Selling the idea of buying a DMX Hazer

[sabian186]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to convince our production tech that the next level for our lighting is a Hazer and he keeps questioning me about if it's really something that our church needs? One of his first comments was that some people in the church already feel that it seems like a concert more than a church service. Our church comes from a pretty traditional church history and we are currently in the process of making it feel like a younger generation church. What I need from you guys is some ideas and Godly advice on how to sell the idea of a "Hazer" to him.

Thanks
Jacob

[sempei13]

Firstly, a concert is worship. In a secular setting, it's worshipping the artist. In a Christian setting, the artist uses his talent to worship Jesus and the audience adds to that. It's the direction of worship, not the format of it that makes it so. Unfortunately, hymns no longer allow people in most of the North American culture to abandon themselves in adoration of God. For some they do, but that's pretty rare.

To your main question, hazers turn two-dimensional lights (only visible on the surfaces they shine onto) into three-dimensional objects that can be seen from many angles. A light shot through haze becomes a beam of light (like on a foggy morning). It doesn't obscure the view, but enhances it.

Light draw people from the spectator position to the participant position. They include the audience with the artists. Good lighting draws you further into worship.

Paul

[sabian186]

Thanks! Any others?

[prochlea]

One of his first comments was that some people in the church already feel that it seems like a concert more than a church service.

My question to you - why do you think you need this?

The thing you need to remember is that our job as the tech crew is to facilitate worship. While i don't disagree that a hazer can be cool and work for some churches, you have to consider your congregation. you want the tech stuff to not be distracting, and it seems like it may already be distracting to some people. I understand you're trying to move a more traditional church into a more contemporary feel, but that has to be done slowly and in small steps. If you're not careful, you could alienate people.

One suggestion would be to try a hazer in a particularly contemporary setting... like a youth service, or a special friday night worship service. People would be more prepared for a different feel.

[Esoteric]

I am with Pat. Perhaps you need to articulate to yourself why you think it is a good idea first other than being a fun toy or "taking the next step". Why should you take the next step? Is this really the next step?

Mike

[bladeaudio]

I've found the best way to "sell" new technology is to rent it for a special event so you can demonstrate what it will do. Then everyone can see what your talking about. Especially something like haze, until you can show it, people will have a preconceived idea about it.

[Steve Vanciel]

Another advantage of renting first is that you can get some experience with the collateral issues that come with an atmospheric effect. Things like smoke alarms, ventilation/exhaust patterns, health sensitivities (real or imagined).

SteveV

[sabian186]

I would love to figure out how to rent stuff so I could demo it. I have know idea where around here though and not really sure if we have a budget for it. If someone could point me in the right direction.

My location is: Carbondale, IL 62901 USA

[Esoteric]

Mainstage?

Mike

[Steve Vanciel]

Originally Posted by sabian186

My location is: Carbondale, IL 62901 USA

I feel your pain. Lived in Kankakee area for 12 years and had to do most of my shopping/renting in Chicago.

You may have to go to St.Louis as the closest big city. On the other hand, check with the SIU people. They may have something you could rent or at least have some contacts to explore.

I also noticed in the ESTA Business Directory that there is a company in Jonesborough, TN that might be close enough? Appalachian Light and Production 423-257-8155.

SteveV

[RSM Tech]

as far as the concert vs. worship debate, i see it like this. Some people at our youth group see it as turning worship into a show. But what about the kid who gets invited by a friend to youth group and has never set foor in a church before and knows nothing about God. If he sees an amazing "show" will he not want to come back the next week? But to the people who have always come to youth group, Worship is worship, weather or not you have fancy lights and a digital board or no lights and no fancy sound. This i find especially true to the younger generation, considering i am part of it.

[D.R.HADDOCK]

Originally Posted by RSM Tech

as far as the concert vs. worship debate, i see it like this. Some people at our youth group see it as turning worship into a show. But what about the kid who gets invited by a friend to youth group and has never set foor in a church before and knows nothing about God. If he sees an amazing "show" will he not want to come back the next week? But to the people who have always come to youth group, Worship is worship, weather or not you have fancy lights and a digital board or no lights and no fancy sound. This i find especially true to the younger generation, considering i am part of it.

We had a simular problem! so now we have a more tradional service (without the hazer and moving lights) in the morning, and the service at night is taliored more towards the younger people ( with hazer and moving lights) this way you can satisfy both sides. and now some of the morning atendies are also coming to the night service as well!