Direction vs distraction

The reality is the screens in your church can either distract people or direct them. And the difference really comes down to how we prepare the space both spiritually and practically. So, I want to give you three simple principles that will help you make sure that your screens are directing attention to what really matters. Number one, simplify the space.

When it comes to the screens in your church, less is almost always more. You know, when we're at home watching TV, we value cinematic detail, movement, and rich complexity. But with church visuals, it's almost always the opposite that works so much better. And here's why.

The larger the screen, the more simple your visuals should be. You know, in the context of a church service, your screen isn't the only thing happening. Especially during worship, you've got layers of depth, you know, musicians, vocalists, lights, lyrics, and even the people in the rows in front of you. So, when your screen is super busy, it actually competes with everything else that's happening.

So, I want to show you two examples. Exhibit A is more complex and detailed. And exhibit B is more minimal and atmospheric. Notice those layers and, you know, tell me which one feels more focused in the setting.

The thing is, when you simplify the space, you actually create clarity. And clarity means less distraction and more direction. Remember, the goal isn't to fill every pixel, it's to direct people to what really matters. Especially if you have a large LED wall directly behind your band, don't be afraid to play with negative space.

Negative space is just the black pixels. It's the area where you can let things kind of float. You know, not every pixel has to be filled on your LED screen. Sometimes it's the visuals that are more simple that really shine in those settings.

All right, so we've talked about what it looks like to simplify the space. Now, let's talk about what it looks like to prepare with purpose. In 2 Samuel, chapter 24, David says, I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing. And I believe that in our roles as visual worship leaders, worship doesn't start when the service starts.

It starts when we begin preparing. You know, when we show up last minute scrambling to load files, we're not exactly bringing our best offering. But when we take the time to prepare, to listen through the setlist, to read the service notes, and to pray through the whole flow, I believe that it honors God. You know, preparation is worship.

Rolling up to the computer 5 minutes before service isn't stewardship, it's survival. And I believe that we can bring a better offering than that. So, let's prepare with purpose. I believe the final thing that's so important for us to do every week is to simply ask God for his heart.

And I believe that when we do that in our roles as visual worship leaders, he will speak. So, don't disconnect behind the computer in this role. Worship while you work. Be present, be expectant, and trust that God can use you right where you are to help others encounter him.

Because when your heart is postured in worship, your screens will naturally follow. That's the crazy thing. When you prepare with purpose and you simplify the space, and when you ask God for his heart, he will speak. I know that God wants to meet with you right in the tech booth, right wherever you are, as you serve in this role.

So, don't become familiar. Don't fall into just going through the motions. Let's continue to come back to these principles and keep our hearts postured towards God, and I know that we're going to experience his presence in a new way every Sunday.