7 Tips for Creating An Engaging Worship Space

For years, we have known that good sound is critical to creating an atmosphere for worship. However, in the information age, we have developed the need for multisensory engagement.

We have not only been conditioned to crave it, but people are picky about what they experience.

Raising the Bar

So what does this mean for churches? It is not enough anymore that the paint in your church is not peeling; people expect some thought, character, and multimedia to show up in worship spaces today. The great news is that engaging worship spaces do not have to be about spending large amounts of money.

Finding a Style

Your budget will certainly have an impact on the end quality of what you do, but you do not necessarily have to drop tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring visual interest to your space. It is not about adding expensive technology or visual elements, but about finding a style that engages your target demographic and using strategic media, color and contrast to enhance what is happening in the room.

It’s A Lot Simpler Than You Think

With a few strategic lights and a trip to Lowe’s or Fast Signs, you can be off and running. In fact, one of the most viewed stage designs on www.churchstagedesignideas.com, a popular online gathering place of stage design ideas, is based entirely on lighting bubble wrap hung against a dark backdrop.

To answer the question of how to get started, here are seven tips and tricks I have learned over the years:

1. Build a small team for stage design

Creativity is better in collaboration. Our best ideas came from a small group of people who would refine ideas, until they went from good to great.

2. Have diverse talents on your team

One of the most important people I had on my first team was not a lighting guy, but a skilled carpenter. When we threw ideas around, he would take them and begin processing how to make them. He’d often come back with tweaks that made the design better.

3. Use the talents that are readily available

You do not have to hire professional stage designers, unless your situation demands it. If you have people skilled in metal work, carpentry or sewing, start with those skills. Use the talents that God has placed within your church and began in that direction.

More About Duke DeJong

Duke has 21 years of experience in audio, video, and lighting system design and operation, 10 years experience as staff technical director in megachurches. He is a regular speaker at national worship and tech conferences, including WFX, and many others. He is passionate about helping people use technology to communicate and reach people most effectively. Duke loves spending time with his family, golfing, and cooking (and eating) amazing BBQ.

Get in Touch: ddejong@ccisolutions.com    More by Duke DeJong