I believe that technology in worship is an addition to the worship experience that is not necessarily good or bad. The use of screens, images, projected lyrics, image magnification, sound amplification, etc. can all be detrimental to the worship experience if executed poorly, i.e. feedback, bad video shots, difference between projected and sung lyrics. It can be glaringly obvious if there are problems with technology.
However, if technology is effectively utilized it may never be noticed and will be a catalyst for the experience of deeper worship.
What do you think?
- Is technology a useful addition to a worship service?
- What type of technology may be the most useful for deepening the opportunity to enter into worship?
- What are some examples of technology used in a worship service that detracted from the experience?
- What are some examples of technology used in a worship service that added to the experience?
Rev. Andrew Conard 
6 replies on “Technology in Worship”
If technology is used right, i think it can enhance service. But there are many places that depend on technology more than they depend on the Spirit to move worship.
Personally, one thing that often bothers me is the use of dry ice and lights during praise.
By lights, i mean those bright multi-colored lights. They’re good, i like them, but they distract me some times. I mean, you don’t need to synchronize the lights to the music, it’s not a concert. but adding dry ice? I think then we put more emphasis on production than on being led by the Spirit.
I feel often we try to hard to make worship appeasing, and we end up making worship about us.
But i agree that if it’s used properly, it can enhance the worship.
Joseph – Thanks for your response. I particularly appreciate your note that
It’s not a concert.”
I have been to too much worship services that have used technology very poorly – spelling errors, words coming too late on slide changes, etc. I have also been places where the technology was professionally done but overwhelming to the gathering. I felt like I was at a Cirque de Soleil performance! But there have been times, though, when I have experienced just the right balance, and it has given me some hope for the use of technology in worship. I tend to want my worship space to feel different from other spaces. I like wood, stained glass, and the smells and bells of sanctuaries. Technology is there to enhance worship, just like stained glass. Everything that happens in that sacred space should contribute to the mission of helping the assembled encounter the Divine. When that’s the purpose of its use, technology is treated as a means to an end; it’s just another tool. And, we always need to keep before us the purpose of the tool.
Great topic!
Katie – Thanks for your thoughts. I agree that it is important to have the worship space “feel different from other spaces.” One of the interesting things in my context is that technology is utilized to help create that “different feeling”. The experience is created through video, music and lighting. Each worship space is distinct.
i think the part of “doing it well” is important. i know that just about everyone gets mad at a poor sound system. no need to be naive in thinking that won’t change with a visual system.
for many people who say that they don’t want projectors & screens in the sanctuary i just remind them that we have had visuals for many years, just look at the banners we have been hanging for years.
i really could go on and on with this topic.
Gavin – I agree – doing it well is the most important part. Thanks for sharing about your angle for addressing projectors and screens in the sanctuary – great!