Tip #1:  Be sure you have enough contrast between the text and the background graphic.  For example, use cream text over a dark background or use black text over a light or pastel background.

Tip #2:  Keep your transitions between slides simple.  A simple fade works best.  Too many fancy transitions during a worship service can be distracting to the congregation. 

Tip #3:  Use brighter and upbeat pictures for faster songs.  When the mood of the songs is more reverent so should the graphics. 

Tip #4:  Always be positive.  Try to avoid negative wording. 

DO:  Thank you for silencing all electronic devices before we enter into worship.

DON'T:  No Cell Phones or Pagers allowed in worship.  Thank you.
(Even though you said "thank you" it is still offensive.)

Tip #5:  Continuity is key!  Keep a good visual flow of your graphics between songs.  It's even ok to use one graphic for a whole set of songs. 

Tip #6:  Use a simple font.  Though script fonts are pretty, they are harder to read.  Try using a font like...Arial, Times Roman, Copper, Verdana etc. 

Tip #7:  Be sure the background graphic is appropriate.  Take time to study the words of a song or the sermon notes to determine which graphic would fit best. 

Tip #8:  Limit the screen to 2-4 lines of lyrics.  Too many words on the screen may overwhelm someone who reads a bit slower than others.  Just make sure the timing between slides is smooth. 

Tip #9:  Be creative where your lyrics are on the screen.  The background graphic will help you make this determination.  If the lower part of the graphic is darker than the top, place 2-3 lines of light text over the darker section.  Sometimes text on the right of the slide looks great too. 

Tip #10: Last but not least (actually this should be Tip #1)...pray about what God wants to be revealed throughout your worship service.  For instance, last Easter I didn't receive any sermon notes so I chose what I thought was a "generic-Easter" graphic.  It was a graphic of Easter Lilies with a cross.  The sermon was on the fragrance of Christ.  Wow!  That was definitely God that chose that background...not me!

If you have worship presentation tips to share, please send us an email.

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