howwehelp

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

We’re convinced that our clients don’t want an architect. And they don’t want a building.
What they want is to faithfully and effectively carry out the call upon their lives and ministry.

Do you suspect (or know) that building or renovating will help you do what you’re here to do? Or just don’t want to be caught flatfooted when that time comes? 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 help (or, at least, get out of the way).

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.

Fourth Pres Youth Space
clients

We’ve worked with some amazing people…

Every week, nearly 62,000 people worship and serve in spaces planned by Good City

Taylors First Baptist Church
QuestChurch Grovetown GA
GPTS logo
Downtown Presbyterian logo
Bible Baptist Church logo

 

Anglican Church and Community Center MENA
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Antioch Presbyterian Church (PCA) Woodruff, SC
Augusta Road Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Bel-Aire Community Partners 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
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
Change Church Simpsonville, SC
Chapin (SC) Christian Community Church
Charleston Southern University Summerville, SC
Cheohee Baptist Church Tamassee, SC
Cherokee County Meals on Wheels Gaffney, SC
Child Evangelism Fellowship Greenville, SC
Christ Fellowship Northwest Greenville, SC
Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church Anderson, SC
Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church Pendleton, SC
Clearmont Baptist Church Westminster, SC
Clemson (SC) Presbyterian Church
Cliffwood Presbyterian Church Augusta, GA
College Street Baptist Church Walhalla, SC
Concord Baptist Church Anderson, SC
Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church Taylors, SC
CrossPointe Church Columbus, GA
Downtown Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Eastside Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Edwards Road Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Emmanuel Bible Church Mauldin, 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 Greenwood, SC
First Baptist Church North Augusta, SC
First Baptist Church Westminster, SC
First Presbyterian Academy at Shannon Forest Greenville, SC
First Presbyterian Church in Augusta (GA)
Five Forks Methodist Church Simpsonville, 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
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
House of Judah Seneca, SC
Immanuel Lutheran Church (LCMS) Simpsonville, SC
Indian Springs Baptist Church Kingsport, TN
Journey Church Huntersville, NC
Kairos Classical Christian Academy Gastonia, NC
Kindergarten and Elementary School MENA
Kirby Church Gaffney, SC
Lakemont Presbyterian Church (PCA) Augusta, GA
LEAD Collective Greenville, SC
LifePoint Oconee Church Westminster, SC
Living Hope Church (PCA) Anderson, SC
Midtown Fellowship Columbia, SC
Midtown Fellowship Lexington (SC)
Mission Aviation Fellowship Nairobi, Kenya
Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Mountain Creek Baptist Church Greenville, SC
New Beginnings Outreach Ministries Greer, SC
Oconee Presbyterian Church Seneca, SC
Outpost Church Jefferson, GA
Palmetto Baptist Church Powdersville, SC
Peniel Baptist Church Tryon, NC
Pickens (SC) Methodist Church
Piedmont Women’s Center Greenville, SC
Prince of Peace Catholic Church Taylors, SC
Quest Church Grovetown, GA
Recreation Camp MENA
Redeemer City Church Greenville, SC
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. Matthew Empowerment Center Piedmont, SC
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (LCMC) Gaffney, SC
Samaritan’s Purse MENA
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
Thrive Church Greenville, SC
Town Creek Baptist Church Aiken, SC
Townville Baptist Church Townville, SC
Trinity Fellowship Church Greer, SC
Upstate Church Harrison Bridge Simpsonville, SC
Upstate Church Haywood Greenville, SC
Upstate Church Mauldin (SC)
Upstate Homeschool Co-Op Greenville, SC
Veritas School Greenville, SC
Village Church Anglican Greenville, SC
Wesley United Methodist Church Evans, GA
West End Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Westminster Presbyterian Church Spartanburg, SC
Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church Simpsonville, SC
*MENA = Middle East / North Africa

Non-Ministry Places of Assembly

Adobe Digital Studio Clemson University, SC
CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park Simpsonville, SC
Florence (SC) Little Theatre
McGlothlin Center for the Arts Emory & Henry College, VA
Newberry (SC) Opera House
Peace Center for the Performing Arts Greenville, SC
Township Auditorium Columbia, SC
University of Georgia Performing Arts Center Athens
University of Mississippi Ford Center Oxford
University of SC School of Music Columbia

 

  • 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

  • We were out of our comfort zone. You blessed us with attentiveness, flexibility, expertise, and design. We appreciate the building’s beauty, but mostly that it’s a place of the word, of worship, and of witness.

    Susan Reynolds, Building Committee, Lakemont Presbyterian Church, Augusta, GA

  • Ron speaks the language of church-people. His wealth of experience and depth of knowledge cleared the haze and showed us a way forward.

    Condy Richardson, Lead Pastor, Fountain Inn (SC) First Baptist Church

  • Mr. Geyer listened carefully at every stage of our project, and offered a design that matched our needs in ways we never envisioned.

    Jonathan Master, President, Greenville (SC) Presbyterian Theological Seminary

  • One of the things I love most about Ron is his passion for the gospel. He understands that the mission of the church is not about buildings but about the people who will fill them.

    Zach Pope, Assistant Pastor, Bible Baptist Church, Simpsonville, 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

  • 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

  • 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
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 nearly 50 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 29616-2201

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