20 Minutes of Church

Sitting in church one morning I became briefly obsessed with capturing the essence of the modern church service. So for the next 20 minutes I captured the following images on my cheap cell phone camera. Rather than seek out "interesting images" I limited myself to photos I could capture right from my seat. Below is the result of my photographic journey.


Ever since the days of the apostles, church has always been about people. "Let us not give up meeting together" the apostle Paul councils in Hebrews 10:25




















Naturally, social engagement is a big part of the church experience. Physical presence is apparently optional.





















Movement captures attention.




















This image captures something increasingly rare in church--the joy of discovery.




















The pause for the big decision--where to sit.




















In spite of the emphasis on activity in the modern participatory worship style, there is still a significant passive element.




















Juxtaposition of the old (stained glass) and the new (flood lighting)




















Large events generate (and require) tangible mementos and documents. Church is no different.





















Observing the service