The core values of the church are well established. You exist to glorify the Lord, honor the sacrifice made by his son and offer his love, mercy and salvation to all the members of your community. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The role of the church is clear. Selfless service. The question is, is there room in that mission for the church to bring its own resources out of the stone age and into a new, modern era of technology?

The answer is absolutely. There are many, many advantages to be had by bringing your church into the 21st century. If Paul or Moses had had the audio/visual technology available to them that we have available now the Bible would be full of even more wondrous happenings, more amazing acts of faith and more enthusiastic service than it already is. Why? Because while audio/visual technology is no miracle, it can bring about miraculous things.

First and foremost, a church that’s stepped out into the stone age to take advantage of the new advantages offered by today’s audio/visual technology is a church that’s going to find it much easier to encourage non-believers to step into their sanctuary and hear what the word has to say. It’s not right, it’s not fair, but the bottom line is that people love shiny, interesting things. They fascinate us.

What could possibly be more shiny and interesting than a church alive, voices lifted in worship and amplified with the latest in audio/visual technology?

Secondly, one of the great anomalies of the universe is that it is far easier for organizations who don’t look like they need funding to get funding for their projects and their missions. It’s odd, but it’s true. All too often people outside the church, or who have only started to be involved with the church, to look at their surroundings and think, “A church this backward can’t really bring about any change.”

Finally, public appeal aside, a church that’s making the most of the audio/visual technology available to them is going to have an easier time reaching the people who sit in their sanctuary. Microphones, LCD displays and targeted spotlights have made it easier than ever for members with disabilities or who are too far away to see what’s going on to be involved in the service.

With the use of new audio/visual technology, men and women that have sat on the periphery of church services for years can enjoy being an active part. They can see the lyrics to the songs on large display screens, actually see the pastor speak while they hear his voice booming over the display speakers. No longer do they have to sit in the back and pretend to pay attention.

When they’re involved you can reach them, and when you can reach them you can fulfill your mission.