Catalyst Leader conducted an interview with Chuck Swindoll entitled “The Problem with Pizzazz.” During this conversation, Swindoll discussed the issues that churches face with the ever growing and expanding use of technology in worship. His fear is that services are becoming more about the entertainment value than about true worship. He argues that when this happens, people are not necessarily experiencing God, but are simply watching a show on stage. He has observed that the first casualty of this mindset is Biblical literacy. People no are no longer interested in the Biblical message. Instead, they come to be entertained by the light shows and the innovative new worship set. Swindoll is quick to point out that technology is not the problem. As leaders in the church, we must get to the heart of the matter and ask “why are we doing this?” It is a question of motive. New technology can definitely enhance the worship experience, but it can also distract people from the true meaning of worship. It is a difficult line to walk, but leaders in the church are called to make sure the use of technology does not cause their congregation to fall on the wrong side of that line. Swindoll also offers some advice for young pastors who are struggling with this issue. The best piece of advice (besides going to the Scriptures) is to surround yourself with people who ask the hard questions. They will hold you accountable and help to ensure that your motives are pure.
I'm all over this one.
ReplyDeleteGot his one:)
ReplyDeleteNevermind
ReplyDeleteThanks Joel for bringing to our attention possibly one of the most underrated issues facing the church today, namely the lack of critical thinking about new and innovative practices.
ReplyDeleteEarlier this week I had a discussion with my Worship Committee about the use of applause in worship, particularly after a moving song by the choir or a special worship presentation, such as a skit, drama, dance, etc. The point we finally settled on is this: “when applause is used OUTSIDE of the church, what are the underlying meanings, implications, and norms surrounding the practice? With these foundational considerations in mind, does the practice of applause “out there” match the desired atmosphere, vision, and norms of “in here”?
Now while applause is somewhat different than the use of technology in assisting worship, the overall picture is the same. Subtly, what does the presence of a screen with a projected image signify OUTSIDE of the church? Entertainment. Simply put, the presence of a screen subtly and subconsciously engages the viewer on the levels of entertainment, naturally drawing similar evocations of the entertainment mindset with it…passivity, performance, emotional/relational distance, etc.
Now not all technology is bad, nor will every individual be found to experience these same implications concerning the mental and emotional engagement in worship. It is however quite imperative that we measure the significant cultural climate of our individual congregations concerning these considerations. If we don’t, we may indeed become victims of pizzazz, or more subversively, a distancing of congregation from authentic engagement in worship…the very thing we are trying to accomplish through the use of technology!