Using Video in Worship
By: Jesse Lewis

In case you haven't noticed, it's a video-driven world out there. Image-based learning is the primary mode of learning in our society today, and video is an awesome tool for communicating the gospel and Biblical truth in a language that people can understand.  Many growing, effective churches are grabbing hold of that fact, and looking for ways to incorporate video in their Sunday worship services. 

Here are some of the best ways to use video in a church service.

1. Sermon Illustrations
Videos are an effective way to bring practical application to your message. You can use them to illustrate your overall topic or a specific point, and you can use them at just about any time before, during or after your message. There are several Christian companies that make videos that are specifically designed for this purpose. You can also use clips from Hollywood movies (provided you have the appropriate licensing). These work well because they give a visitor to your church a point of familiarity. Some churches even have the ability to produce their own sermon illustration video clips in-house. Even if you don't, however, there are a number of good, low-cost alternatives on the market.

2. Call to Worship
Video can make an effective lead-in to a service because it quickly focuses the attention of your congregation. Use it to set the table for the rest of the service. Let's say, for example, that your sermon focuses on the passage in Matthew 6 where Jesus admonishes us to "Consider the birds of the air." You could show a video just prior to the beginning of the service of various shots of birds gracefully flying with this scripture overlaid on top, along with some appropriate background music. In this way, you begin a theme at the start of the service that you can carry through to the end.  

3. Special Music
Video backgrounds can add a whole new dimension to your special music times. It's fairly easy for someone familiar with video editing to take a CD music track and sync it with video. The combination of powerful music and powerful images can make for a moving worship experience. There are laws related to syncing video with a music performance track, so you may need to e-mail or write the copyright holders of the song to get permission prior to doing it.

4. Scripture Reading
For an example, let's say our scripture for today is Psalm 29, and in that Psalm, David uses images of a violent storm to talk about the power and sovereignty of God.  Option #1 is your usual routine: Someone simply stands in front of the congregation and reads this scripture. Option #2: The sanctuary is darkened as a video of lighting crashes, heavy rains and blowing wind is shown, and a pre-recorded voice reads the scripture, accompanied by storm sounds. Both options convey the truth of scripture, but Option #2 does it in a way that stirs the senses and results greater understanding and retention. You can see immediately that while the reading of the scripture is getting into our ears (and hopefully, our hearts), video can be reinforcing the same message through our eyes.

One word of caution is needed here. Nothing I am advocating is intended to substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit in convincing and convicting the human heart of Biblical truth. It is simply about communicating the gospel in ways that are easy to understand and stir the senses. 

And why stir the senses? There is a direct correlation between the engagement of the five human senses and the amount of retained learning. It is also true for many of us that our hearts are most open to God when our emotions have been stirred.

5. Backgrounds for Song Lyrics
Across almost all denominations, we are seeing a progression when it comes to the presentation of song lyrics for our worship services: from printed lyrics, to projected lyrics, to projected lyrics with still-picture backgrounds, to projected lyrics with video backgrounds. A large number of churches have begun to experiment with video backgrounds, with nearly universal positive response. Again, we can see the ability of video to make a visual connection with what our ears are telling us.

Some have been concerned that video backgrounds would distract people for actually entering into worship, but my experience has been just the opposite. Many people have commented to me that they find that the backgrounds move them and assist them in entering into a place of real worship.

In order to use video backgrounds behind your projected song lyrics, you must operate presentation software that allows you to overlay text onto video.  There are a number of software packages that do this effectively. Alternatively, you could use a video mixer or keying system to accomplish this, but in most cases, these are more expensive and complicated solutions. Recent advances in software development have put the performance of this task within the grasp of most churches.

Buying the Right LCD Projector
LCD projectors are a big investment. When trying to choose among the wide array of units on the market, there are several factors that should be considered.

Among the important features to consider when buying a projector are:

ANSI Lumens: a numeric measure of brightness. In mid-sized church settings, average brightness of 2000-3500 ANSI-Lumens is typical. A brightness of less than 1000 ANSI-Lumens is not recommended for the average church setting. When trying to determine what level of brightness you will need, you should take into consideration the overall level of light in the sanctuary and, in particular, what type of stage lighting you have or plan to have.

Contrast Ratio: a measure of the difference between bright and dark areas of an image when projected, usually noted as 100:1, 400:1, 800:1, etc. The higher number represents better image contrast.

Resolution: another indicator of brightness and picture clarity. Different resolution standards are the same as for computer monitors (VGA, SVGA, XVGA, etc.).

Inputs: what types of ports are available on the projector (VGA, S-Video, RCA, etc.).

Projection Size: the minimum and maximum size of the projected image.

Finding the best price can be a challenge, but doing your homework can really pay off.  This is particularly true if you are willing to investigate either "demo" or refurbished projectors. You will find that the savings on these units can be substantial--just be sure of the warranty you are getting and be sure that you are dealing with a reputable seller.

It is sometimes worth the investment to hire a consultant to help you design your church projection system, especially when you are moving into a new facility or installing multiple projectors. There are a number of reputable companies out there, many of whom are affordable. Don't be afraid to ask for those references.

Choosing Worship Software
There are a number of good church presentation software packages available, and it is a significant decision, because your choice will impact your worship service in a tangible way for years to come. 

Here are some key factors to consider before you make your final purchase:
 
1. Flexibility
The ability to make changes to a service schedule quickly is critical, particularly in a contemporary worship environment. Can you access songs and scriptures "on the fly?"  Can you make an edit while an image is being projected, so that you can correct typos?  Can you change backgrounds in the middle of a song?
 
2.  Background Options
It is essential to have a variety of options available for background images.  Does the software allow for text over video? Does it accept Flash files? Does it allow for a live camera feed as a source on which you can overlay text?
 
3.  Control Screen Interface
Most presentation software packages can utilize a dual-monitor approach, meaning that your computer screen acts as one monitor and shows the control interface, while the projector acts as the second monitor and shows only the image you wish to project. How easy is it to navigate the software's control screen (and to teach others to do so)?  Is the interface intuitive, or are some elements difficult to locate? How quickly can you make changes?
 
4.  Access to Scriptures
Many pastors want to be able to read from multiple translations of the Bible and want the key verses projected. How does the software access scriptures? How many different translations of the Bible are included in the purchase price? Are additional versions available? What about foreign language versions (if you have that need)?
 
5.  Text Editor
Most churches that utilize presentation software project sermon notes during the service.  Does the software have a built-in text editor? Does it import Powerpoint files easily?  What kind of background options do you have when projecting text? What kind of text animations or transitions are available? Can you print the notes that you type?
 
6.  Accepted File Formats
In today's media environment, versatility rules. What video and audio file formats does the software accept? Can you play audio files that do not contain video? Will the software accept a video file with audio as a background on which you can overlay text?
 
7.  Hardware Requirements
Hardware requirements vary greatly from package to package. It should be noted that the minimum hardware requirements listed on the software package may be lower than what is actually required if you want to use videos or video backgrounds within the software.

8. Support and Upgrades
Technology is changing at a rapid pace, and it is important to get connected to a software company that is committed to ongoing improvements and enhancements. It is also important to have a good reference manual and readily accessible online or phone support. What are current users saying about the support they receive?
 
Most of the more popular software packages have free trial versions that you can download and use on a temporary basis. Experimenting with them is a worthy investment of time and should go a long way in helping you determine which one is most suitable for your church.

As you can see, there are many possible uses for video in Sunday services. The key is to pray for creativity. 

Jesse Lewis is president of WorshipFilms.com.

Product Roundup

Presenter's Toolkit
The Digital Juice Presenter's Toolkit is a massive multimedia library that will make any presentation more interesting and professional. The toolkit features:

• More than 4,900 backgrounds
• 2,000 photos
• 2,500 photo objects
• 3,200 video clips
• 900 songs
• 6,700 Illustrations
• clip art and animations

The Presenter's Toolkit has more than 40GB of contents spread across six DVDs.
www.digitaljuice.com

Hitachi LCD Projectors
Hitachi America's CP-X1200 and CP-X1250 series LCD projectors offer:

• XGA resolution (1024 x 768)
• Exceptionally high brightness
• Wide range of lens options
• Flexibility with any environment

The CP-X1250 and CP-X1200 series can also be remotely controlled and maintained through a LAN network connection, providing the ability to network, control and maintain the projectors remotely.
www.hitachi.com

Presentation Manager
Presentation Manager by Creative Lifestyles is a leading multimedia projection software package. The standard package features:

• Huge database of images and songs
• Ability to project text over video files or a live feed
• Video tutorial to make learning the software a breeze
• PowerPoint integration with thumb-nailed preview
• Song importer for CCLI SongSelect online
• Dual display interface, ideal for prepared or spontaneous worship

Presentation Manager allows churches the flexibility to conform the software to meet its needs. 
www.presentationmgr.com

EasyWorship
EasyWorship is just that – a worship projection software that is easy to use and easy to learn. The program features:

• Dual monitor output
• Ability to lay text over video, camera, DVD, VHS or any media
• Easy interface with PowerPoint, Song Select Lyric Service and Nursery Alert
• Scrolling messages
• 106 Transitions
• Cross fades
• Title and first line search for songs
• Scripture database

The site license allows churches to use copies on as many computers as pertain to one geographical church site. 
www.easyworship.com

Barco RLM G5i Performer
The RLM G5i Performer from Barco is an ideal, all-around projector. Feature-rich and ready to use, the RLM G5i Performer:

• Allows everything from seamless switching to picture-in-picture
• Has a compact design
• Enables you to show up to four sources simultaneously on-screen
• Features sealed optics (prism and DMDs), a dedicated lens range and compatibility with the existing SLM Projector lenses

RLM G5i Performer is the ideal staging projector for any church environment.
www.barco.com

Cosmopolitan Electrol Screen
Da-Lite offers a complete line of high quality projection screens suitable for all worship facilities. The Cosmopolitan Electrol features:

• Seamless sizes up to 16 feet wide for the non-tensioned model 
• Seamless sizes for the tensioned Cosmopolitan Electrol up to 14 feet wide
• Front projection screen surfaces that offer a wide viewing cone and a uniform image 
• Adjustable sliding ceiling and wall-mounting brackets
• Two-piece aluminum extruded case providing an access panel to the motor and roller

Both the tensioned and non-tensioned Cosmopolitan models may be specified to custom dimensions or aspect ratios upon request.
www.da-lite.com

SANYO PLC-XF60
The SANYO PLC-XF60 incorporates a number of innovative new technologies to adapt to a broad range of applications for churches. The projector features:

• 10-bit video processing of both luminance and RGB signals
• 12-bit progressive IC to produce a true high-definition picture with outstanding brightness and contrast
• Separate 12-bit gamma correction IC for deep, rich blacks and superior edge detail
• Progressive scanning with 3-2/2-2 pull-down and 1080i progressive technologies to provide jitter-free digital video playback of filmed programming
• New Color Manager Pro software to simplify set-up and maintain optimum performance
• Fully adjustable mechanical shutter to help boost the contrast ratio to 1300:1

A wide range of other image adjustment options, including keystone correction, lens shift (lens sold separately) and picture zoom, are also provided. 
www.sanyolcd.com

InterWrite Meeting Suite
The InterWrite Meeting Suite provides three different tools that can be used together or independently to engage the congregation in an interactive sermon.

• The MeetingBoard is an electronic whiteboard for pastors or Sunday school teachers who want to interact with their computer and annotate over computer-supported sermons.
• The MeetingPad is a wireless pad that allows pastors to preach from anywhere in the sanctuary while being able to interact with and manipulate computer presentations and applications.
• The iPanel is designed for those who preach from a podium and present visual materials.

www.gtcocalcomp.com

Draper Access
What if you know you want a ceiling-recessed screen, but don't know what projector will be used in the room? The projector determines the optimum size, aspect ratio, and viewing surface. No problem with the Draper Access. Here's how it works:

• Order the case now.
• Make sure it's large enough to accept the largest screen you think you may need.
• Order the screen later, after the projector decision is made.

The Access case can be recessed in the ceiling and pre-wired. Patented plug-in junction box and sliding brackets make it easy to install the screen at a later date in minutes.
www.draperinc.com

Mitsubishi XD205 and SD205 Projectors
Mitsubishi has introduced its XD205 and SD205, two projectors that lead the market in the combination of brightness and portability. Mitsubishi's new laptop-sized projectors features include:

• 2000 ANSI lumens in a 5.3-pound form factor
• Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing technology for outstanding image quality
• 32 decibels for less noise and distraction
• High contrast ratio of 2000:1 for exceptional color depth and clarity

These are the newest low-cost, high-value projectors from the company known for its
color reproduction excellence and low cost of ownership.
www.mitsubishi-presentations.com

MediaShout
Use MediaShout to display song lyrics, Bible verses or text with full audio and video integration to enhance your worship or teaching experience. Among the new capabilities are:

• Bible "keyword" search
• A new user interface
• Live video feed
• Video transitions
• Selectable in/out points for DVD playback

The dual-screen design allows you to create, modify and preview your presentation at any time, even while your program is under way.
www.mediashout.com

Fellowship One
Fellowship One is an Internet-based church management solution developed by one of the most successful churches in America. In less than two years, Fellowship Technologies has signed up:

• 19% of the top 100 fastest growing churches in the country
• 15% of the country's 100 largest churches

It is now available to all churches for a fraction of what it costs a church to operate such a robust computer application. 
www.fellowshiptech.com

PowerLite 830p from Epson
A whisper-quiet performer, Epson's PowerLite 830p LCD projector delivers high-performance presentations for classrooms, multi-purpose rooms or small to medium worship facilities. The 830p projector provides:

• 3000 lumens
• XGA resolution
• Convenient automatic setup

Use the wired LAN connection to attach to a network, and remotely monitor and control the projector. 
www.AVChurch.com