Today's Stained Glass Windows 

    Arguments can rage when a suggestion is made to put up a screen and projector in the sanctuary to use in worship. For some, it's just one more sign that the worship they've always known is disappearing along with hymnals and traditional bulletins. For others, it means spending money on reconfiguring the worship space to allow for the new technology.
    The argument seems new...but it's one that has happened before. There was a time when the idea of hanging a banner on the wall was a point of contention. Heated discussions were held about what kind of mural would be painted on the baptistry wall.
    But let's back up even more. In the early days of the church, as cathedrals were being constructed, stained glass windows were put in. Not just for the colors or design, but to tell stories. Most of the congregation members were illiterate and couldn't read the Bible stories. So the stories were told in pictures. It was not unusual to have windows that would trace the biblical story from beginning to end around those who gathered for worship. Even after the emergence of the printing press, stained-glass windows were still popular because people relate to pictures in ways they don't with words.
    Many of the early banners were created to do the same thing. Tell stories, remind people of special seasons in the church year, highlight the acts of God.
    Ironically, we are entering a period today when fewer and fewer people read. Experts will tell you that younger generations are visually oriented and remember things better if they see it in a picture. When used well, a screen and projector can perform the same functions as these previous visual aids...even better. The images can change, people can develop pictures in their minds to accompany the Bible stories they hear, a picture can drive home a point in the sermon, and a mood can get set. If we can see projected images as an aid to worship in the same way as the original stained-glass rather than a novelty, we can utilize a very powerful communication tool and leave lasting, positive impressions.

 

From Preaching and Teaching for Change