3-D Worship?
According to an article in USA TODAY on “ShoWest report: 3-D is the next generation in the movie industry”, you will soon be wearing 3-D glasses and paying more at the box office to see the latest thing from Hollywood (see link below). The article brings up some points that churches can learn from.
1. Even though the popluation of the U.S. has grown over the years, the number of people going to movies has remained flat the last three years.
2. Movie Theaters find themselves competing with home TV and computer screens. They have to offer something unique to get people out of their homes. As people convert to digital TV in the next year, the home experience with wide-screen monitors and full scale sound systems will only get better.
3. The Youth Boom is in full force. The “Best of Both Worlds” Concert by Disney teen star Miley Cyrus, has generated $64 million. Through the 3-D technology they were able to create an immersive experience that you can’t get a home. Theater owners are betting that the installation of digital projectors will allow them to offer more live-action shows like the Super Bowl and made-for-theater concerts.
Two other comments got my attention. First, one theater owner experimented with the sound and found the installation of a new sound system was just as significant as what was on the screen. Second, another owner pointed to the fact that if the theater experience is ruined by people acting up in the audience, no amount of technology will overcome a bad trip to the movies.
So what does this mean for the local church? One of our biggest challenges is offering an experience that will get people out of their homes and into our sanctuaries. Things like the sound system, the lighting, and the overall mood of the worship space effects the way we worship. Finally, the way the audience — the congregation – behaves has a profound effect on how people experience worship. What brings people back is not just a carefully crafted sermon or beautiful anthem. They can get that on TV. What brings them back is the smile from an usher, a kind word from the person sitting next to them, the invitation to return by the person in front of them, and the feeling that the people in the congregation have a passion for God.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-03-13-showest-3D_N.htm