Blog | 10 Controversial Topics in Church Production
10 Controversial Topics in Church Production
Church production has grown dramatically over the last few decades—encompassing audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and visual elements. With that growth has come a wide range of conversations, debates, and tensions. While production tools can enhance worship, they also raise important questions about theology, community, and authenticity.
Here are 10 of the most controversial and talked-about topics in the world of church production today:
1. Is Worship Becoming Too Much of a Performance?
Many are concerned that modern worship now looks more like a concert than a communal act of worship. With moving lights, haze, video walls, and click tracks, some question if the line between worship and entertainment is becoming too blurred.
Tension: Excellence vs authenticity; performance vs presence.
2. Volume Levels in Worship
Some love the immersive feel of loud music; others find it alienating or physically uncomfortable—especially older members or those with sensory sensitivities.
Tension: Engagement vs accessibility; energy vs inclusion.
3. The Rise of Livestreaming: Helpful or Harmful?
Since 2020, livestreaming has become common—but some argue it encourages passive watching over embodied participation in church life. Others see it as essential for outreach and accessibility.
Tension: Digital convenience vs incarnational community.
4. Dark Rooms & Stage Lighting: Too Much?
Dark auditoriums and stage lighting help focus attention—but critics say they isolate the congregation and inhibit a sense of shared worship.
Tension: Atmosphere vs connection; theatricality vs sacred space.
5. Is Production Driving Architecture?
New worship spaces are often designed with AV needs first, which can result in dark, windowless rooms instead of light-filled sanctuaries with a sense of sacredness and permanence.
Tension: Technology-first design vs theology-first design.
6. Pre-Recorded or Automated Services
Multi-site churches often use pre-recorded sermons or worship sets. It’s efficient, but some wonder if it weakens the sense of community and Spirit-led participation.
Tension: Scalability vs authenticity.
7. Budget Priorities: Is It Too Much?
High-end production gear can be extremely costly. Some ask if churches are prioritizing lights and screens over generosity, missions, or local needs.
Tension: Stewardship vs excellence; appearance vs impact.
8. Use of Backing Tracks, Clicks, and Auto-Tune
Many worship bands use in-ears, clicks, cues, and tuning tools to stay tight and polished. But is it too polished? Some say it eliminates spontaneity and hinders authentic, Spirit-led worship.
Tension: Consistency vs freedom; polish vs presence.
9. Screens Everywhere: Enhancement or Distraction?
Visuals like motion backgrounds, sermon slides, and lyric displays are useful—but critics say screens can cause overstimulation or distraction, especially for young kids and neurodiverse individuals.
Tension: Engagement vs overstimulation.
10. The Role of the Tech Team: Ministers or Operators?
Production volunteers are often behind the scenes, but they shape how people experience worship. Are they seen as spiritual leaders or just button-pushers?
Tension: Task-based roles vs spiritual leadership.
About the Author
Josh Tarp is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and worship leader from Minneapolis with over 15 years of experience in church & worship leadership. Josh serves as the Director of Marketing at Motion Worship, helping to write various blog posts, managing social media, designing graphics, and handling customer service.