Churches Weigh Impact of New Worship Technology
Lighting, sound, video and other technology have changed the modern worship experience. Whether this a good or bad thing is a matter of opinion. Recent discussions in Christian media continue to highlight the impact of these changes on churches and community.
“Some have asked if they even belong in a church, and a few question the motives of anyone who even tries these crazy ideas,” said Phil Cooke, a media professional. “I understand and am more than interested in any conversation that helps churches focus on the right things. However, I keep wondering where you draw the line.” For some, the debate about new technology in worship services mirrors wider conversations about how faith communities adapt to change, as seen in recent coverage of church innovation.
History as a guide
As far back as 1860, Dwight L. Moody’s Sunday school was drawing 1,000 children each week, Cooke noted. He eventually built a 1,500-seat sanctuary in Chicago and dedicated it in 1864. But that sanctuary was destroyed in 1871 during the Great Chicago Fire. So, they launched a campaign to build a new building with 10,000 people. It was renamed Chicago Avenue Church in 1876. Historical accounts show how leaders like Moody and Spurgeon adapted to the tools and needs of their time.
Around the same time, in London, Charles Spurgeon preached to capacity crowds everywhere he went. At the time of his death in 1892, the membership at his church, The Metropolitan Tabernacle, was more than 5,300. Both Spurgeon and Moody had the vocal capacity to preach without microphones, but there’s no question that audio technology has been a great help to churches today.
“And let’s not forget pianos and organs,” he said. “To my knowledge, the Early Church didn’t have them, so maybe that’s way over the line as well. But then we get into the pesky territory of guitars, electric pianos and the horror – drums.” The debate over new instruments and technology is ongoing, as pastors and congregations weigh how best to reach their communities.
Technology can be an enormous asset in helping a pastor or teacher share their message with a congregation. But at what point is it doctrinally, theologically or scripturally wrong? As more churches explore these tools, experts urge caution and discernment.
“Until we can answer that question, I’d suggest we hold the ugly social media posts and actually encourage the church’s creative and technical people to experiment and see what works and what doesn’t — what enhances the worship experience and what detracts,” Cooke said. “At the very least, maybe we could have a mature conversation, tone down the attitude, and focus more on how technology can help impact the culture with the gospel. Of course, critical social media posts get more clicks, but I’m not sure they help the cause of Christ.”
–Alan Goforth
