Imagine a worship service that embraces art in immersive ways, where images are all around you and the architecture points your soul inward then outward. Where there is space to go off by yourself to pray and interact with stations that add a tactile layer to your confessions. In the corner of one of the worship spaces is a large screen running images of creation, motion loops, and lyrics while music plays. And a uniquely intriguing smell fills the air, adding another dimension to the atmosphere. “Multi-sensory” is an understatement.
Now try to imagine a different type of atmosphere where everything is a little more…utilitarian. There aren’t very many images. There’s nothing “artful” about the space. And media isn’t flourishing like we all know it could. The room is designed to seat as many people as possible but very few aspects of the architecture communicate something meaningful and intentional. Yet despite it’s visual failings, hundreds of eager worshipers line up outside prior to each service in hopes of finding a seat and hearing a simple Truth proclaimed.
I’ve just returned from my third trip to the great land of China, and these are two contrasting worship environments that I encountered while I was there. The first sounds like some new hip, post-modern “cutting edge” church that’s anything but boring. But you may be surprised to know that it actually describes a typical Buddhist Temple. And it’s the second that describes one of Beijing’s largest and fasting growing churches.
It’s interesting how so many strangely familiar elements of “creative worship” can be found in a temple that points people to a false god. It was surprising and funny at first. Then a little disturbing. It’s an experience that presents a lot of good questions, especially for someone who creates multi-sensory environments for worshiping the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
Is how I express worship, though similar to other religions, still pleasing and acceptable to God? Is it OK to follow Jesus and inspire others to follow Him by curating multi-sensory experiences? Do tactile expressions of creative worship fall inline with Scripture? Bottom-line, if the Buddhists are doing it, can I? Because fundamentally, it all sounds strangely familiar to all the creative and trendy worship practices we hype up online and at conferences. But I’ve come to the conclusion (so far) that at the end of the day, it’s not how we worship, but WHO we worship that matters!
Also interesting is stepping into an environment that is so void of artistic creativity yet seeing God’s Bride grow and bear more fruit than I could ever imagine. Lacking are most of the things that I’ve spent years pouring my life into…in the name of “church” and “worship.” It was a little boring at first, and my thoughts wandered to “what if” and “if they only had (insert random creative element here).” But after realizing that it was actually ME that needed those things… and NOT THEM, well, that was humbling, to say the least. Humbling… yet refreshing and inspiring! This experience has reminded me that God doesn’t need our art to stir up what will be the greatest spiritual awakening our generation will ever see! Creativity is important, yes, but it’s not the end all, be all. And China has reminded me of that.
When you think of the church in China, you probably think of small groups of quiet believers huddled in a secret location, boldly worshiping but not too loudly for fear of being caught by the police. You might think of stories or rumors you’ve heard about pastors being chased through the streets and imprisoned for decades. But gone are the days of Chinese Christians being thrown in jail and tortured. There are still a few isolated cases, but for the most part, freedom is spreading. In fact, most of the “underground churches” we’ve heard about aren’t so “underground” anymore, as many have websites with times, locations & directions for their weekly worship gatherings!
And though their worship gatherings may be artistically void, they’re starting to utilize media and projection more and more. And they are starting to ask the same questions that we’ve been asking concerning technology, communication, and the use of motion loops during worship. It’s very exciting to see this unfold! And I want to posture my life in such a way to serve the Asian Church on their journey.
Anthony Lee
A few years ago, I met another person with the same passion: Anthony Lee of Hong Kong, a visual worshiper passionate about media and equipping the Asian Church. Anthony leads a tribe of Chinese VJs that collaborate with him on various projects. Once in a while, Anthony and his team will travel into mainland China to help train churches who are using projection. How cool is that?! One time, Camron Ware and I were visiting HK and Anthony spoke these words, which have become my new definition for “visual worship”:
“God gave us eyes so that we can worship Him. If we were not able to glorify God with what we see, He would not have created us with eyes to begin with.”
Lord, open our eyes. Give us a glimpse of Your global Church. Be with your people in Asia as they explore technology and creativity. Show all of us what is pleasing and acceptable to You. Realign our priorities and give us perspective. Help us to make wise choices with our eyes and guard us from temptation. We desperately need You. And we can’t wait to see You!
Stephen Proctor is a VJ, media producer, and curator of visual worship who seeks to unleash the worshiper’s imagination through moments of wonder and astonishment. He’s based in Nashville but is rarely there, as his events have him traveling all over the world. But when in town, he serves on the creative team at his local church, Journey. Stephen also shares resources, stories and his passion for visually creative worship on his blog, worshipVJ.com, as well as in his new eBook, “A Guidebook for Visual Worship.”