I’ve lived most of my professional career operating under the following guideline:
‘Our methods may change, but our message never will.’
It really sounds good doesn’t it? Being able to say with conviction that we’ll use exciting new methods while keeping our theological heritage intact. It’s a great way to say something we all think.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t make it true.
A few days ago Tennessee Titans punter A.J. Trapasso kicked a football into the World’s Largest HD Screen in the brand new Cowboys Stadium. The problem? This happened during the game. Here’s the video. [EDIT: video has been removed]
While the tech guy in me thinks that the 180 foot screen is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen (other than my wife), part me wonders if this isn’t indicative of our culture. We’re willing to change the integrity of the event itself to have a better view or to have the most impressive technology. Stick with me here as I’m going to make a leap.
Do we do this in our churches as well? I’ll be the first to shout the praises of a new technology, but has all this equipment altered the experience for the better? Are there any places we’re using technology which actually gets in the way? We use IMAG, moving head lights, HD video, and a host of other technologies in our services, and often these can be leveraged for great impact. But let’s take a lesson from Cowboys Stadium. We should always ask if this equipment is going to distract from the truth (or worse yet, alter it.) If it doesn’t pass the test, don’t use it.
By the way, the screen in Cowboys Stadium is over 25,000 sq. ft. That’s just ridiculous.
So this one gets me a little heated. John Piper has answered a question about drama and video in worship services recently and his answer (although not unexpected) was somewhat controversial among those of us in church media. I would encourage you to read his whole answer here. I’m going to assume that you have.
I don’t even know where to start. I should breathe a moment to ensure that all the thoughts I have aren’t spewed out but are thoughtful and logical. I’m not sure I’ll be successful.
The problem with his whole perspective, and he would find it to be an asset, is that he places complete preeminence on preaching. That’s obvious in the following quotations:
I think the use of video and drama largely is a token of unbelief in the power of preaching.
It’s going to communicate that preaching is weak, preaching doesn’t save, preaching doesn’t hold, but entertainment does.
The logical conclusion from Piper’s statements is that video and drama cannot be used to teach and can only be used as entertainment. Thus preaching (and teaching) must be done by a pastor who is speaking to a congregation. It is this line of thinking that I strongly believe to be inaccurate.
Piper points out in his opening paragraph that media isn’t explicitly forbidden in the New Testament. (Does this mean that it is subtly forbidden?) We do find, however, significant use of storytelling and narrative throughout the scriptures. In fact, as much as 75% of the Bible is in narrative form (with only 10% as propositional instruction – from the Complete Evangelism Guidebook). Clearly, there is a significant focus on storytelling. Jesus himself spoke in parables to communicate God’s truth.
Video and drama are simply modern methods of storytelling. Incredibly powerful methods of storytelling. And, as with everything, can be used well or not so well. Preaching can mislead thousands of people to think that they can be ‘ok’ with God simply by walking an aisle. Video and Drama can be used to distract people from the truth of God’s Word. But when we meet together and use both effectively, we begin to communicate to a person holistically. We hit their mind, heart and soul. Preaching rarely expands beyond the mind.
This is why we need artists in the church. Good artists. Incredible artists. Artists who love God and can communicate His truths in new and exciting ways. If we hope to reach the next generation with God’s truth, we’re going to need everything we can get. Or to quote a preacher,” All was created through Jesus and for Jesus. (John Piper)”