I never thought I’d say this, but I’m now in the older generation at my church. I don’t feel old, though, and I prefer contemporary praise choruses or well-done hymns with a contemporary feel. To be honest, I most think about my age when the lighting is so low in a church that it’s tough for me to see. Here are some reasons the lighting really does matter to older folks:
- We genuinely can’t see as well in the dark. I wear glasses, and my prescription changes about every year – but that’s not the reason I can’t see in some churches. Sometimes, it’s just too dark to see much of anything.
- Many of us want to see well enough to watch our steps. The fear of falling is a real one, especially if we’ve had older loved ones pass away after a fall. It just feels safer when we can see well.
- We can’t read our Bibles. I know that lighting doesn’t matter much if attenders are reading the Bible on their phones, but some of us still carry our Bible to church. It’s not helpful, however, if the lighting is so dark we can’t see it any way.
- We want to see other people when we worship. Worshiping in a darker atmosphere feels almost like we’re worshiping by ourselves in cavern. We like to see others, as their worship is often inspiring to us.
- Providing good lighting is a recognition that our generation is present. Many older adults attend and support their church faithfully, without complaining much about change. Simply recognizing their needs is a wise move. Addressing those needs without anyone asking is an even wiser move.
What are your thoughts? Is your church dealing with this issue?
Good lighting also enables us to see the movement of the Holy Spirit in the congregation as he touches hearts. This can be very encouraging to our own faith as well as a powerful witness to guests. .
Lighting is not a general age thing. For some, it may be. Lighting is an issue because although the lighting may be reduced during sung praise (and I’m not sure that it should be unless as a fad of our praise performers) it out not to be throughout the worship service. Worship should be in well-lit ambience. Darkness and dimness has no place in the House of God.
Excellent point! If God has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light, why would we want to worship him in darkness?
Not just lighting! Some Churches now put everything on a screen. There are many traps with this. Many people with poor vision simply cannot read this, not even with yellow text on blue of an adequate size. Text on a picture is often illegible. A high mounted screen gives those with neck problems a painful experience. A large-print hymn book or handout should correspond with what is shown on screen.
Great point in both the article and comments!
Dimming the lights nearest the screens helps visibility. don’t need the wholetter place dark.
Another thing to consider when using screens are the unintended consequences that come with screen use like not being able to use a bible (paper or ebook) because it’s always on the screen. Same with hymn/song books, not knowing the words or being able to read music, as just a few that come to mind.
Not saying thart we should abolish screens or whatnot, just be aware that *all* choices have ramifications we might not be are of.