What’s it like to be part of a multi-campus, technologically heavy, video employing church? I get asked this by friends, pastors, church planters, and people I’ve never met from around the world. There is certainly a lot of buzz around the use of video and satellite technology in churches these days. Collide Magazine asked me to contribute to the ongoing discussion, crafting a written debate with a pastor NOT so thrilled about video venues in the function of preaching.

I’m not going to say I won the brotherly brouhaha with Pastor Bob Hyatt… I’ll let you decide. In fact, many of Bob’s points concern me as realities that can go wrong if we handle either the gospel or our resources unwisely. Still, it was a lot of fun, and I hope it sparks innovation and conversation amongst churchgoers, church leaders, and the unchurched. I was thrilled to cover a range of topics including the function of the pulpit, oration, cults of personality, circuit riders and steak knives, Stephen Colbert and Ryan Seacrest… all for the glory of God.

“Perhaps the unspoken assumption is that nothing goes on at video venues except Sunday services. Local pastors should be able to put together a good sermon, engage in teaching (including dialogue), equip members, and counsel congregants. No one will follow a good emcee for long; the “Seacrest” appeal wanes quickly if there’s no strength in leadership. Thank God Church is not a day or a person, but a community both local and global. Done right, video campuses uniquely emphasize that unity…”

You can check out the article HERE.

The way I’d recommend local readers settle the debate in their own mind? Attend one of our services and see what you think.