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Using Screens in Worship: One church's criteria

by Marc Nelesen, Darrin Sculley
Issue #72

Five years ago, our church decided to use a projection machine and screen in worship. We discovered that the appearance of projection-screen technology was forcing us to provide some answers to questions we had not even begun to ask. For example,

• How does the placement of a screen in the center of the sanctuary change the focal point of worship space?
  
• What if the screen in the “down” position temporarily covers the cross that hangs in the center of our worship space? Is that problematic?
• How do we continue to be a congregation that sings in four-part harmony?

The advent of this technology produced a need to begin talking about our values. Where do we put the screen? How should it function in worship? What does having a screen in worship mean? These are not always the first questions asked by those who envision the endless possibilities for projector-screen technology in worship. In fact, we have discovered along the way that projector-screen technology’s values can at times pull against some of our core values of worship. Keeping technology’s possibilities and worship’s core values equally yoked is a matter for ongoing discussion.

The documents that follow are products of Third Church’s worship committee. These documents have been a helpful starting point for guidelines for projector-screen technology. We hope they are helpful for others too.

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Specific Criteria for Screen Use in Worship

Artwork

Images should be soft and sensitive to the “space” as holy ground. Art should be coordinated with the worship décor committee and sensitive to the other areas in the worship space and liturgical season. Where possible, we would like to see the AV committee use commissioned rather than “stock” iconographic images. [Values 5, 6, 11]

Motion

Slide transitions should be “soft,” even “unnoticeable.” Transitions should be complete prior to a worship leader’s speaking. If the screen will be used, it should remain in the “down” position so its movement does not distract. There should be no graphic motion on the screen when the congregation’s attention should be devoted to other areas in the sanctuary. When in doubt about these matters, the AV committee should consult the pastor prior to the service. [Values 4, 6]

Contrast

Text and images should be in sharp contrast with the background. To blend with surrounding décor, consideration should be made for darker backgrounds. Color palate selected should be sensitive to the art (see 1) and be aesthetically pleasing. Where possible, art and color should be coordinated by the commissioned artist and be captured as a “theme.” [Values 4, 6]

Video and Re-projection

Video clips should be thematically consistent with the worship service and should avoid excessive rapid image transitions. In skits and productions, the video effect should not detract from the production participants. Use at these times is encouraged, especially if it adds value when other props are impossible or impractical. At this time, re-projection of the camera image is not advised for any service. [Values 5, 11]

Text

The use of Bibles and songbooks should be maintained. The primary text of Scripture for the sermon should come from a book rather than be projected on the screen. The use of the screen for accompanying passages as well as other translations is encouraged. [Values 5, 8]

Music

Praise songs where a joyous “wall of sound” from the congregation is desired to give glory to God should be projected to the congregation. Songs that convey supplication, submission, and other contemplation should not be accompanied by projection. Alternate colors or bolded text should indicate when the congregation should sing, particularly when song leaders or choirs lead alternate verses. Where the music coordinator desires to promote the singing of parts, the use of the Psalter Hymnal should be indicated. The worship coordinator or pastor will indicate when a song should not be projected because of a desire to use musical notation. The congregation’s familiarity with a song or response should be taken into account when determining the necessity of using the screen. [Values 7, 8]

Pre- and Post-Service

We encourage consideration of image or art “slide show” or video sequences that set focus on the theme of the service or liturgical season and help the congregation focus on the worship. Music but not “speech” tracks are appropriate with slides and video. [Values 4, 6].

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