Smaller churches may find future preachers on big screen

The typical Harmony Baptist Church in Anytown, USA, might one day find itself facing a remarkable transformation – no longer a congregation of 35-or-so members struggling for both relevancy and survival.

The revitalized congregation might still have a pastor gifted in shepherding the flock, and even an excellent live worship team.

But when it comes time for the sermon all eyes would be directed to the projection screen overhead. Their video-based preacher – not to be confused with pastor, in this case – might just be the gifted pulpiteer from Metro Megachurch 50 miles down the road or across the country.

It’s a concept that Lyle Schaller, one of the nation’s foremost experts on congregational health, sees as an increasingly attractive alternative – particularly in an era when a modern demand for highly specialized professionals is at odds with a scarcity of pastors universally gifted in all areas of pastoral ministry.

Churches that have embraced the concept, Schaller said, have gained the leadership and staff of a large church while maintaining their present facilities and people.

“This is how you can have your cake and eat it too,” he said.

Schaller, a consultant and author of 52 books, advised Southern Baptist associational directors of missions on “Models for Ministry in Small Churches” during Connection 2003, a North American Mission Board conference in suburban Chicago May 18-21.

(BP)