Leading with Light: Four Ways to Use a Slide: Illustration

Of the four ways to use a slide, illustration is probably what most people think of. Illustration is using a graphic, photo, or other art work to enhance some other component of worship. Illustration uses graphics to "give visual punch" to a song, reading or sermon.

One of the simplest methods is adding a visual background to song lyrics. Some (overused) examples include showing a picture of a sunrise for an inspiring song, a dove for spiritual songs, or candles for a contemplative song. The graphics are intended to reinforce, both visually and emotionally, the emotions of the lyrics. A most common mistake is simple sentimentality or woodenness. Some illustrations are painfully literal, such as projecting a deer when singing "As a deer pants for water, so my soul longs for the Lord."

Another example technically uses just text, but 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. It could be performed by a reader, the congregation, or combined with recorded audio.

A multi-sensory approach provides more than just backgrounds. Rather, it leads the congregation performing a segment of worship. For example, in this 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 screen could also be combined with live worship leaders leading the action.

Using business presentations as a model, a sermon outline might be displayed. Bullet points can be timed to appear as the preacher makes each point. The overall intention is to enhance the teaching component of the pastor's message. The bullet point can even be superimposed over a live video image of the preacher in large churches for greater visibility.

All of these methods and techniques for illustration are useful, but they are often abused and are inherently limited. First, as noted earlier, poor choices for backgrounds can quickly become distracting to worship rather than beneficial. A cliche sunset or awkward photograph becomes a stumbling block, particularly if it occurs often. It may be better to rely on text and colors alone.

Second, illustration is itself limited. It is limited in duration because it focuses on illustrating just one segment of worship. Illustrations could vary widely in style as a congregation moves from song to prayer to reading to sermon. Illustration runs the risk of inconsistency. It is also limited in depth because it is always intended to illustrate something secondary in worship. The screen can illustrate songs and sermons, but what are those things supposed to illustrate? Musicians choose songs and preachers write sermons with a purpose in mind. A good question to ask is, what is that purpose, and how can the screen serve it directly?

Stance

The “Stance” sequence shows how a single visual element changes as the worship service unfolds. The mannequin, representing our posture before God, changes positions as the congregation’s liturgical task changes. This sequence also intentionally leaves space for text, but can also serve as a plain banner. These images are courtesy of Jubilee Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Kids' Mosaics

The “Kids’ Mosaics” sequence is an example of found art. Children in the congregation had earlier created paintings and paper mosaics during Lent. Several of these were selected and organized to follow the liturgical pattern. They were photographed under even light and cropped. This sequence of photographs became a congregational favorite. These images are courtesy of Jubilee Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Globe & Cross

The “Globe and Cross” Liturgical Sequence is good example of a composite image that builds as the service progresses. Beginning with a nearly blank screen, elements are added to the image at each stage until reaching a final, full image. The images are either darkened or lightened when used as a background, allowing the overlay of white or black text.

Renewed on the Journey

This Liturgical Sequence was developed for the opening worship of a regional worship conference. The theme was "As people of faith on a journey, we come to be renewed in God's strength." The first four images were the basic backgrounds used. They were designed to follow the major movements of the service. The rest of the images show how the backgrounds were used with text overlaid. Note that the text varies in position and color, depending on whether the words were God's words to the congregation, or the congregation's words in response to God.

Kids' Paintings

The “Kids’ Paintings” sequence is an example of found art. Children in the congregation had earlier created paintings and paper mosaics during Lent. Several of these were selected and organized to follow the liturgical pattern. They were photographed under even light and cropped. These sequences of photographs became a congregational favorite. These images are courtesy of Jubilee Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in St. Catharines, Ontario.