How much of a role should media have in worship services?

Response

We live in an increasingly technological era, and various forms of media are playing an expanding role in church worship services. How significant a role should modern media have in the church? Pose this question to a hundred individuals, and you will receive a hundred different responses. Millennials are likely to hold differing perspectives from Baby Boomers. Pentecostals may have contrasting views from German Baptists. It is evident that the Bible does not address the use of media, such as PowerPoint and videos, in church settings. Before determining the extent of media integration in worship services, several factors need to be taken into consideration.

The structure of worship

In Deuteronomy 12:1–5, God instructed the Israelites not to engage in worship at pagan sites or incorporate pagan rituals into their worship. God also provided detailed specifications for the temple, including its size, dimensions, color, and contents—every aspect was meticulously defined. Accessing God through the Holy of Holies (the inner chamber housing the Ark of the Covenant) was strictly regulated by numerous precise rules.

However, it was impossible for us to meet all the requirements for worshipping God in purity. No quantity of animal sacrifices could cleanse our sins: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4). Therefore, God sent His Son as the ultimate sacrifice. At Jesus’ death, the veil separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was torn in two from the top down: “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.” (Matthew 27:51). God granted us direct access to Him and liberated us from the ceremonial law. He then

Gave us the Holy Spirit so we can “worship the Father in spirit and truth” «But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. », (John 4:23).

In the days of the early church, Christians partook of the Lord’s Supper «And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. », (Acts 20:7), prayed (1 Corinthians 14:15-16), sang «speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; », (Ephesians 5:19), read Scriptures «And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. », (Colossians 4:16), and gave offerings «Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. », (1 Corinthians 16:2). Basically, they used whatever they had that would honor God the most. There was nothing in their worship practices that is directly anathema to the use of modern media.

The purpose of worship

In order to discover if we should use media in worship, we must know what the purpose of worship is. The Bible gives guidelines in Hebrews 10:19–25:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidenceIn the Bible, we are encouraged to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, through a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, which is His body. Since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach God with a sincere heart and full assurance that faith provides. Our hearts are sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience, and our bodies are washed with pure water. Let us firmly hold onto the hope we profess because the One who promised is faithful. Additionally, let us think about how we can encourage one another toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, but rather encouraging one another—especially as the Day approaches.

During a church worship service, we are instructed to:

1. Approach God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith
2. Maintain our confession of hope
3. Encourage one another to promote “love and good deeds”
4. Support and uplift one another

These principles should guide the use of media in worship. If media can help bring the church closer to God in faith, remind individuals of the hope within them, inspire them to serve others, and generally uplift God’s people, then it is appropriate.

Media in the New Testament

While Jesus and the early church did not have sound systems or video presentations, Jesus often used parables—stories to illustrate His teachings. As it is written, “But without a parable spoke He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples” (Mark 4:34). Following Jesus’ example, a message that incorporates stories illustrating biblical truths would be fitting for our worship services. A suitable movie clip could also serve this purpose. Jesus’ stories effectively conveyed kingdom truths and the character of God in a relatable manner. Similarly, any story, video, graphic, or sermon should aim to achieve the same effect.

Media in modern worship services should strive to emulate these principles.

Ship services

At the same time, we must consider the needs and convictions of the people in the church. It is not loving to indulge in media if it does not serve the needs of others.

Is the media divisive? There is nothing sinful about modern technology. Using a device to project lyrics on a screen is not wrong. However, some congregations—and individuals within other congregations—prefer to use hymnals. There is nothing wrong with either preference. The “pro-projectionists” should not confiscate the hymnals, and the “anti-projectionists” should not unplug the projector. There should be peace within the body, and we are all called to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” «endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. », (Ephesians 4:3). Dialogue, wisdom, and compromise are needed in churches dealing with this issue.

Is the media conducive to worship? Our worship is to be God-focused, and it follows that everything in our worship services should be designed to promote a focus on God. While a cutting-edge video may really grab an audience, sometimes a less-is-more approach is more appropriate. After all, the goal of using media in a worship service should be to promote true worship, not just to stir emotion or to make an impression.

Is the media edifying? The apostle Paul stated, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). A movie clip may perfectly illustrate a point in the sermon, but if the movie it comes from is vulgar or profane, it would be unwise to expose everyone in the church to it. If the media in question is meant just to entertain, it may not be suitable for a worship setting.

ain or to make the church appear “hipper,” then it is not profitable. If it glorifies God, edifies the body, and stirs up good works, then it is profitable.

Is the media used appropriately for the audience? Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This is a good filter for every aspect of media in worship. Is the audio too loud? Too soft? Are the sermon notes or song lyrics available in print form for those who need them? Will the congregation understand the context of the movie clip? Are there young children who will cause a disruption during an academic, forty-five-minute sermon? It is a sign of love and maturity to give up personal preferences in such trivial matters if another option will bless someone else.

Conclusion

It is impossible to give specific, universal guidance on the use of media in worship services. The above are some basic ideas to consider. The purpose of the worship service is to learn about God, worship Him, and build up the church. It is not to entertain a passive crowd or to be “edgy” for the sake of “edginess.” When choosing media, it is important to consider the needs and expectations of the congregation and then to serve one another in love. If movie clips or special music can accomplish that, we are free to use them. If not, we should prayerfully consider what would best honor God and benefit the people in the church.