When making decisions about investing in equipment for your church’s worship team, it’s easy to get swept up by trends and popular choices. One piece of gear that has gained immense popularity in churches is the Nord piano. Many churches feel they need a Nord Piano 3 or Nord Piano 2 because it has become a staple in modern worship settings.
But is it essential? Should your church invest in a Nord piano just because it’s the latest trend, or should there be deeper considerations involved?
Thinking Critically About Church Tech Purchases
Investing in technology for your church is about more than just getting the best or most popular equipment. It requires a thoughtful and responsible approach, grounded in good stewardship of your church’s resources. The decisions you make about spending on sound systems, lighting, or instruments will impact the church’s ministry for years.
The Bible gives us wisdom on how we should approach stewardship and decision-making. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” This verse teaches that we should be diligent in making decisions, taking our time to plan and weigh all options carefully.
What should diligence look like when making tech purchases?
Questions to Consider When Purchasing Church Tech
When making a tech purchase, whether it’s a Nord piano, a new soundboard, or video equipment, always consider the following questions.:
- Is this purchase mission-critical?
- Ask yourself: Is this piece of equipment essential to advancing the mission of our church? If the church’s primary need is a good quality piano sound for worship, is the Nord piano the best or only option? Sometimes, we can get caught up in thinking that only high-end products will do, but there may be equally effective and more budget-friendly alternatives.
- Will it be used effectively?
- Will this piece of gear be used to its fullest potential, or will most of its features go unused? For example, a Nord piano offers more than just piano sounds—organs, synths, effects, and more—but will your worship team actually utilize those features? If not, consider other keyboards that offer what you need at a lower price point.
- Are we being wise stewards of God’s resources?
- Churches are called to be responsible with their resources. Jesus tells the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, illustrating that we are stewards of what God has entrusted to us. When making any tech purchase, consider whether you’re using the church’s financial resources wisely or if the money would better support ministry programs, outreach, or helping those in need.
- Are we chasing trends or making a strategic decision?
- It’s easy to watch what other churches do and feel pressured to keep up with trends. Romans 12:2 urges us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but transform yourself by renewing your mind.” In the context of tech purchases, this can mean resisting the pressure to conform to trends and instead focusing on what genuinely serves your church’s unique mission and needs.
The Pros and Cons of the Nord Piano
Let’s revisit the Nord piano with these questions in mind. Nord pianos, including the Nord Piano 3 and Nord Piano 2, offer excellent sound quality, durability, and a user-friendly design, but they come with a hefty price tag
Pros of the Nord Piano
- High-Quality Sound: Nord pianos are famous for their rich, realistic piano sounds. For churches that prioritize high-fidelity music in worship, this is a key selling point.
- User-Friendly Interface: Worship teams appreciate the simple interface, allowing for quick adjustments during live performances.
- Versatility: Beyond pianos, the Nord offers organs, synths, and effects, making it a versatile tool for churches that use a wide range of sounds in their worship.
Cons of the Nord Piano
- Cost: With prices ranging from $3,000 to $4,000, the Nord Piano 3 and Nord 2 Piano represent a significant financial investment. Is your church willing to allocate such a large portion of its budget to a single piece of equipment?
- Underutilized Features: Many churches don’t fully utilize the additional synth and organ features of the Nord, meaning they may be paying for functionality they don’t need.
- Cheaper Alternatives: Options like the Roland Juno DS-88 or a MIDI controller paired with MainStage (assuming you already have a MacBook) offer a similar experience for a fraction of the cost. These alternatives can meet the needs of most churches without the high price tag.
Thinking About All Church Purchases—Not Just the Nord Piano
It’s not just about whether or not to buy a Nord piano. Churches are constantly making tech purchases, whether it’s upgrading the sound system, improving video streaming capabilities, or purchasing new instruments. In every case, it’s essential to take a step back and evaluate:
- Needs vs. Wants: Does your church need the latest technology, or is it something you want because it’s trendy? 1 Timothy 6:6 reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” This verse can guide us in being content with what we have and not chasing after the latest gear unless it’s truly necessary.
- Functionality vs. Prestige: Are you choosing a product because it will genuinely enhance the worship experience, or is it more about prestige or appearance? Churches should prioritize functionality, ensuring each purchase serves a practical purpose instead of just following trends from other churches.
- Long-Term Impact: How will this purchase impact the church in the long run? Will it require ongoing maintenance, upgrades, or additional training? It’s important to consider the total cost of ownership and not just the initial price tag.
Responsible Stewardship in Church Tech
As leaders responsible for making financial decisions for your church, it’s crucial to approach tech purchases with careful consideration and prayer. James 1:5 encourages us to seek wisdom from God: “If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and He will give it to you.”Prayerfully consider each tech investment and seek counsel from other leaders and experts if necessary.
Ultimately, making wise tech purchases is not about getting the flashiest or most expensive equipment—it’s about ensuring that every purchase serves the mission of the church, enhances worship, and respects the resources God has entrusted to your care.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely for the Kingdom
In the end, whether or not your church invests in a Nord piano is your decision, but before buying tech, consider if it’s the best use of funds or if it could better serve ministry needs.
Remember that good stewardship is not just about avoiding waste—it’s about ensuring that everything we do glorifies God and serves His Kingdom. So, whether you opt for the piano Nord 3, a Roland Juno DS-88, or even a MIDI controller with MainStage, make sure that your decision is based on thoughtful consideration, prayer, and a heart of stewardship. And just to be clear, I am neither for nor against churches buying Nord pianos, they truly are great pianos, I am just suggesting that we consider wisely.