The Importance of Lighting Control in Houses of Worship

by | Lighting, Lighting Connections, Production

The market for AV lighting in Houses of Worship is expanding as congregations invest in more engaging worship environments. Advances in LED technology control systems that are both powerful and accessible now make it possible for smaller congregations to implement dynamic lighting solutions that were previously only available to the largest facilities and budgets just a few years ago. 

This shift has allowed houses of worship of all sizes to move from static spaces to versatile, fully adaptable environments that support a variety of events, including worship services, performances and community gatherings. As the capabilities of lighting evolve, the demand for high-quality lighting solutions continues to grow and reach further into the market than ever before.

New Capability Sans Complexity

Though flexible, easy-to-operate technology that provides impactful results without overwhelming volunteer staff continues to be at the forefront of priorities, an increasing number of houses of worship are diving into more advanced show control. This includes not only mainstays like audio and video, but also enhanced lighting systems and tracking for lighting and immersive audio. 

Theatrical and concert-style lighting is increasingly being used to enhance services, events and spaces, improving the congregation’s overall experience—for members who visit in the space as well as those who tune in through broadcasts or livestreams. But more advanced no longer has to mean more complex, as lighting control manufacturers continually look for ways to develop impactful, yet easy to use solutions. 

Solutions That Hit the Mark

Since many church services are run by volunteer staff with limited technical experience, products emphasizing simplicity and automation are critical; demanding straightforward interfaces backed by powerful (and critically unseen) programming. Control and interface solutions like those from Visual Productions strike the necessary balance between operability and complexity. 

Utilizing the Visual Productions’ Purple Cloud technology allows systems integrators to provide remote programming and administration of the system, while the brand’s intuitive interfaces make it possible for users of any skill level to provide exceptional visual impact. From larger churches with multiple worship spaces to smaller congregations with limited technical staff, the brand’s automated solutions allow lighting cues to be pre-programmed, reduce the need for manual adjustments during services and ensure consistent lighting throughout the experience.

While lighting is often overlooked in the budget in favor of audio and video elements, it plays a critical role in shaping the mood and impact of worship services. Effective lighting can transform a space, making it feel more intimate, celebratory or meditative as the moment requires. 

Another key lighting advancement for houses or worship is the adoption of real-time tracking systems like zactrack. With this technology, lighting, audio and video teams are provided with the data necessary to give worship leaders the ultimate flexibility in their service, as well as a more sensorially intense experience for the congregation.  

More to Come!

The future of AV lighting is all about smarter, more integrated systems that will provide incredible benefits for a wide array of applications. Expect to see more connected, data-driven lighting solutions that adapt in real-time to changing conditions and user preferences. Advances in wireless technology will make setups even more flexible, and sustainable practices will drive innovation in eco-friendly lighting products. As immersive experiences become sought after by broader swaths of the AV market, lighting will play an increasingly crucial role in crafting these environments, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AV design. 

If you are interested in learning more about Visual Productions or zactrack, contact ACT Entertainment, which is the exclusive U.S. Distributor for both brands. www.actentertainment.com 

About the author
Ryan Hindinger is ACT Entertainment Market Manager: Concert Touring & Live Experiences

Interested in getting other Lighting Connections articles delivered right to your inbox?

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Sign Up for the Worship Facility Newsletter!

NEW THIS WEEK

Worship Facility Podcast: Leadership and Tech Teams

David Leuschner talks to Nicole Lucas, author of "Leadership Frameworks" about how leadership skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence apply to leading a tech team.Other topics include: What to do with your used production gear What churches need to do to...

Intro to House of Worship Production with Vectorworks

As houses of worship embrace modern technology to enhance their services, the demand for production tools is increasing.  This article covers, first, what’s meant by “house of worship production” and “church production,” and then explores how Vectorworks can...

Green Hippo Previews Hippotizer MX Series at LDI 2024

Green Hippo, an industry leader in media manipulation and 3D mapping, was thrilled to preview its new Hippotizer MX Series with ACT Entertainment at Live Design International 2024. The Hippotizer MX Series offers five new customizable, dependable, and future-proofed...

Deadly Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin

How Should Christian Schools Respond to the Threat of Gun Violence? Only three weeks ago, I was sitting in the head of school's office at a private Christian school in Minnesota discussing gun violence and their response to such a threat. There were three real options...

7 Key Security Trends Churches Should Prioritize in 2025

As we step into 2025, church safety and security leaders face an ever-evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities. From technological advancements to addressing the rising tensions in society, this year brings a renewed focus on critical areas of improvement....