Here is an example of guidelines for video screen use, adapted from the values and policies statement of Third Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Values for Screen Use1. We value a blended style of worship. We value songs, liturgy, and worship that mixes old and new and is the kind of worship within which all may find a place. The screen will enhance the praise and worship component of our services. It will also reach a younger generation with a user-receptive medium. 2. We value teaching sermons and messages that hearers can follow. The screen could function as a place for sermon outlines, bulletin points, and visuals, and could aid pastors and listeners in the covenant of learning. 3. We value the nurturing and building of community, where all members can see, hear, and participate in the worship encounter. The screen should be readable and visually accessible for all members regardless of where they are seated in the sanctuary. 4. We value silent, prayerful reflective time prior to worship for preparation to meet God. The screen should function as an accompaniment to worship. It should not be used prior to worship beginning for bulletin advertisements or announcements. 5. We value the existing symbols in our worship space, including the furnishings and their placement for the sacraments and the proclamation of the Word. The screen should not be a focal point of the sanctuary. The screen and its images should be regarded as less than those things that are permanent and centrally located in worship space. 6. We value an aesthetically pleasing and liturgically appropriate worship space. The screen and projector should be discreet and should not be distracting in their placement or function. Its colors and tones should not diminish liturgical colors in our worship space. 7. We value a music-reading congregation. The screen should have a capacity to reproduce printed musical notation. 8. We value the function of books and we value the use of books in worship. We especially value teaching children to find Bible passages with the context of a book. The screen should not replace the use of books in worship nor take away the function of turning together to books for the public hearing of Scripture. 9. We value simplicity and prudent use of resources. The screen should be uncomplicated and cost-efficient enough that its use is not expected for every service. 10. We value the time and creative energies of our current staff. We recommend a PowerPoint or screen team to create and maintain what is on the screen. Like the sound system, pastoral staff should not be responsible for the screen's use, its success, or its failure. 11. We value the hearing of the Word through the use of relevant examples and images, recognizing the profound impact of images on our imagination. The screen's use of images should be managed with great care. 12. We value following all copyright laws. We will explore what license or permission processes need to be complete prior to visually reproducing a song or text. Visitors and members should be assured that we are licensed to display what appears on the screen. Specific Criteria for Screen UseArtwork—Images should be soft and sensitive to our space as holy ground. Art should be sensitive to other areas in the worship space and liturgical season. Where possible, we would like to use commissioned rather than stock iconographic images. [Values 5, 6, 11] Motion—Slide transitions should be soft, and should be complete prior to a worship leader's speaking. If the screen will be used, it should remain in the down position so its movement does not distract. There should be no graphic motion on the screen when the congregation's attention should be devoted to other areas in the sanctuary. [Values 4, 6] Contrast—Text and images should be in sharp contrast with the background. To blend with surrounding décor, consideration should be made for darker backgrounds. The color palate selected should be aesthetically pleasing. Where possible, art and color should be coordinated and be captured as a theme. [Values 4, 6] Video and re-projection—Video clips should be thematically consistent with the worship service and should avoid excessive rapid image transitions. In skits and productions, video effect should not detract from the production participants. Use at these times is encouraged, especially if it adds value when other props are impossible or impractical. At this time, re-projection of the camera image is not advised. [Values 5, 11] Text—The use of Bibles and songbooks should be maintained. The primary text for the sermon should come from a book rather than projected on the screen. The use of the screen for accompanying passages and other translations is encouraged. [Values 5, 8] Music—Praise songs should be promoted to the congregation. Songs that convey supplication, submission, and other contemplations should not be accompanied by projection. Alternate colors or bold texts should indicate when the congregation should sing, particularly when alternate verses are used. The worship coordinator or pastor will indicate when a song should not be projected because of a desire to use musical notation. The congregation's familiarity with a song or response should be taken into account when determining the necessity of using the screen. [Values 7, 8] Pre- and post-service—Consideration of image or art slide show or video sequences that set focus on the theme of the service or liturgical season and help the congregation focus on the worship are encouraged for consideration. Music tracks (but not speech tracks) are appropriate with the slides and video. [Values 4, 6] —Adapted from "Technology in Worship," Calvin Institute for Christian Worship, www.calvin.edu/worship. Used with permission. Discuss1. How detailed are our values and policies for video screen projection? 2. How would we revise the documents above to match the needs of our church? 3. Who determines how video projection takes place in our church? Should anyone else be involved in these decisions?    Excellent Worship with a Volunteer TeamHow to lead the teams that lead your congregation.  Training Worship Leaders The Living ChurchA leader’s dream for his church and the entire church Worship Worthy of the Name Worship is seeing what God is worth and giving him what he's worth.
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