isn’t showy about his knowledge of architectural history and strategies, but when it’s needed, it’s ready.

They took the time to understand our purpose and vision and methodology for doing what God has called us to do. We are grateful they worked within both our budget and culture.

Good City didn’t start by asking us what kind of building we wanted, but rather, asked us who we were and who we were trying to reach. The design was born out of those conversations. They listened.

Good City works from the ground up, literally and missionally, and wanted to know the “who” of us before considering “what.” He helped us leave a legacy for our church and community through a project described by one City official as one of the best they’ve seen.