In the last few months, I have had numerous conversations with folks that are considering the possibility of using multimedia in their Sunday worship services. One question I hear repeatedly goes something like this: 'Isn't all this putting on a show? I mean, doesn't it all get to be more about a performance than worship?'

For the most part, the difference between worship and performance is a matter of the heart. But I think there is a fundamental misunderstanding that is at the root of the question: using multimedia is not about looking better (although I'm not sure that there is anything wrong with looking competent) - it is about communicating more effectively.

One reaction that I have heard more than once to Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' is: 'I had read about the way Jesus suffered and what He went through for us all my life, but after seeing this movie, it is real to me on a whole new level, it means so much more. I will never take communion the same way again.' That, friends, is effective communication, and it clearly demonstrates the potential of multimedia used correctly.

God uses different forms of communication to speak to each of us: for one, it might be a pastor's words; for another, it might be the lyrics of a song; for another, it might be a video that tells a moving story. Multimedia is simply one of the tools for His use - but it is an important one in today's culture, and one that should not be marginalized.

Are you considering the implementation of one or more types of multimedia in your church? Then ask these questions: 1) Will this help us more effectively communicate with the specific group of people that are coming or may be coming to our church? and (if the multimedia relates to the praise and worship portion of your service) 2) Will it help them enter into true worship? All the other questions and concerns we may have are secondary.