From a netfriend:

If all you are going to do is replace the Hymn book with words on a wall then perhaps Charles is right. OHP’s a definitely cheaper… but they are almost next to useless for helping to create an environment (particularly if you are doing a candle-lit worship service). OHPs are also basically useless displaying photo quality images so the alternative there is definitely a 35mm slide projector for showing still pictures.

Yes, a video projector seem expensive… but if you compare the price to say the cost of 100 pew Bibles and the latest hip Hymn Books… it compares nicely… plus you get to have a wider choice of music… access to use different versions of the Bible… and a very easy (and cheap way) to change the way everything looks and feels at the drop of a hat… of course you need to learn how… and if you want to know a secret young people know how the technology works…

The congregation I attend has put the money into such technology. Without a doubt using the technology in worship opens up new opportunities. We have found that it enables young people to express themselves using a medium that they understand and can relate to. It also provides for and increases the participation of young people in worship. The equipment has certainly provided more flexibility in worship content and style – helping to free our imagination.

We have also found that the technology has also been used to support other community building activities such as trivia nights, youth groups, movie nights, meetings, and communication of the mission.

In response to Charles’ email (attached below) using the phrase “image triumphs over substance”.

There are times when images can communicate more depth, substance and feeling than words can. My experience is that the use of images can help us keep our rationality in check so that _our_ substance becomes less of a distraction.

The use of image (such as stained-glass windows or paintings) in the church and in worship has been around forever. Images have always helped people to understand and remember the story.

If we live in a world where the culture is informed and uses the language
of the moving image… it is something that we had better get used to. The
language of the younger generations revolve around beat and image. The beat
provides the urge to dance… the church (for the most part) has learned the
music… now we need to learn to dance with the light.

Dean Tregenza

http://www.spirited.net.au/