By David Leuschner and Willow Hodge
In the modern church, worship extends beyond vocals and instruments. It encompasses a broader palette—technical artistry through audio, video, and lighting. These elements, often viewed as background support, are frontline tools that create immersive worship experiences. Just as a guitar or a piano stirs emotion, well-mixed sound, strategic lighting, and thoughtfully placed visuals can lead a congregation deeper into worship.
Every knob, every fader, every fixture, is an extension of the worship team. If you’re on the technical team, you’re not just pushing buttons—you’re playing an instrument.
Audio as a Worship Instrument
Audio engineering in a worship context isn’t about loudness or clarity alone. It’s about creating a soundscape that ushers people into God’s presence. It’s about reading the room, you might have all the right mics and an amazing mix, but if the room feels disengaged, you’ve got to adjust. Your console is your instrument—you play it with intention.
Audio technicians should rehearse and prepare just like the worship band. Knowing your gear, anticipating transitions, and making live adjustments are key to supporting the worship moment without distraction.
Video: Visual Theology
Screens have become a canvas for modern storytelling. Whether it’s lyrics, scripture, or visuals, video teams help convey the message in a compelling way. People don’t realize how much technical teams affect what’s felt in the room. A camera angle, a cross dissolve, or even what’s on screen during a quiet moment can bring someone to tears.
The goal isn’t flash—it’s focus. Everything displayed should point back to the message of the Gospel. And for those watching online, video isn’t supplemental, it’s the whole experience. Your online viewer is in the room because of video. Meaning the technical video instruments are used for twofold purpose, and everything you do in the room should be replicated for those online.
Lighting: Atmosphere with Intention
Lighting isn’t just decoration. It sets mood, draws attention, and communicates the tone of worship. Lighting can say “reverence” or “celebration” without a word, It’s a powerful non-verbal cue that helps guide people emotionally.
Lighting techs are often thought of as just turning lights on and off, but it’s much deeper than that. They are sculpting with light, painting a stage to reflect what’s happening in the spirit.
Collaboration Is the Key
Worship is a team sport. Musicians, pastors, and tech artists must be in sync. We must stop the silos, because we all bring something vital to the table. Also, The Holy Spirit doesn’t move in isolation.
Technical artists must see themselves as ministers. When you do, you approach your role with humility and excellence. That’s when the atmosphere shifts and your technical instrument becomes just as important as a singer, guitar, keyboard or any other instrument.
Conclusion: Art Meets Spirit
As churches continue to grow in technical sophistication, it’s essential not to lose sight of the heart behind the gear. Tools don’t create worship—people do. But when handled with skill, prayer, and purpose, audio, video, and lighting become instruments that amplify praise, honor God, and invite others to experience His presence.
You are a worship leader—with cameras, faders and fixtures instead of guitars, keyboards and drums. You’re not behind the scenes, you are the scene.
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About the authors
Willow Hodge
Willow is the Technical and Video Producer at Hope Fellowship Church in Frisco, Texas. She began her journey in production at the age of 16 and has been growing in the field for over 10 years. Willow’s passions include video content creation, live directing, and training volunteers. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading, and spending time with her cats.
David Leuschner
David Leuschner is founder of Digital Great Commission Ministries, where each piece of technical gear is viewed as an instrument of worship. Technical gear is an instrument that helps us shape our worship services and provide an engaging moment that reaches people around the world. Email information@digitalgreatcommission.org if you have questions or comments.
