Powerpoint

I think Powerpoint is a wonderful thing, useful for both classrooms and lectures. Using it in sermons, however, has both its benefits and disadvantages.

Powerpoint can become a crutch, and you can have people become dependent on the pictures and words on the screen. My biggest concern is the fact that folks will leave their Bibles at home. Why bring a Bible when the verses are up on the screen? Add this to the fact that powerpoints take up a good amount of time (added to normal sermon preperation), and the question might arise - why use them at all?

First of all, I use them because of the cultural mix in my church. Many people who attend church know English as a second language, and it helps them considerably to see the verses and major points on the screen. It's one thing to simply hear English, it's another to both hear and read it at the same time. While this may discourage some from bringing Bibles to church - the advantage of having God's Word easily read by all is one that I cannot ignore.

Secondly, it's not just the Koreans who can use the powerpoints - showing the verses and points on the screen help everyone to focus on what the Bible is saying, rather than what I, as the pastor, am saying. I want people to be swayed and moved by the power of the word of God, not by the power and emotion of my words. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Thirdly, powerpoint is interesting. It allows you to show video, to insert diagrams, and pictures. I am completely convinced that Jesus would use powerpoint, as He used the typical illustrative manner of his day (telling stories) to get His points across. Let's face it, having a small picture up on the screen can help keep people's attention in this day and age. I know, there is going to be a small group of men who will grumble about how they didn't need no stinkin' pictures to stay awake in their churches when they were kids in 1904. But God has given us this technology, and I believe that we should use it for His glory.

Of course, every new preacher (myself included) attempts to use every feature of powerpoint when they start. Look, a pointless Youtube video with flashing graphics, and moving people, combined with some animated text! This simply isn't worth it - as it will not only consume your time and energy, but it will serve as a distraction - rather than a help.

My biggest problem is finding suitable backgrounds for the sermons. I tried out a few pay-for-use Christian websites that offered powerpoint backgrounds, but I just can't justify spending that kind of money. So I usually look for free ones, or use odd pictures (like the pie above) to put in the background. Anyone know where you can find good pictures?

The point is, as with all technology, one must be careful how they use it. When I'm done preaching, I don't want people to remember the powerpoint. I don't want them to remember the funny story I told halfway through. I want them to remember the Word of God, and what it says.