I can see the value of some of the modern "enhancements" in a service devoted to outreach where you want those things to help draw in the unsaved, but in a service devoted to just worshipping the Lord, I think those things would become more distraction than enhancement. Some of the best worship times that I have had consist of singing old choruses in a room by myself with no distractions. I've been in services that have had many of the enhancements and I've not really had too much trouble worshipping, but it does take quite a bit more focus.

Well said. I like the statement about the Washer and Dryer. I believe technology on the whole is minimizing a sense of community that we once had. I live in a Condo and sometimes people ask me why I do not buy a house. My response is usually along the lines of "I like living in community. I like living where I know and depend on my neighbors."

Regarding technology and worship. We are a new generation and if we are not entertained, then we do not listen. It is tragic. I do not know why our generation is this way. It probably has to do with our generation being one of the first to grow up with T.V. being considered a necessity and not a luxury.

Good post. I love technology and am so grateful that it allows greater diversity and freedom of expression. All the tools we now have open up new ways to support our worship.

However, I share some of David Fitch's concerns. One danger in particular is the subtle shift to worship as 'entertainment,' where it can so easily become a congregational commodity - consumed rather poured out as an act of service before God. This can be a danger anywhere but perhaps particularly so when worship is embedded in a highly seeker-oriented service.

Some years ago our own congregation deliberately moved away from meeting in a theatre for precisely this reason - the comfort, style, and presentation of the auditorium was more conducive to being a passive spectator rather than a present, worshipping, and active participant.

I don't think this is a new issue - perhaps it's simply we can offer more clever distractions to true worship than ever before.

We do lose something when technology takes over. The Amish certainly have something to teach the world about simplicity. But it is equally wrong to say that all that is coming is wrong. (I don't think the author of this article says that.) Technology may cause something to be lost, but I think it also enables something new to be gained.

The car is a good example. Now, instead of walking or riding our horse, we can travel many miles alone in our metal cocoon. But it has also enabled us to make friends beyond the boundaries of our individual towns.

People are just generally complacent about finding something new after technology has replaced something old. Yes, you may not meet people at the laundromat, but now you have time to spend at a nursing home while your clothes are washing at home. Or, to do something else to meet new people. Just because technology has changed the way something is done does not mean the new cannot become just as good.

My contention all along has been that ANY "creative ministry device" used in our worship gatherings can overshadow the One we are gathered to worship if we are not careful. In fact, if we are really not careful, we begin tiptoing into areas of idolatry... I include in this list of "creative ministry devices" such things as Powerpoint, smoke machines, video, light shows, praise bands, choral ensembles, hymns, choruses, organs, guitars, drums, voices, etc. In other words - - NONE of those are more important than the focus of our attention being on the Lord Jesus Christ.

If we are truly able to encounter CHRIST and be TRANSFORMED by Him in our worship gatherings AS WE USE all of the above - and similar devices - then great! If not, then we need to STOP using that stuff and simply worship God. Once we get that down - sure, include all the bells and whistles...

Far too many churches seem to think that the only way to "be relevant" is to become copycats of MTV... that SOUNDS reasonable - but it's not. If Jesus is not relevant WITHOUT all the hoopla, then He's not relevant PERIOD. So - maybe we really should JUST "Give People Jesus."

What a concept.

I think a balance can be struck where the message of the sermon is not lost in the flash of the technology.
Granted, there are some churches which seem more like a concert, or broadway production than an actual service. Yet, I've seen some decent applications of technology which actually enhances the service.
Powerpoint is an excellent tool for Preachers who want to put more meat to their message. It also allows those of us who are visually challenged to see what the preacher is trying get across without us all squinting at a placard, or guessing at what is being hand-written on an overhead projector (no offense to those preachers whose command of the Olde Kings flourished script is without peer).

However, the major complaint I'v heard the most about technology is in the music, and herein seems to be ample opportunity for the spirit of G-d to mediate amongst his flock.
I think musicians tread a very thin line of opinion when it comes to expressing their spiritual gift, and there has to be a middle ground (oh please let there be a middle ground!). Though technology has granted the musicians the grace to express their worship in new and loud ways, I would think that *sometimes* (read: a lot more!) technology would also allow them to express nuanced music in quieter ways as well.
I'm not saying technology is a bad thing in worship, but I want some reassurances that the musicians and the audiologists are not acting in collusion with each other.

I think it is stuff like this that makes me long to attend a little old country Baptist church, where the floorboards creak and the Bible is clearly preached.

Technology certainly isn't neutral. You are right, that when we put the Lord's prayer up on screens we don't teach people to memorize it and make it their own. Of course we didn't need projectors and powerpoint for this. Print technology, such as Bibles and hymnals also changed worship (and discouraged memorization?). Each piece of technology seems to add an element to worship, and take something away. The tension, as always is on those who form each worship service to make it as engaging and powerful as possible, while always directing people's focus to God. We should never blindly install or use a technology without weighing the cost.

There seems to be a pendulum in everything, there is a lot of swinging back and forth, hopefully we can find a ballance point of pros and cons.

As far as distractions from worship go I think everything (including preaching, which dan didn't mention) can be used as a distraction...that is why we have to be sure of the "why" behind everything we do...and lets not venerate anything, lets examine it all!

Loren - you are correct, I did not mention preaching and, yes, everything and anything can be a distraction to true worship. Thanks for that reminder...

I spoke at a conference a few months ago. The music was loud, the screen graphics were eye-popping, the lights were mesmerising, blah blah blah. In most services, by the end of the worship set 1/3 of the crowd was sitting down.

Late one night I saw a guy playing guitar on a bench outside, and I asked if I could join him. We started singing worship songs with a few people. As people passed by, some stopped. After about a half hour I realized that 50-60 people were singing with us.

We had no slides, so we kept to songs everyone knew. No amps, so no guitar solos. No microphones, so no worship leader blathering endlessly about "what we're really here to do" or trying to impress us with his power ballad voice. We just sang songs: a couple of guitars and a lot of voices. We sang for 3 hours. When it was over, I noticed that no one was sitting down, but several were laying down, face down, in the presence of God. It was the most powerful worship service I have ever been in.

I wish we could do the same on Sunday morning: turn off the mikes and the spotlights and just sing to the Lord.

being distracted is more the responsibility of the worshiper than anything. and I don't think when it comes to technology and worship that it has to be an either/or proposition. the article is a good reminder that those of us "in ministry" (responsible for these types of decisions) need to always go back to the ONE THING and constantly examine our hearts. but even more, it's a reminder to all who worship in a 'corporate' setting (which should be every Christian) to keep our heart in the right place

Technology at any level, and "worship-leading" people in whatever role, are there to facilitate proclaiming the glory and worthiness of God, and to help the people enter into God's presence. They are fulfilling their proper function when they are essentially invisible.

When the technology or the people draw attention to themselves, they are out of place and have usurped the place of honor, which belongs only to God. Much of what happens in "worship" is not done to honor God, but to satisfy the ego of the person "leading" or the person who designed the technological display.

This is false worship.

to Steve May... AMEN!!!!!! In fact, I am trying to put together such an encounter at my church in early May... a time for "simple worship" - where local worship leaders can just gather and praise and worship - no hoopla, no effects, no super-duper worship technology... just - JESUS. I crave the same thing you do... and, I actually move our church more that way than the tech way... some love it, some hate it - as long as GOD loves it, I'm okay.

I don't really agree that the total responsibility on worship is on the worshiper in the pew. I mean, I understand that and, to a degree, am in sync with that - I even preach that. However, at the same time, we leaders CAN make it HARDER for worshipers to encounter the Lord in worship when we RELY more upon technology than the Lord. Bottom line is that God does not NEED powerpoint (or the worship projection software of choice.) He is seeking WORSHIPPERS, right?

I think an important element that you've overlooked here is that all the new technology that can be distracting and detrimental (you're right about this possibility, certainly) also brings its own unique ways in which community can be constructed.

I serve on the production team at a church that - in my mind - effectively uses technology. While I and many others enjoy the audiovisual benefits that our technology provides, there's another plus that many people don't see. Much like the orchestra you mentioned tuning up and rehearsing beforehand, some of the closest relationships I've formed with people at my church are with fellow members of our (volunteer) production team. We all arrive at 6AM to physically set up all the production elements and to ensure that they function smoothly and are well integrated into the service so as not to be a distraction.

While I agree with much you say in your post, I think it's vital to remember that the benefits of technology are not just limited to the additional flash and energy they can bring to a service.

I think we're all missing the point. What has been lost in all the technology and seeker emphasis is the content of worship. Worship that is three hymns and a sermon tends to be church focused. Worship that is four contemporary choruses and a relevant message is seeker focused. Both are fine, but neither are worship.

For most of church history worship was about hearing God's voice in scripture and renewing the New Covenant at the Lord's table. It is supposed to be God focused, humble, reverent. Technology and style may or may not distract from that, forgetting what the purpose is altogether certainly does.

I chuckle when I read how PowerPoint prevents us from saying the Lord's prayer from memory. Most churches I have known don't say the Lord's prayer at all, nor the creed, nor celebrate communion even half the time. Most refer to "worship" as singing, while the rest of the service is something else. Most don't read Scripture except for a few verses as part of the sermon. There is no time at all for confession of sin unless the sermon has an altar call emphasis.

It's not the technology that is the problem. It is the content that we have jettisoned in the process of trying to be new and fresh and relevant. Maybe there is no inspired liturgy that all have to follow, but there certainly used to be a pattern that included scripture, creed, prayer, confession, communion. Worship is supposed to be about God, not technology and not our own feelings.

Wow...I didnt know there were so many Christians against contemporary Christian worship. I help lead a worship service for a church that focuses on unchurched people. I was raised in the church and can respect the old hymns and bible thumping sermons. But in a recent recommittment to God, I find myself rethinking the church. We must do whatever it takes to bring the lost souls into the church. I do not mean watering down the gospel or compromising the good news but rather reaching out to where the world is really hurting. Those days of saying "I need a church to feed me" are to say the least self-serving and hypocritical. We can become too complacent in our roles in church and forget about the Great Commission of telling others about Jesus. At my church we do not overdo the hype of the worship presentation even though we have a full band on stage with drama and video media and we dont even think about taking any of the credit in our musical talents God has given us. Please stop criticizing anything that is getting the gospel out there and making a positive impact to spirit seeking people. That's what makes the world a variety of likes and dislikes. To say a certain style of worship is better than another is depriving those who may not hear the gospel any other way. "But for the grace of God, go I.

I really fail to see how smoke, laser lights and flat panel screen enhance worship or even relate to worship. Maybe smoke and laser lights remind us of God's power and majesty, but would anyone really think of that? Is it easier to confess God as Lord surrounded by all these distractions? Is it easier to hear God speak?

Am so delighted to see such rigorous discussion. I'm originally from a mainline background and for the past couple of years have gravitated towards and seem to be settling in a charismatic environment. I love the freedom, excitement, joy of charismatic worship. But...there are moments where I miss the reverence and awe of 'traditional' worship. There are hymns that usher in the presence of God because they proclaim his greatness without ostentation and gimmicks. It's so wonderful to shout out to God, but sometimes we need to bow before Him. To remind ourselves just how mighty, awesome and great this God is. And often, His magnificence is obscured by the dazzle, razzle and blaze of our modern technologies. The other concern, is that we believing worshippers, know who God is. We know that church is not a show. That we don't come to be entertained or to entertain. I imagine it may difficult for seekers to make the distinction between what worship really is about and who God really is, when our church 'productions' pique their interest instead of their souls.

yes - he has a point in asking these questions. what are we losing.

In the mid-late nineties we did a fair amount of rave based worship (the smoke/lasers/etc in san francisco, but one of the main reasons was the large number of ravers giving their hearts to Jesus and wanting to worship God with their own cultural forms, not those of their parents (rock, easy listening)

i think sometimes i have got too infatuated wiht technology, especially when digital storytelling pointed more to the digital than the storytelling, and i have made a large effort in the past few years to use minimal technology to achieve equal or greater effect.

worship has to be about the object of our worship, not the tools.

I sometimes like the big worship productions, sometimes I don't. I don't see them as being the root of all evil. I find the whole church as production thing to be what is annoying. If you are going to be in a structure, being served by people with defined roles like usher, sitting staring at the front of the room in good classroom form, following off a set printed schedule, listening to some man read a paper he wrote, why not make worship part of the production? Its what everyone expects. The way we do church seems to try to contrive us to look to God, but how often are the people who are doing the pointing for us actually worshiping more than they are stressing about the details of the show...

A few months ago we took our Youth Group to Acquire the Fire. They had upbeat worship music with all the technology to enhance it, drama, music groups, and plenty of videos. It seemed like it was geared towards helping teens experience God.

But for the most part, it didn't, at least not for my group. They were so overwhelmed by it all that they were underwhelmed spiritually. They stood up for so many altar calls that they can't remember everything they promised to do. They enjoyed all the hoopla but when I asked them about the difference it made in their relationship with Christ, for the most part I come up empty.

I think that with all the focus on entertaining the teens, we just might be missing the boat. I'm wondering if we've traded in "entering the Holy of Holies" for the latest fad or trend. We are relational creatures at heart...we need to experience Him not just get excited about Him.

Well, that's just my thoughts for whatever it's worth.

If technology isn't your thing then worship where it's not used but we need to be careful not to criticize any style of worship where people are coming to know Jesus through it. Our church uses lot's of technology and over 4000 people have asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior in our church in it's eight year history. Technology is being used to reach the people who wouldn't have ever come to church to start with without it.

Acts 5:38-39 38"So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."

All in all though, I think that there is definitely a caution that needs to be held when we’re dealing with worship. I have been to services where lights and fog make the atmosphere more accessible to worship; on the flip side I’ve also experienced times where the technology seems to try too hard to add a ‘cool’ factor. So I think when we’re dealing with these issues, we need to take the good with the bad. Personally, I love the contemporary scene, when done correctly; when done incorrectly, emotion can get the best of us and become our focus. Emotion plays a huge role in modern worship, whether it’s for good or ill. When we worship, we touch God’s heart, and it only makes sense that the convey of emotion would become an important part of worship, but when how you feel becomes the focus of why you worship, there are problems. I’ve never been a fan of the traditional worship scene simply because I have a really hard time worshiping to a hymn and an organ. It’s not that I disagree with it doctrinally, its just that I can never sing along with them because a lot of hymns have erratic melody lines that are hard for me to follow. But hymnal worship is no less worship than contemporary is, it’s just preference. At the end of the day, we have to check our hearts and let God do the rest.

I know this is an old post and I have responded already but I need to reiterate the necessity to do whatever it takes in this world to reach people for Christ. A post from Joel states that all the technology is overshadowing true worship to God. As I stated in my previous post, we should be looking for what we can do for God not what God can do for us. Its so easy to sit back and criticize different methods of worship. I believe in being current and relavant in a world filled with negativity towards Churches. I also want to commend Pastor Atkinson for pointing out the fact that if churches are missing the mark, then God's blessing will not be on it. If souls are being saved, then who are we to criticize the method in which it chooses. I can imagine there were many critics against Apostle Paul in the early church. He preached an entirely different way to worship God in spirit and in truth. Lets be brave and bold in our ministry for God. My passion for God is what makes me bold. thanks

jay

I just came back to this post. I have been contemplating it for several days. I preach every week in my position at Mn Teen Challenge. Recently the organization has built a new chapel complete with all the current technology (sound system, projector, computer, CD/DVD/VCR). I have been able to utilize the technology to enhance my messages. Also due to the circumstances that brought my men to my program, it is rare that we can have a live worship service. This being the case, we use wonderful pre-recorded worship on DVDs to facilitate our worship. I have also prepared presentations and used video clips etc.
Now to my point: I have gone through various stages of using the available technology. At the beginning, I tried to use everything at my disposal. Some weeks I use hardly any. I often find that the simpler a message is, the more worshipful the experience is. Sometime there is some particular information I want to get across and the technology helps with that.
I guess using technology is a give and take. I want to be faithful to express the simplicity of the gospel while understanding that modern technology (used the right way) can be a tool in doing that.

Marshall Shelley makes a good point in his editoral in this month's issue. I agree that faithful church leadership needs to model itself after something other than the business world. I spent ten years in different leadership roles in the business world before going into the ministry. Then I spent the next ten years trying to lead the Church by applying the things I'd learned in business, which only frustrated me and those around me. It is only in the last ten years that I've finally reached what I hope is an appropriate balance between the two.

The answer it seems to me can be found in the Servant Leadership Model. Servant Leadership strives for excellence while at the same time trying to be sensitive to the needs, abilities, and shortcomings of those you're working with and for, and in that sense it takes the best from both worlds. As Leaders in the Church we need to walk the tightrope of faithfully Serving our God, Serving our congregations, and Serving our communities. Like it or not, that involves measurable goals and return on investment.

We need to measure the effectivness of our service in all areas and we need to ask if we're getting a return on the investment we're making in people lives. Clearly, Ministry is not a business, but neither is it an excuse for mediocrity. We tend to overemphasize the role of Shepherd and underemphasize the role of Servant Leader because we're more comfortable and better trained in the former. Now in this post-modern era perhaps it's time for us to train future leaders in both.

I'm 24 and am all for getting rid of unnecessary technology. I should have to bring my bible to church instead of depending on a big screen with the verses on it.

In a youth group I attended they would do candle light services with a full acoustic set. Acoustic bass, guitars and no mics, all in the atmosphere of a dim candlelight. It was amazing, it was really intense and you were forced to focus on the lyrics you were singing instead of the guitar effects, lighting and sound quality.

I like the idea of less entertainment value. I can go to a movie for entertainment, I come to church to have community, leadership, and worship