Display Technology
A Watchfire display at a Minnesota house of worship is driving congregant engagement and boosting the power of the sermon.
Photo: Watchfire
June 13, 2025 by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com
For many years Shiloh Temple, a house of worship in Minneapolis, Minnesota, relied on projectors for display needs in its sanctuary.
But the approach wasn’t delivering what congregant leaders wanted — a resonating visual connection between the congregation to the message during worship services.
«We wanted to bring a deeper sense of connection and engagement to our worship services,» Bishop Richard D. Howell Jr., senior pastor of Shiloh Temple International Ministries, said in an email interview.
Once Shiloh Temple leaders learned about and saw examples of LED technology they knew it could transform the sanctuary and deliver the experiences they wanted to create. So Shiloh Temple embarked on finding the right display technology and a partner for installation in the sanctuary.
The right tech and partner
The display would be the Temple’s first major LED installation — what Howell called a «leap forward» about technology.
«We had used projectors for many years, but this was something entirely different. The LED display has completely changed the atmosphere in the sanctuary. It’s not just brighter and clearer; it lifts the energy in the room. We’ve seen the power of this technology to elevate worship,» he said.
Shiloh Temple chose Watchfire’s 10-foot by 16-foot LED solution and Think Digital Signs as its integration partner.
«The Watchfire display stood out immediately. It wasn’t just the quality of the image, though that was stunning — it was how professional and integrated the system looked,» said Howell. «It felt like part of the ministry, not just a tech add-on. Watchfire, along with Think Digital Signs, helped us realize a vision that blends faith with technology in a powerful way.»
The high-resolution digital display now serves as a dynamic focal point in the sanctuary and has become an essential tool for communication.
Technology in play
Think Digital Signs installed a Watchfire 3.9mm indoor SMD LED display, one Watchfire’s ReadyDisplay models.
The displays come preassembled with hanging bars and engineered frames, making transportation and installation much easier — especially in environments like sanctuaries where construction access can be limited. The screen integrates with Watchfire’s cloud-based OPx content management system, which Shiloh Temple uses to run playlists for regular services, funerals, and special events.
It uses a NovaStar VX400 controller, which connects directly to the Temple’s ProPresenter worship software.
«To reduce time, expenses and possible failure points, our Think Digital Signs team coordinated the electrical installation with the church’s electrician using Watchfire’s Electrical Distribution Panel engineered for Watchfire interior LED displays,» Matthew Duffy, owner of Think Digital Signs, said in an email interview.
The panel safely distributes electricity from a single input on the main panel to the display’s existing wiring. This system eliminates wire clutter and multiple circuits on dedicated breakers.
A unique setting for digital displays
Shiloh Temple is one of many houses of worship that has installed Watchfire displays and each has been a unique setting as the goals go beyond communication, according to Steve VanHout, territory manager, Watchfire.
«It’s about enhancing connection, clarity and a sense of community. Whether it’s a modern facility or a more traditional space, every church brings its own mix of spiritual, technical and logistical needs,» VanHout said in an email interview.
He listed out the distinct challenges presented in worship settings:
- Sight lines and lighting must be carefully considered. LED displays outperform projectors by delivering consistent brightness in all conditions — whether it’s full daylight streaming through windows or bright sanctuary lighting. Content like scripture, lyrics and video stays crisp and readable for everyone in the room.
- Unlike projectors, LED screens don’t cast shadows or obstructions, which means presenters and worship leaders can move freely without interfering with what’s being shown.
- Churches also benefit from the low maintenance and long lifespan of LED displays. Projectors often require regular bulb replacements and cleaning, while LED walls can last 10-plus years with minimal upkeep — reducing operational costs over time.
«At the end of the day, the technology works best when it supports the mission — bringing people together, helping them feel more connected and reinforcing the message in a powerful visual way,» said VanHout.
Installation challenge
While the Shiloh Temple project went smooth overall, due to coordination between the Temple staff, Think Digital Signs and Watchfire, there was one challenge — how the existing live video cameras would interact with the LED display.
«We had to ensure the cameras didn’t capture the LED screen directly in their frame, which created an infinity loop on screen. We solved it by using ProPresenter to control video routing — keeping the displayed and broadcast content separate. Another complexity was project management,» said Duffy. «This was Shiloh’s first big digital display project, so we took the lead in coordinating everything — Watchfire, the electrician, the installers and the church’s team.»
Seda Williams, the Temple’s executive administrator, played an instrumental role in managing the process internally, according to Howell. Williams manages the content to ensure seamless integration of visuals across the Watchfire LED display and two smaller projector screens on both sides of the sanctuary.
Shiloh Temple uses the Watchfire control system and integration with their worship presentation software, which enables them to incorporate content that enhances both the sermons and the overall worship experience.
«Thankfully, the integration with ProPresenter allows us to control which live feeds go to the display, making the process seamless. Overall, it was a learning experience, but not a difficult one,» Howell said.
Impact on congregant experience
The display enhances sermons with compelling visuals, delivers timely announcements, highlights upcoming events, encourages participation and fosters a sense of community.
«The quality of my sermons is 10 times better. The enhanced video capabilities bring a new level of intimacy and engagement with the congregation. It’s captivating,» said Howell.
The display shares welcome and thank you messages for newcomers and members and is configured to allow live streaming. The Temple’s camera system is fully integrated, providing the ability to switch between the large LED display and smaller screen content as needed.
The return on investment has been strong, from engagement with congregants to making the remote worship opportunity more impactful.
«We’ve seen a real shift. The visuals enhance our sermons in a way that draws people in and makes the message more personal and memorable,» said Howell.
«We use the screen for everything — sermon support, scripture, welcome messages, announcements. Even something as simple as a «Thank You» graphic during a service helps make people feel more seen and included. And for our livestream viewers, the seamless integration has made the remote experience feel much more connected to what’s happening in the sanctuary. Attendance has been consistent, but engagement has clearly grown,» he said.
Tips, advice, ROI
The LED project has proved rewarding and successful for more than a few reasons, according to Howell.
A critical aspect was determining how the technology would serve Temple Shiloh’s mission.
«Focus on how it can help you communicate better with your congregation,» Howell said.
He also recommends investing in a staff member who will manage the content consistently.
«For us, Seda ensures that the content feels thoughtful and aligned with our worship flow.»
While the cost of digital display technology overall was a bit of a surprise to Temple leaders it did not deter embracing the technology.
«And don’t let the upfront cost scare you. There are options like leasing, which we used, and in our case, a generous gift from a longtime member made this dream possible. If the tool helps you connect more deeply with people, it’s worth it,» said Howell.
About Judy Mottl
Judy Mottl is editor of Retail Customer Experience and Digital Signage Today. She has decades of experience as a reporter, writer and editor covering technology and business for top media including AOL, InformationWeek, InternetNews and Food Truck Operator.
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