The house lights begin to dim, and the music starts. As the house lights dim, the stage begins to light up. Once the lighting is appropriate for the desired effect, spiraling lights and fog machines start kicking in and then you're in the church service.
There are many opinions on how much light, what kind of light, and the positions and functions of the lighting in a church environment. There are some that like the house lights on all the way and will not negotiate. There are others that believe the lighting should resemble a club or concert setting, and again, these people will not negotiate.
I am of the opinion that there needs to be a blend. I believe incandescent lighting in the sanctuary is best, with about twice as much light on stage as in the congregation seating. I also believe subtle accent lights can be used against walls, or in custom "fixtures" for accents and helping to set a "mood." I believe that worship is an intimate action and setting the mood helps the worshiper in their own worship. Our God is light. He generates the light for Heaven. I believe, that churches have no business keeping the people in the dark. For a concert setting, you're fine...but for worship, I want to be surrounded by the light of God.
