The phrase “being in the spotlight” has taken on somewhat of a negative connotation in our society. We often use it as a metaphor for ego or the desire for self-promotion. However, lighting really isn’t all that malevolent – it’s main uses (besides helping us to see something, lol) are to 1) help us know where to look, and 2) create environments. The best lighting will do both at the same time.
It’s amazing how much we rely on lighting to help us focus on and follow events…. Many years ago, I had the blessing of being able to go to the Summer Olympics. We were sitting in the main stadium in the early afternoon. At any given time, there would be twenty things going on – athletes practicing long jumps, time trials for hurdles, etc… However, there might also be a gold medal on the line for a sprint happening at that moment. It was daylight, and we had no idea where to look – so – ironically – we ended up watching the screens.
Lighting mitigates some of that by helping to say “here’s where to put your attention.” There is great value to team-led worship, so many times you will have washes on the stage [meaning a general white or white/color combo that covers the entire front of the platform]. However, there are times when you really want a tight focus. Maybe it’s on a soloist, or a dramatic speaker, etc… One of the most moving testimonies that I have ever seen was at Granger Church, as a girl told her story lit by a single spotlight in a completely dark room – you could have heard a pin drop. In the right context, less really is more…
Hmmm - well, let's see...
I'm a Christian, a husband, a dad, a son, a pastor, a consultant, a musician, a writer, and bits and pieces of a bunch of other things. My work life has followed three main phases - business to teaching to church. I was the Weekend Services Pastor for nine years at Northview Church, an awesome church in the Indianapolis suburbs. I used to work for Willow Creek, another awesome church in the Chicago area. Plus I've written for various magazines and websites, and other freelancy sorts of things... My life mission is to help the church be as excellent as it can be.
Oh yeah - the name's Greg. Greg Wallace. But not the race car driver or the major league pitcher or the British celebrity chef. Just the creative worship guy. Hi.
It's my hope that these ideas, musings, rants, raves, etc... will inspire you. They're just my opinions - but again, I hope that they'll help to inspire you. Because the church really, really needs inspired creative types. If you're a creative type (and most people are, deep-down), ask God for help. Then take any ideas that are useful to you - borrow them, nab them, use them, adapt them - and make them into something greater...
You can head over to my Instagram site for an abundance of shorter posts: creativeworshipideas. If you're looking for consulting - especially on weekend services, team leadership or multi-site strategies - I'd love to help. Just message me here, and I'll be in touch - Greg
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