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Church Spotlight, continued...
How long have you been using multimedia in your church service,
and why did you start using visual imagery?
I’ve been using multimedia since 2003, and started using Oxygen in 2004. I realized that you have a lot of different people in the audience, both young and old, with some more visually-oriented than others. In order to hold a congregation’s attention, you need to use images as a way to enhance the worship service. When people both hear the words and see the words, it helps them grasp the meaning better. I use them as a way to retain the congrgation’s attention. I have a large college-age population at my church, as well as professionals who are used to seeing PowerPoint presentations.
How does Oxygen fit in with your sermon preparation?
I will have an idea for a sermon I want to preach, then I’ll start looking for images on CD or the Premier member page, looking for an image that works. You probably won’t believe this, but I have at times actually changed my sermon based on images I’ve been able to find, because I’ll be inspired by a particular image. It’s just a natural part of my preparation. I’m a visual learner, so it’s a part of my overall preparation.
Once I have the images and my core sermon, I try to decide how many slides I want to use and/or I look at what main points I want to put on the screen. I go through my notes, pulling out main points and scriptures, putting each on the right image and the right template for the point I want to bring out.
What has been the response to using graphics with your sermons?
The response has been excellent, especially when I went to using Oxygen multimedia. I’ve had more people ask me for copies of my sermon since I started using you guys since than ever before--I’d like to think it’s a combination of the graphics and better preaching. Even the senior citizens like it, because they don’t have to strain to read the Scripture. And kids like it because it’s colorful; it jumps out at you.
 What is one Oxygen image that has been particularly powerful in your ministry setting?
"Restored" has been the most powerful image that I’ve used. There are so many things I can pull from that image. It shows transformation, forgiveness, reconcilation, sanctification, hope. As a matter of fact, I remember the specific sermon I used it with, called "Faith and Acceptance."
Where are you headed with multimedia in your ministry?
We want to use graphics for more than just presentation. We’re developing our website, so we want to be able to use Oxygen images there, and we’re planning to upgrade to Premier Plus to be able to use it there, with video of the service, including all the graphics and templates. We also want to start using video clips as part of the sermon.
I use nothing but Oxygen, and I really appreciate the way you always have multicultural images on each CD. It has really blessed our church tremendously.
*Interview has been edited for length and clarity. |
Here are the results from last month’s survey when we asked, ‘What is the average attendance of your weekend services?’
Answer |
Results |
1 – 49 |
12% |
|
50 – 199 |
40% |
|
200 – 499 |
28% |
|
500 – 999 |
15% |
|
1000 – 2499 |
3% |
|
2500+ |
2% |
|
July’s Question
How many images do you use for preaching within a typical month?
If you’re having trouble using this survey, click here. |
