I heard lighting described recently as “music for the eyes…”
I’ve worked in weekend services for decades, and one of the most commonly criticized areas is lighting – top-notch professional event-style lighting is referred to by some as “putting on a show,” with strongly negative connotations. However, I’d argue that’s an overly simplistic approach – here’s why…
Thinking back to my Educational Psychology coursework, there are three main ways in which people learn and absorb information – seeing, hearing, and doing. The majority of people are “visual learners,” in that the things that stick with them are often what they see. If the majority of people learn visually, seeing is important, and lighting is a big part of that.
On the practical side, lighting does a couple of important things:
1. It illuminates, making it possible to see in the first place, and;
2. It directs, giving visual prompts regarding where to focus your attention.
However, beyond that, lighting creates a “vibe.” It helps to underscore the emotional impact of any given moment – an army of moving lights may be the perfect underscore for a celebratory moment, while a single spotlight may be just right for an intimate and moving worship song.
Ultimately, “either-or” thinking doesn’t work when discussing lighting – that’s like saying only loud music vs soft music is appropriate (or fast music vs slow music). Choose the right lighting for the right moment…
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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