Observations From the Fast Lane

by Brian Blackmore

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"Simplicity done well is better than high-tech done poorly" is some of the best advice we could deliver to our readers. That sentiment was reaffirmed recently at Calvary Church of the Coastlands in Corpus Christi, Tex., which is the focus of one of our feature articles this issue (see page 32). Worship Leader, and technical-director-by-default, Jim Shepherd successfully modified a lighting system and improved the video broadcast's picture quality by cutting the number of lighting fixtures in half.

Also in this issue, we document how Hope Community Church in Raleigh, N.C. (which happens to be my home church) created a very high-tech-looking faux LED video wall using wooden two-by-fours and white cardboard tubes, a spare projector and a $400 video signal processor (see page 40). The result looks like a wall of LED strips that could have cost upwards of $100,000. From my perspective, it was a great effect for a particular sermon series, but probably not something that should have become a permanent set piece. Had the church invested the big bucks on the real thing --- dozens of LED strips and the media server and other technology needed to run it --- the church may have felt obligated to use it in situations where it may have not been warranted.

This reminds me of something I heard expressed by Craig Janssen, principle consultant with Acoustic Dimensions. His company is working with some of its client churches to create "rooms that don't have to work so hard"; in other words high-tech rooms that are not so dependent upon technology. Janssen explained that many current "black box/performing arts center-style churches" are designed with such reliance on technology that if a church suddenly chooses to go "low-tech" for a service, the impression communicated to the audience is that "something is missing". It's a fascinating conundrum for churches, architects and A/V system designers. Technology can communicate the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in new and wonderful ways. However it's not always appropriate, and some churches may feel forced into high-tech worship when "less" may be "more".

As you put the finishing touches on your church's Christmas productions, let me encourage you to adopt the slogans "Simplicity with Excellence", and "Less is More".

Lastly, on behalf of the staff here at Production Media Inc, publishers of Church Production Magazine, Worship Facilities Magazine and presenters of WFX - Worship Facilities Expo, have a happy and blessed Christmas Holiday Season.

Best Regards,

Brian Blackmore
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Church Production Magazine
Worship Facilities Magazine

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