Why Lights?

We recently decorated our sanctuary differently. We added a light system. Since this picture, we have also changed the back wall.

So, why lights?

It is a serious, yet fun, intentional change. Here is my thinking and I don't really know if anyone else who uses lighting in churches thinks this way, but I do.

When people go to a church that looks like an old time church they worship by standing like a statue with their hands folded and making little mumbling sounds when called upon by the leader. That is not free and expressive worship. It is not worshiping God with all your heart and strength, though it may engage your mind and spirit in a qualitative quiet way.

When people go to church that looks like a rock concert, they worship like they would express themselves at a concert. Freely! With excitement and energy. We have preached it in pentecostal churches for years, "If you can shout for a team at a ball game or for a singer at a concert, then you can shout for Jesus at church!" So, why not make the atmosphere say, "We want you to shout here!" Plus, with the lights we can also create a setting that is quiet, peaceful and contemplative and engage the mind and spirit in a quiet qualitative way too.

Finally, when we are given the open door by the Lord to relocate our church we already have most of what we need to set up the new platform in the new building. What will the new church building feel like in worship? Like this, with a lot more space.