Producing Worship: A Theology of Church Technical Arts

by Josiah Way

Over the past two decades, the church has sought to incorporate technology into its worship services in ways that mimic modern society; professional audio consoles, stage lighting, projection screens, and theatrical sets are now customary. Because how people experience sacred space forms their views about it, what technical artists do in practice also shapes the congregation’s beliefs about God. This book is the first exegetical discourse aimed at establishing a theology of church technical arts, and examining how a biblically informed theological understanding might help better shape praxis for contemporary church technical artists. The tabernacle construction narrative (Exodus 35:30–36:1), Christ’s mediation from within the church (Hebrews 2:12–13), and Paul’s exhortation to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16) are viewed in light of current practice to form a portrait of the technical artist, establishing that those who serve their local church through the audio, video, and lighting ministries are “producing worship.” Scroll down to the reviews to see what people are saying... Find out more at

Genres: Nonfiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2018

Reviews

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Self-published dissertation that seeks to construct a practical theology for technical arts in congregational ministry. He states that he had at least two offers to publish with established publishing houses but went the self-publishing route to get this book in the hands of worship leaders at an affordable price. To be honest, a publisher would likely sell this book for $20. I paid $16.

He builds his entire concept on limited number of single-verse texts (a common practice in worship-based dissertation projects), which demonstrates a lack of competence in exegesis. Additionally, he stretches some of his conclusions and puts forth some "house of cards" arguments (i.e., that the Bible clearly articulates a need for technical arts and a congregation must have a technical arts person or team).

That being said, in a field of literature that is limited as it is, this is the best researched and only "scholarly" source (again, it is self-published). His opening and second chapters are helpful in setting the table of discussion about how to define technical arts and how we got from craftsmen building the tabernacle to the lightboards and projectors of today.. However, his conclusion leaves something to be desired, which should not be surprising given the limited scope of serious resources in this field.

Overall, the book is fine and props up other books, such as Todd Elliott's more conversational I Love Jesus but Hate Christmas.

[Garrett Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Way had some great personal insight due to his extensive experience leading church technical arts. I will be using some quotes from this book in leading my own team.

I appreciate that this is the first scholarly work that aims to explain the role of technology in the church, and I agree with many of his conclusions.

I found the work slightly lacking due to the lengths some of his points took in order to bridge the gap between the passage's immediate historical context and its application to church technology today. The arguments felt thin and brittle; thus I don't feel confident I could use these passages in a study of church technology with the small team that I lead.

Full disclosure: I skimmed most of the book after half of chapter 3. I am in search of a book that I could use in a small group study to build up spiritual leaders on my production team, and I don't feel great about recommending this one. After I realized the density of the reading, I realized that this book wasn't going to fulfill the purpose I wanted it to. That is likely affecting my rating.

[Lorelei Angelino · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I will confess that I skimmed through a lot of this book, I still think I got the gist of it. It explains how church technicians are artists, mediators (between the pastor and the congregation), and theologians through the examples of multiple Scriptural passages.

My main problems with it were that it was very hard to read and that I don't really agree that humans should be called mediators, because I think we are insufficient and inadequate to give ourselves that title.

Note: This is a school textbook and I definitely wouldn't pick this book up on a regular basis, so that might have an effect on my rating.

[Kelly Tackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bit complicated but I appreciate the overall message. I had to read this more a class. Lots of great info…but a little hard to get in the flow of reading it.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too wordy, it repeats itself alot. Theologically sound though.