Why use sermon graphics in church?

Do you want your church to hear your message or remember it?

Have you every heard the cliché, “A picture paints a thousand words.”

A picture paints a thousand words’ is a phrase we perhaps imagine as having proverbial origins. It is, however, an amalgamation of two phrases from 18th Century newspaper advertisements: “Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words” and “One Look Is Worth a Thousand Words”. It has evolved into an idiom which refers to the notion that one single image can convey a story as effectively as a large amount of descriptive text. 

How many times have you as a speaker been told by someone, “I loved that message you preached last Sunday.”   But when you ask them what the name of the sermon was, more times than not, they couldn’t remember not only the title but also the main theme of the message.

Studies show that people remember: 

• 10% of they hear.
• 20% of what they read.
• 80% of what they see.

Hey, you’re a great preacher.   That’s why people come to your church, they love the way you preach.   But are they getting what the Lord gave you to give them?  They are shouting “Amen!”  But are they actually getting the message?

If they’ve not been getting your messages to the extent that they could, it’s not because you’re a bad preacher or even that they aren’t listening.   It’s because of the way the human brain works. They can only retain 10% of what they are hearing you say.

This is because the human brain process visual cues better rather than the written or even the spoken language.

That said, even if you had a printed-out version of your sermon for people to read along as you preached, (And they followed through 100% of the message with no interruptions) they would then be only retaining at best, 30% of the message. But what if there were imagery to support the message?  

Think about it.  An image or groups of images that constantly reinforce the title and theme of your sermon.

People remember 80% of what they see.  How much more of the message you felt God lead you to share, and that you prayed over, would be retained by your congregation if you had visuals throughout the message, that constantly conved the theme of your message.

Right about now you might be hearing Jesus saying, “Feed My Sheep!”  If so, you might ask yourself, “Is there a better way to feed them than the way that I am right now?”

So why are sermon graphics important?  Simply put, they help your congregation recollect and absorb much more of the sermon you are preaching.

Throughout your speaking, the title of the message and the imagery that supports the title is displayed behind you constantly reminding them of the message title and theme of the message.

Look at this image.  It is saying and reinforcing everything Jesus wanted them to understand about the parable.  It’s one human being reaching down and helping another human being up.  It’s one soul embracing, becoming responsible for and touching another.  

Now, let’s overlay this second slide with your text.  Or some bullet points.  (Causing them to read.)

While you are speaking, the bullet points are on the same image.  Now not only the image which they will remember 80% more of is being reinforced by written words they will read and remember 20% more of your message by. Bullet points and scripture visible on your imagery is important for your congregates to follow your message.

When you ask them next week what you preached, “they are undoubtedly be able to tell you not only the title of the message, but also the concept of it and what how it relates to their life.

This is why they need a visual.  They need something to view that that is going to tie them to the message you are preaching.  Something that is going to resonate the title and theme of the message over and over to the frontal cortex part of their brain.

Churches that are using the graphic images for the sermon title on the screen behind the speaker are getting their message across much better than those where someone is simply speaking.

Graphic design tells the story of your church in images and words. It invites others to experience your worship service and can lead to increased interest and membership. The key is to use graphic design in the best possible way – a way that honors your faith and beliefs while reaching outside your church walls.

Graphic design is an important tool that enhances how you communicate with other people. It serves to convey your ideas in a way that is not only effective, but also beautiful. Good design makes you look good.

A recent study by Etsy a website where individuals are able to sell products they create found that 90% of purchasing decisions were influenced by the product image. Another study showed that two-thirds of buying decisions by consumers are based on the design of the packaging of a product. But why is this and how does this impact churches and ministries?

People will spend more time looking at an effective and attractive design piece. Holding their attention with a well-thought-out design helps them process what you are trying to communicate with them.

Ministry is all about communicating the Gospel. The listeners will only remember 10% of what is said but 80% of what they see and 20% of what they read.

Church imagery will help church congregants follow, keep the attention and retain information during services.

Take a look at Preachit.org’s sermon graphics that are available for you to use while preaching to reinforce your message.