Seamless Technology in Worship (PtP 2011 Presentation)

Last Wednesday, I was asked to speak at Polishing the Pulpit on the topic “Seamless Technology in Worship.” The class was specifically designed for deacons and was on the “technology track,” but there were members of all types in the room.

For this 45-minute presentation, I gave 10 steps to take. The idea was to go from (literally) square one, and then to walk all the way until technology is not only in use, but helpful. Here are the ten steps I gave, with a very brief explanation for each.

1. Plan, and Plan Some More. With technology being something that changes so often, it is going to take planning to make sure that what is being purchased and used is just what is needed. It is also important to consider what needs to be done within the overall plan of the congregation (your congregation does have a long-range plan, doesn’t it?).

2. Prioritize. In other words, take those plans, and make some short-term and long-term goals. Not everything can be done at once, but some things might add great value in the short-term for not a lot of money.

3. Prepare a Clearly-Worded Description for These Goals. Please do not use “tech speak.” Write these in a way that the common person can see not what you want to buy, but why these will add value. If a “non-tech” person doesn’t understand your description, write it again.

 4. Price Stuff. In other words, comparison shop. Far too many tech guys are tied to one brand, one distributor, or one store. Remember, you are dealing with the Lord’s money, and stewards are to be found faithful!

5. Present the Reasons to the Congregation. Yes, before the first switch is flipped on, take some time to share with the congregation–not the “what,” but the “why”–for these purchases and changes. If an elder is willing to make this presentation, it will have far more impact. Again, this needs to be done in everyday language.

6. Practice. Before starting Sunday morning worship, make sure you know how the new projection system works. Practice will all the new microphones or speakers before the song leader gets up and blows everyone out of the back wall. Worship is about God, not testing new technology.

7. Don’t Promote It, Just Use It. It’s okay to point out something new or useful, but far too many guys spend all their time pointing out the great sound system or the cool new computer system. We are not in worship to Dell or Apple or Microsoft. We are there to worship God. Our goal is seamless technology. The less attention we draw to it, the better.

8. Pass On It. In other words, sometimes don’t use it. You do not have to make a PowerPoint presentation for every service. Sometimes, sing from memory (or from those old-fashioned things called “books”). It might be wise to not record every sermon. Some are on sensitive or “in-house” topics that might not need to be broadcast online for the entire world.

9. Don’t Play with It. If it’s not working, just move on. Don’t spend 3 minutes of your sermon time trying to play with cords to see why the PowerPoint isn’t working. Instead, just “preach the Word!”

10. Pray for Guidance. We need to remember that we are in worship to adore God. We want to make technology a non-issue, by having it be an aid to glorify Him. This takes wisdom and patience, and we need to pray for both.

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What would you add?