So, you’re a pastor or technical director who’s overseeing the technical improvement of the new sanctuary and you’re in a quandary. You’ve seen the trend lately toward a more visual worship experience but you’re not sure how to blend that with the esthetic desires of your congregation. First, let me comfort you; you’re far from alone. Second, let me suggest a different philosophy. Think Theatrical.
Over the last fifteen years, I’ve had the opportunity to consult for numerous churches in the area of professional audio. In my experience with congregations from 70 to 7000 the idea that the “church” is the people, not the building could be no more evident than today. Rarely do you see single-purpose, cathedral-style churches being built. The new churches of today are multi-purpose rooms designed for the people to use and enjoy for an incredibly wide variety of events.
But in designing those multi-purpose facilities, pitfalls can occur. I’ve spoken with many pastors after the fact about their new buildings and asked them this question: If there were one thing you could have re-designed, what would it be? The majority of them have said, “the sound system.” The consensus is that the designers were told they were building a church so they specified a “church” sound system. The problem is that most “church” sound systems are inadequate for contemporary music as they are generally designed for speech reinforcement. Again, churches need to “think theatrical,” and even “think concert” when communicating their goals to the building committee, architects, general contractor and subcontractors.
It seems many church builders are behind the times when it comes to building in the technical infrastructure necessary for today’s congregations. Why? Many of them have been doing what they do for many decades. However, the church’s needs have changed dramatically during that time. In many cases, the audio, video/data, and lighting systems usually take a back seat to the esthetics and décor of a room. Of course the room should be attractive, but the church that waits until the last minute for decisions on audio, video and lighting is on a collision course with frustration and compromise.
Since a building project, whether it be a new construction or a remodel, is not a common process for most churches, it’s very important that the church knows what it wants and is in a position to communicate those goals to the consultants and contractors. The church should also be thorough in checking references to be sure the selected contractors and consultants are as experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy as they seem. Those church members and staff responsible for the technology in the new project should make every effort to get out and visit numerous other churches that have recently finished similar projects. Learning from the experience of others is invaluable. Ideas will be shared and, with God’s help, the new building process will run smoother.
The church that decides to go through this process with blinders on is inviting trouble. The audio, video and lighting must be considered, and the contractors involved, at the time the room is being designed. If not, the sub contractor(s) will often times have to adapt to the room design utilizing acoustic treatment materials as a “band aid” and acoustically inadequate space. Improper mounting infrastructure for loudspeakers, projectors and lighting fixtures will often result in less effective and more expensive compromises. And getting wires to the needed destinations may be impossible or require minor demolition to achieve.
By thinking theatrical, the focal point is the aural and visual presentation of the Gospel. With our culture becoming so visually oriented, there is no better way to connect with the congregation and the lost than through visual presentation.
Consider the movie industry and how it has grown. Roughly twenty-five years ago, the VHS video tape did not exist. Today you have VHS, S-VHS, DVD, VCD, cable and satellite not to mention the internet. Plus, the advent of home theatre sound systems. What are we up to this week, Dolby 7.1 surround sound?
Is it any wonder? When you consider the human eye and vision as one of the five senses, you have an organ able to refract light, see dark and light and everything in between, to see in color, black and white, in infinite measures of depth. It is arguably the most powerful and valuable sense we have. Let’s use that sense to communicate the most important message it can receive: the saving power of Christ.
The cathedrals of centuries past were feast for the eyes. The stained glass windows were the projectors of yesteryear for the Bible stories we all know so well. But it was all fixed in place. Today’s congregations watch digital cable or satellite TV with 100 plus channels. At work, they sit through daily Powerpoint presentations or work for companies with in-house video production capabilities. They own cars with 100-watt, 10-speaker stereo systems, and own home theatre systems with surround sound capabilities that most commercial theatres have trouble competing with. But in church, it’s not about entertainment. It’s about better communication and relevance. It’s about driving home a life-changing message. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well how about a video?
The bottom line is, if our ultimate purpose is to carry out the Great Commission and to duplicate ourselves in others to do the same thing, we’re “missing the boat” if we don’t think theatrical when it comes to the design or re-design of any sanctuary. And if “theatrical” is the way to go, wouldn’t it behoove us to design the sanctuary around it instead of designing it around the sanctuary.
George Lambert has been involved in music ministry for fifteen years, and is currently Associate Pastor and Music Pastor with Faith Community Church in House Springs, Missouri. He is a 1993 graduate of The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona, with a degree in professional recording and live sound. George and his wife Lesa have four children: Jordan, Cameron, Jacob, and Emily.
