There are four primary ways to use still imagery in worship: text, illustration, thematic metaphor, and liturgical sequence. TextTypography can be used to convey more than the content of the words. The challenge is using the "non-verbals" of text to say more than the text itself does. One simple method is to vary the color, style, and position of simple text according to who is speaking. Another example might be using colored backgrounds that match the liturgical season. The limitation of plain text is that it does not use the full visual potential of the screen. It seems a shame to have all the technology of a digital screen but project only text. Even so, plain text and solid backgrounds can be sophisticated enough to lead the congregation in worship. IllustrationIllustration is using a graphic, photo, or other artwork to enhance some other component of worship. One of the simplest methods is adding a visual background to reinforce, both visually and emotionally, the emotions of song lyrics. You can use just the text itself as a graphic element. For example, an artistic rendering of Psalm 23 could support a scripture reading as both a reading and a visual presentation. A multi-sensory approach leads the congregation performing a segment of worship. For example, in one treatment of the Lord's Prayer, the congregation sings a version of the "Our Father" while performing a series of arm motions. The screen demonstrates motions that embody the words, leading the congregation in "performing" the prayer. The sermon outline can be displayed, with bullet points timed to appear as the preacher makes each point. The intention is to enhance the teaching component of the message. All of these methods and techniques are useful, but they are often abused and are inherently limited. Poor choices for backgrounds can quickly become distracting to worship rather than beneficial. A cliché sunset or awkward photograph becomes a stumbling block, particularly if it occurs often. Illustration is itself limited. It focuses on illustrating just one segment of worship. It is limited in depth because it is always intended to illustrate something secondary in worship. Always ask, what is the purpose of worship, and how can the screen serve it directly? Thematic MetaphorThematic metaphor graphics capture the theme of a service. The themes might come from the sermon, a Scripture passage, or the church calendar. The goal of the screen is to encapsulate the theme in a single image that guides the purpose underlying the entire service. This becomes the anchor graphic that determines the backgrounds, palette, and other visual elements for the whole service. However, it's still just one static image, which functions somewhat like a single-panel editorial cartoon, making a single point in a static image. Single-image metaphors do not make use of the dynamism and variety inherent to a computer-controlled screen or the drama built into worship. Thematic metaphor does help lead the congregation in considering worship as a whole by crystallizing the service into a single teaching point, but it doesn't necessarily tap the full potential of the technology or what worship is all about. Liturgical SequenceCombining the best of text, illustration, and thematic metaphor, liturgical sequences capture both the flexibility of the technology and the drama inherent in worship. In a sense, each slide points to something. The key question is, to what does the slide point? Single-image illustrations might point to a song or a text. But then the question is, to what does the song or reading point? What is the task of worship for the congregation? Most congregations follow a regular pattern of worship from week to week. Some churches are highly formal in these liturgical steps, while others are more informal and free flowing. This is a story we tell each week: we are gathered, nourished, and sent by God in worship. All of our choices of songs, texts, and prayers serve this story. Worship planners use this story all the time, sometimes almost unconsciously. Liturgical sequences also nicely incorporate thematic metaphors. If a single-image metaphor captures the overall theme of a service, a liturgical sequence can unfold and develop the metaphor over a series of images. Visually depicting the theme of the service in this way develops the metaphor more fully, and illustrates the basic tasks of worship. It also takes advantage of the power of the technology. Since the screen is controllable and flexible, able to change images easily, why limit the metaphor to one image? This dynamic power, used to develop a thematic metaphor through the drama of most fundamental tasks of worship, makes liturgical sequences the most powerful use of the screen for leading the congregation with light. —Steve Koster; From Leading With Light, www.leadingwithlight.com. Used with permission Discuss1. How often do we consciously plan the sequence of video images to coordinate with the worship service? 2. Which of the four ways mentioned do we use the most often? 3. What are the positives and negatives of each approach?    Worship Help people worship God in spirit and truth.  Easter ServiceIn "Easter Service," you'll find articles to help you plan your Easter worship, and to keep perspective. The Biblical Case for Blended Worship Mixing styles and forms allows Christians to embody gospel truths. The Future of Modern Worship The ever-changing "clothes" of worship.
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