Reading: The Place of Art in the Worship Service

Elements of worship (beyond music)
The place of Arts in the worship service
Steve Elzinga

Worship uses symbols
Worship is a dialogue between God and His people.
Dialogue is accomplished through communication.
Communication is via language
Language makes use of symbols.
Art is communication through symbols in various forms.

Common Arts used to help communicate in the Worship Service
Music
PowerPoint
Props
Decorations
Lighting
Live drawing or painting
Dance
Drama

Craft vs. Art

Word pictures in the Bible
Baptism
Lord’s super
Rainbow
Temple
Parables
Images

Some dangers in the Arts
Can detract from the Word instead of adding to it
Can become more about the artist than the message of the art
Can become overwhelming to the senses (too many images and metaphors)