The End of Worship Media (As We Know It)
The world of media, art and communication in worship has changed dramatically since we began Midnight Oil over seven years ago.
Part of our reason for starting this ministry was to help churches of all sizes and styles to understand how to communicate the gospel visually. Back in the day, if a “regular” church had a screen at all, it was a pretty big deal. Of course, all of that changed about 5 years ago, when the mainstream greeted the early adopters and the¬?church media industry seemingly sprang up overnight. But as we say in our Creative Worship seminar, churches everywhere got their projectors in place and then looked at their blue screens and said, “Uh oh… now what?”
With little theological, communications and design expertise brought to bear on visual presentation, worshippers everywhere have been subjected to an endless parade of bad ’90s corporate boardroom presentations, nature footage, Holy Blobs of Color, random ancient icons, disconnected mini-movies, and most recently, Holy Flower Gardens.
We think there’s greater power for the screen than what we as the Church have been doing. We think it’s time for the end of worship media as we know it, and time for a deeper theological and philosophical understanding of how we communicate. Let’s ditch the background approach and the illustrated-text approach. In other words, as we said in The Wired Church, let’s ditch the AV Mentality. Let’s begin to see the potential of screens as dynamic visual equivalents to the words we speak and write about Jesus in worship. Let’s identify our big ideas in worship and create images that communicate those ideas in powerful, artistic ways. Let’s learn that visual consistency is as important as theological, liturgical and thematic consistency. Let’s develop a theology of media that will be the foundation informing our forward movement.
We think it’s about time we put a stake in “worship media” as we know it, and get serious about the power of story, art, metaphor and visual communication as a normative way to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ in our culture.
Bonnie Greene said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 6:31 am
Well put. My congregation was an early adapter and therefore came to the attention of other congregations in my area. People invited us to come talk about “technology” in worship or “Powerpoint”. A number of ministers began asking about how to avoid really dreadful design when they turned the job over to an eager volunteer. Eventually presbyteries began asking us to do workshops.
The key issue for the two groups–ministers and designers/techies–was theological imagination and capacity to communicate visually. So I began separating ministers and designers in workshops in order to work at these issues from the angles of the different parties to the Sunday blue screen.
In that process I discovered that ministers were so accustomed to cognitive approaches to the Gospel (and to talking as a communications method) that they could not imagine a visual metaphor for the Gospel point they’re making. Without that leadership in the process of getting their worship together, the chances of visuals that capture the Gospel theme was impossible.
The techie/designers generally lacked theological training or experience. Even if they had a minister with theological imagination and ability to speak visual, they wouldn’t be talking the same languages.
I’d welcome a much larger conversation on the deep themes in North America–one that spills over into the homiletics and church development conferences that ministers go to. I don’t see the change coming until the ministers add speaking visual to their repertoire. Over time the presence of serious theological imagination in the congregation might allow us to nurture theological liberacy among artists along the way.
God bless,
Kenyon said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 8:24 am
I don’t read your blog much if any at all (sorry). But I have to say that given some stuff that God seems to be stirring inside me this is a very timely topic for me personally. So where does one start? Here at The Heart I think we’ve done a pretty alright job of streamlining our message, sermon graphics and even worship song selection. But how DO we take it to the next level theologically? Are we talking more than integrating worship graphics that promote the message of a particular song? Seriously, I need some help here to understand more of where you are going with this and what the goal is here.
Roger Talbott said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 8:31 am
One of the reasons I got on the MO mailing list is because you guys changed my life in about 90 minutes a couple of years ago when you did a presentation at the Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis.
I should say you “kind of” changed my life, just as Jesus has “kind of” changed my life. Even as I remain a sinner, my associate and I also don’t come up with a visual metaphor every week.
Bonnie is right. We preachers are so used to thinking in words that it’s hard for us to think in images. But when we do, there is real power in those images.
The thing I got from the MO guys is, “trust the visual metaphor”. It often rises up at the beginning of the sermon-construction process. In a practical sense, it probably has to be there for the media team to work on before the sermon is finished. I think we resist doing this step because we are afraid to limit the Holy Spirit or put an interpretive “hold” on the scripture before we have adequately studied it. But, frankly, that has yet to happen to us. Even when the sermon seems to veer away from the image, the image can keep the sermon on track and give the service a unity that is stronger than even a “theme sentence” can give it.
We are going to put more effort into this next year. Keep up the good work!
Alistair Stewart said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 8:49 am
I welcome, and agree with, the thrust of your ideas. However, I have some reservation about “creating images that communicate the big ideas in worship”, although I certainly am all in favour of trying to “develop a theology of media that will be the foundation informing our forward movement”.
I am an academic (I have a PhD in education) who has worked for 45 years in the field of educational media, and I am very much up-to-date with the research in learning from media. Most significantly, I am aware that media does not facilitate learning; appropriately designed media, by exploiting the attributes of the respective media, can trigger cognitive processing and, thus, bring about learning. I recognise that worship is more than cognition (although I think that, in relation to music in worship, “singing with understanding” requires cognitive activity), and I think there has to be considerable research into the roles and function of media in worship. No doubt there is a strong affective dimension, but the challenge is determine the relationship between affect and media in relation to worship.
I would certainly be very willing to be involved in such an endeavour (being British, I use UK spelling).
Kenneth Keifer said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 10:59 am
It would seem to me, that you want to take the use of projected media as communication to a higher, deeper level. That is noble. But I don’t understand why you have to trash other media elements, components, and tools to elevate and make your point. For instance, why does nature footage or floral backgrounds (“Holy Flower Gardens” as you condescendingly call them) have to be bad for what you advocate to be good. You should aspire to the former without trashing the latter.
Every piece of media cannot be an all-inclusive package that communicates a message or truth with great profundity. That’s great if one does that and that’s where you direct your focus. But sometimes a worship leader or preacher just needs a background for the message in song or sermon they’ve already developed/decided upon. Some media isn’t provided to be a “foundation for our forward movement.” Sometimes you just need beautiful backdrop imagery for a Scripture, quote, or song that enhances it, not steals the show.
One could, for instance, negatively comment on your frequent utilization of fast time-lapse clouds by saying, “Where’s the theology? Why does it have to look like bad 80s music video?” I don’t want to make those comments myself but someone could, and, they would be snide and wrong to do so. Other media outlets could be made fun of for their incredible array of “grunge” and growing vines (and other “cool” video FX). Again, it would be wrong to make such comments.
Please go forward. But remember as you do that Christ himself used “lilies of the field,” sparrows, trees, and more as “metaphor” to communicate and it was through Him that those were created. Videography/photography can provide powerful imagery to present OR just merely adorn a message. Media, presentation, illustration, story, metaphor; these aren’t the message. They are the vehicle for communicating the message.
Your media is great and you are better than having to “put a stake through media as we know it.” By all means, go deeper. It is a good thing. However, please refrain from the shallowness of being critical to boost your point. To enjoy a steak, I don’t have to trash broccoli. Please, as you have done so well, continue communicating the Gospel of Jesus but don’t trip on the ever-popular emergent trend of acting as though only you have a “handle” on the proper, primo, and profound way of “doing church.” Hope you see what I mean and know that I appreciate the core of what you are saying. Keep putting out your great media and providing provocative discussion on what it is that we do and communicate.
Bill said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
I hear where you are coming from and don’t entirely disagree. We try to avoid simply using a pretty background (though as Kenneth said, why not show a beautiful flower filled field when displaying the lyrics to the Hymn Sweet Beulah Land?) but one of our biggest problems is that our pastor very often feels led by the Spirit late Saturday night or even Sunday morning for the message he’ll deliver and it’s clear God works through him. From a media standpoint, it’s difficult to prepare without planning. Though I do plan to meet with him soon to discuss developing presentations around biblical topics he will probably cover at some point in the coming months. It’s my prayer that God will lead us all with whatever tools He’s blessed us with. At my church we need to constantly be reminded that our work is a ministry as well.
Rev. Marilyn Weiler said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
I agree wholeheartedly with your desire to go to the next level. I am soooo tired of just words on a colored screen or unrelated pictures that are just “pretty” backgrounds like I see at other venues of worship. I too was influenced by your thematic images. I saw them as “stained glass windows” picturing our theology in a contemporary way. When I started using the projector technology, I was designing worship around Dr, Leonard Sweet’s EPIC model–experiential, participative, interactive, and connective. The service focused on God’s Word and EVERYTHING else evolved out of the sacred Word. The goal was to experience the presence of God NOT to impress folks with projected whiz bang. The visual was an integral part of the experience and contributed to connecting the Word with the people in a visual way throughtout the service but not in an “IN YOUR FACE” way or disjointed way with images changing with every slide. Howard Garner’s work regarding the way people learn (The Seven Intelligences) tell us that people learn in different ways and if we want to reach across our entire congregation, we must offer the Gospel in more than a verbal way. Thank you for leading the way to the next level of using current technology–the theological level.
Brett Allen Pfender said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
Folks, your goals are laudable, but the accusatory tone of your email is not. Contrary to your assertions, “worshippers everywhere” have not been subjected to an endless parade of mediocrity. The explosion of media creativity didn’t occur just five years ago. I’ve been creating media for and consulting with churches for a decade. Tim Eason, founder of ChurchMedia.net, was a trailblazer a dozen years ago with online resources, the first online church media community, and workshops that crisscrossed the country. Large churches such as Ginghamsburg Church in Ohio and Willow Creek in Chicago launched excellent creative workshops for churches of all sizes ten years ago. My point is that there is a vast community of creative people which has been improving the quality and relevance of worship media, year after year, for years now. I’m a part of that community as are you. There are also a couple dozen other folks just like us who have made this a full time or, at least, part time effort. I’m sure we all want to continue to develop this one area of the church life in which God has directed our talents and assist others in doing the same. But, your email paints of portrait of gaping-mouthed idiots standing in middle of their sanctuaries who stare at blank PowerPoint screens wondering when some enlightened, serious person is going come along and reveal to them how stupid they’ve been all these years. Brothers, we can get plenty of condescension from the secular world.
The MO Guys said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 10:59 pm
Thanks for your post Brett. We realize you have a business to run and we certainly don’t want to imply or suggest that people not use your products and services.
We would suggest you learn a bit about the history of your business. I (Len) started the media ministry at Ginghamsburg, the church of which you speak, in 1995. I began leading workshops and conferences on the ministry in 1996. Jason joined me at Ginghamsburg in 1997 and we wrote-designed our first book, The Wired Church, in 1998. At the time there wasn’t much out there for church professionals about media ministry. Ask our friend Tim Eason about us if you want some perspective about the state of things in the mid-90s.
By nine years ago, when we left Ginghamsburg, we had seen enough to write this post, and in the hundreds of church visits around the country since, our opinions have sadly remained the same. We have been advocates for excellence and artistry in worship media design since we started, and for the most part the need for this advocacy remains. And while we certainly don’t mean to offend you, other commenters here, or anyone, it needs to be stated, that this is largely due to the lack of a deeper biblical and theological understanding of the screen as a communication system. We would love to be a part of a conversation about how to improve the foundations upon which we all work.
For a possible starting point on this conversation, we would suggest our Communicating Visually series.
http://www.midnightoilproductions.com/reading/communicating-visually/
We wish your business well.
The MO Guys said,
Wrote on August 13, 2009 @ 11:13 pm
Kenyon, thanks for your post. I (Len) wish we could summarize the scope of what rattles around in our brains into one comment. Another poster below you, Marilyn Weiler, did a pretty nice job of outlining some of the basics. Basically we?Äôd make the theological argument that advocates bible as narrative, and worship as an extension of bible, making worship narrative. And we?Äôd suggest from a communication systems perspective that what is still emerging re: digital technology, image, art, screens and the like is just the very beginnings of epochal shift beyond our comprehension, just like Gutenberg?Äôs press created an epochal shift. And that ultimately changes in the way we communicate will alter how we practice our faith. Scary stuff. Hopefully our conversations will just stay verbal and not lead to blows as they did 500 years ago!
Check that link above, Communicating Visually, as a starting point. I hesitate to offer any how-tos in this space, although we do elsewhere on our site, because the foundations are what we think need the most exploration. It sounds like you?Äôre doing some good stuff at your church, and moving from a generic background to what we call the “illustrated text” approach is a good stepping stone. We?Äôd suggest you read some of our books, particularly Digital Storytellers and Taking Flight, for a more in-depth look, or for the free version check out the Big Ideas section under Reading on our site. Also read Len Sweet’s writings, particularly Post-Modern Pilgrims.
Brett Allen Pfender said,
Wrote on August 14, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
My friend, I’m glad you took the time to read my post and respond to it. Yes, I am aware of your early work, as well as that of your successor, at Ginghamsburg. I own The Wired Church and I’ve read it. I believe I got the timeline correct in my post. If I’m not mistaken, your reply confirms that. I accept your suggestion that I learn more about the history of my business as the brotherly helping hand I’m sure you intended it to be. We all have lots to learn. But, this isn’t about business or history. It’s about your incendiary email. What a strange way to invite conversation about the state of media use in worship today: Ridicule it, dismiss it, and replace it. If it is a conversation you seek, then let’s engage in one. But, before doing so, let me suggest that you re-read your email through the eyes of pastors and volunteers whose body of work over the past ten years deserves more than your dismissal.
A Week Has 5 Days #2 « Calum Henderson said,
Wrote on August 14, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
[...] The End of Worship Media [...]
Daniel Hahn said,
Wrote on August 28, 2009 @ 9:58 pm
Very well put! It’s way past time for churches to stop proving to the world that we halfway do things! We’re God’s people, and we’re blessed with talent. Can we please get rid of the pixellated images and rough cut videos and get on with some professionalism!! Thanks for that call to excellence!
kernelpanic3 said,
Wrote on September 17, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
…and here I thought I was alone with the idea a professionalism as a “needed and wanted” trait in the sanctuary. Glad to hear there is a core of similar minded people!
I am struggling with two outlooks at our church; 1) I deeply desire more professionalism and focus/alignment in our worship service and sermon message screen content and I desperately try to accomplish this. 2) There seems to be a lack of importance attached to the above by staff. As if its not really needed to convey the message. If I don’t take the steps to push the technology, they’ll go ahead without it – no big deal.
Sure there are occasional congregation who come up after and say, “My was that a wonderful picture during such and such a song,” or “Neat video clip you showed this morning.” But no drive on the part of staff to support development of this ‘focus and alignment’ or improvements to the underlying equipment and technology providing the visual connection.
How can I light fire under these guys?