Let’s be real—technology is a huge part of worship services these days. As someone married to a tech guy, I’ve seen just how much it can transform a service. From sound systems that make sure everyone can hear, to screens that display lyrics so we can all sing along, technology in worship has done wonders for helping us connect with God and each other. But while it can be a great tool, it’s also easy to get caught up in it and let it distract us from the real reason we’re there—to worship.
Technology as Worship
If you’re someone who runs sound, works the lights, or handles the screens during worship, you know the pressure. But here’s the thing: what you do is an act of worship, too. Just like a singer or a musician uses their gifts to worship, those behind the scenes can do the same. If you’re using your tech skills to help others connect with God, that’s your way of worshiping. Technology in worship isn’t just a tool; it’s a way to offer your talents to God.
How Technology Can Help Worship
When used the right way, technology in worship can really help. It can bring people together, make services more accessible, and help create moments where people can encounter God. Whether it’s streaming the service for people at home, displaying song lyrics, or adding creative visuals to support the message, technology can play a big part in making worship more engaging.
But here’s the thing—it’s easy to let all the tech stuff become the focus. If we’re more worried about whether the lights are working or if the sound is perfect than whether people are truly connecting with God, we’ve missed the point.
When Technology Becomes a Distraction
Let’s be honest, technology doesn’t always cooperate. And when things go wrong, it’s easy to feel stressed. Maybe the sound cuts out in the middle of a song, or the slides don’t change at the right time. We’ve all been there. But here’s a real question: If the technology didn’t work one weekend, where would your focus be? Would you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated? Or could you still find it in you to worship with a heart fully focused on God?
I’ve been in those situations where it feels like everything is falling apart, and I’ve had to check my own heart. Is my focus on the tech or on worshiping Jesus? Sometimes, it’s a wake-up call for all of us—when the screens go dark and the mics cut out, do we still have a heart of worship? If everything were to stop working – people would still be able to worship. What you do matters, but technology isn’t why the people are coming – they’re coming together to worship the One who deserves it.
Technology Should Help, Not Take Over
The bottom line is this: technology in worship is a tool, but it should never be the main thing. Whether it’s the soundboard, lights, or media, it’s all there to help point people toward God, not to be the focus itself. If the technology becomes more of a showcase than a support, it’s time to step back and rethink things.
If you’re part of a tech team, remember that your work is essential, and you’re part of the worship experience, too. But also, give yourself some grace. It’s okay if things don’t always go perfectly. Sometimes, the most powerful moments in worship happen when all the tech fades into the background and we’re simply left with God’s presence.
Keep the Focus on Worship
Technology is going to keep being a part of worship, and when it’s used right, it can do amazing things. But we need to be careful that it serves the purpose of glorifying God, not distract from it. Technology in worship should always support the experience, not take it over. If we keep our focus on Jesus, even when things don’t go as planned, we’ll be right where we need to be.
So, I encourage you that the next time something glitches or doesn’t go perfectly, remember—your heart of worship matters more than the tech. And if the tech were to fail one weekend, let’s make sure our focus is still on the One we’re there to worship.