Sometimes thinking digital first provides the wrong answer to a good question. One church was discussing spending a few thousand dollars installing a video projection system to project various parts of the service. This was not unusual. I know congregations which have gone that route for some very good reasons. One found the large projection helped a number of members suffering from macular degeneration more easily see the words. Another wanted to use visuals to illustrate the sermons. The weight and expense of the hymnbook led another to a digital solution.
In this case, when I heard the plan for video projection I asked ‘why?’ The answer astonished me. “Because the lights in the sanctuary aren’t bright enough and people have difficulty reading the hymnal.” Had no one thought of just replacing the light bulbs?
Often people don’t ask the right questions before embarking on a digital solution. In many traditionally built churches, screen placement is a major issue. If it’s in the centre it covers the cross. One congregation solved that problem by simply projecting an image of the cross on the screen and using it as a watermark behind the projected material.
There is an assumption that operating the video feed to the screen is simple. It may only be a matter of hitting a key to change the slide, but the timing of the slide change is critically important. Mistimed changes interfere with the flow of hymns or the rhythm of congregational participation. The operator needs to rehearse as much as an organist does. Both are part of leading a congregation in worship.
The true value with projection is not words but images. A well-illustrated reading from the Bible or sermon adds to the overall communication. But like choosing the best music, making decisions about visuals is just as important.
A digital solution is not always the easiest. Deciding to go that route must entail asking all the right questions and understanding the consequences…whether it involves simply setting up a website or video in worship.
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2 comments:
I have mixed feelings about video projection in a church. But there is much to be said about being able to participate in a congregation's worship services fully. I guess it would have to be a gift that did not overwhelm the altar to keep me happy at this point in my worship life. Keep your conversations flowing maybe in time as our economy weakens more folks will seek out Christian conversations to reinforce their faith. People have a tendency to TURN BACK to the Lord when their good life is overwhelmed by doubt or grief.
Sometimes I wonder what Christ and the apostles managed to get along without all the 'digital toys' we have these days.
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