When Less Haze Leads to More Clarity: Thoughts on Production in Worship
"At least you guys don't have the fog."
I couldn't help but smile at the well-meaning comment from a church member after service one Sunday. She had just finished complimenting our song selection and transitions when she dropped what she thought was the ultimate praise – our apparent lack of atmospheric effects.
"Well, actually," I replied, trying to suppress a grin, "we do use light haze in the room. We just keep it subtle to enhance dimension and help with the online stream."
Her shocked expression said it all. And honestly? I get it.
The Production Paradox
We've all seen it – the laser light show that feels more EDM concert than Sunday morning. The fog so thick you can't see past the first row. The relentless barrage of visual effects that leave you wondering if you're in a worship service or a Microsoft Windows screensaver.
But here's the thing: production isn't the enemy. Like any tool God has given us, it's all about how we use it.
Here's the foundational truth that guides every production decision in our ministry: The gospel does not need to be dressed up, but it can be adorned.
Think about that for a moment. The Holy Spirit can move without your haze. Jesus can be glorified without your LED wall. The point of worship isn't to whip people into an emotional frenzy – it's to point them to the author and perfecter of their faith.
When Technology Serves Truth
A few Easters ago, we experienced one of those moments where technology truly served the message. As we told the story of Christ's death and resurrection, we incorporated a heartbeat monitor visual and sound, synchronized with our lighting. When Jesus died, the flatline sound cut through the silence, the lights dimmed to near darkness. Then, as we proclaimed His resurrection, the heartbeat returned, lights burst forth, and the congregation erupted in praise.
It wasn't about the production – it was about using every tool at our disposal to help people feel the weight and glory of that world-changing moment.
Learning from the Experts (And Our Failures)
One of the greatest gifts in my ministry has been working with exceptional production team members. They've taught me something crucial: it's not about knowing every technical term or mastering every piece of equipment. It's about asking the right questions.
"How does this serve the moment?" "Will this help or hinder people's engagement in worship?" "Is this enhancing the truth we're trying to communicate?"
Sometimes, though, our most powerful moments come when technology fails us completely. I remember one Sunday when our entire system went down. No screens, no fancy lights, just voices lifted in praise. That morning taught us something profound: God doesn't need our technology, but He can certainly use it.
The Art of Gradual Growth
When we introduced our LED wall, we didn't jump straight to complex animations and rapid-fire visual changes. We started simple – one or two carefully chosen looks that enhanced rather than distracted. Over time, as our congregation grew comfortable with this new element, we gradually expanded its use.
This principle of gradual implementation has become our standard approach for any new production element. It's not about restraining creativity; it's about serving our people well.
Practical Steps for Production Excellence
Start with Why: Before implementing any production element, ask yourself: "Will this enhance the gospel or distract from it?"
Know Your Context: What works at the megachurch down the street might not serve your congregation. Be honest about where your church is and what will help them engage in worship.
Master the Basics: Focus on doing five things exceptionally well with your lighting, audio, and video rather than trying to do everything at once.
Build Trust: When introducing new elements, communicate with your congregation about the why behind the what. Help them see how these tools can enhance their worship experience.
Stay Humble: Remember that production supports worship; it doesn't lead it. The moment our effects become more memorable than the message, we've missed the mark.
The Bottom Line
Throughout history, the church has used the tools of its time to proclaim the timeless truth of the gospel. From stained glass windows to sound systems, from pipe organs to LED walls – technology has always played a role in worship.
The key isn't whether we use these tools, but how we use them. When we approach production with humility, intentionality, and a focus on serving our people, it becomes not a distraction from worship, but a pathway to deeper engagement with the God we serve.
[Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive deeper into specific production elements and how to use them effectively.]