Worship presentation software is an investment. And like any investment, we want to make sure we are getting the greatest return out of it. But many local churches are under-utilizing this valuable resource because they only use it in the main Sunday morning worship services, when in fact, there are a number of church ministries that can benefit from it.

Before we get into possible applications, though, we need to discuss software licensing. Some software companies (e.g. EasyWorship) allow you to load your worship software on as many computers at the same church campus as you like – this is called a “site license”. Other companies, such as Media Shout, allow you to install the software on a certain number of computers before requiring you to obtain additional licensing (2 in Media Shout’s case). Licensing is important because often, different ministries meet in different areas of a church campus. So the first step is finding out where on campus computers are available, and whether or not you are able to load your worship software on them.

Assuming hardware and software are not a limitation, here are some possibilities:

• Children’s Ministry. It just might be time to retire that flannel board, folks. There are some great media collections available now that are created specifically for children’s ministry. Grab a dependable member of your church’s youth group, give them a couple weeks to get up to speed on your worship presentation software, and viola – your children’s worship service instantly has a completely updated new look that will help you keep the attention of youngest members. WorshipFilms has collections of worship backgrounds, countdowns, transition elements, and still-image Bible stories design specially for your children’s ministry.
• Youth Ministry. Most of the uses for your worship presentation software in a youth group setting are the same as the ones for your main services (and make no mistake – you need to be using video extensively in youth services). The thing that is different is the content – here it is louder, edgier, raw, and completely honest. Remember too, that humor is an especially effective tool in this environment. Check out Countdowns 4.5 for some hilarious examples.
• Seniors’ Groups. Seniors are sometimes victims of bad stereotyping when it comes to technology – many of them embrace and enjoy it (they might just have a harder time with the actual operation of it). When using projection in this setting, consider using background loops that are more nature-oriented and subtle in motion. You will also want to make sure that the font you are using is easily readable from the anywhere in the room.
• Men’s Ministry/Women’s Ministry. There is some great video content out there that is designed to be shown only to men, or only to women. These videos can be great discussion starters on issues that are gender-specific. In particular, real-life testimonies are highly effective because they provide points of identification for people watching.
• Small Groups. Although possibly a little less convenient, your small groups may also benefit from your worship presentation software. Most newer televisions have a VGA input. Plug a laptop in and display song lyrics for your groups worship time, or show video clips to launch discussions. You could also use it as an active whiteboard, by typing in text and firing it to the screen as thoughts are being shared.

These are just a few of the many applications for your worship presentation software. You have invested a lot of time and money in getting the software functional for your church. Now think outside the box and experiment with new ways to use it.

Reposted with Permission from WorshipFilms.com