Monday Matters: The Worship Space

Jim,

My 'problem' is that I'm 5'3", and I feel like a little kid at Grandma's -- my chin is nearly resting on the pulpit, and I have to duck around the microphone, light, etc, to make eye contact. Have already begun to make a move out of the box--we (congregation) are shopping for an ear mic, so I will be free to wander when the Spirit moves. Should also improve carrying power of my voice, too! Hope to gradually move the people to accept changes to the space which will give us all more flexibility. Sometimes, one could long for Jesus' open-air ministry, but not in Iowa in winter!

Blessings,

Karen

Jim... we just finished, about a year ago, a major renovation of our sanctuary to address some of the same issues that you cited. Your instincts sound really good. We did a lot to try and make everything as flexible as possible. We doubled the size of our chancel platform and made absolutely everything on it moveable--pulpit, organ, choir, table, chairs, etc... We have done a variety of creative things with this new set up. Of course, we also installed screens and projectors and all the stuff...but that's a long story...it has been received very well. The positioning of one's notes on the podium, music stand or pulpit is vital...I find myself messing with this very issue quite often. I too do not want to be seen as hunching over my notes that much. Blessings

We have a retractable 7' x 10' screen (electric) and a projector that is mounted from the ceiling. Unless the pastor has something they want specifically the PPT slide for the sermon is plain with the title of the sermon on it. Our pulpit has been moved off to the side for nearly 6 years now. Instead we use a music stand from the worship team for the pastor making it more intimate as the pastor is now closer to the congregation. We have continued to use our organ, but most of the must is with the worship team. We have a blended service (20% traditional and 80% contemporary). I too find the pews limiting, but until the congregation is willing to part with them we are stuck with them.

Good luck - I think there is medium ground someplace...you need unobtrusive technology which doesn't overshadow the main point of worship.

Good stuff - will be very interested in seeing some of the options!