Pins and Points

John Tabor and Zebra Productions along with Fellowship of the Rockies in Pueblo, Colorado brings us this big use of lighting and LED walls.

This year they wanted to make the small arena feel more intimate. So they put a small stage in the middle of the room to bring people closer to what was going on. The main stage was for the main worship band. They used a 100 mill LED wall and three 9×12 screens for media and backgrounds which were provide by Media Solutions.

They lit the stage with Sharpies and the Next 1 for effects and big beams. The small center stage was all lit with X4s.

Creating Intimacy in Large Venues

This innovative stage design from Fellowship of the Rockies demonstrates a counterintuitive approach to arena worship: making a large space feel smaller and more intimate. Rather than relying on the traditional model of performers on a distant stage and audience in rows, they brought the worship experience into the center of the room. This central stage configuration breaks down the barrier between worship leaders and congregation, creating a shared experience that feels more like a gathering than a performance.

The technical execution of this design showcases how LED technology can transform a space when used strategically. The 100-millimeter LED wall serves as a dynamic backdrop capable of displaying everything from lyric videos to atmospheric visuals that complement the worship theme. Unlike traditional projection systems that can wash out under stage lighting, LED walls maintain vibrant colors and deep blacks even in brightly lit environments. The three additional 9×12 screens provide multiple focal points, ensuring that visual content is accessible from all angles of the arena.

The lighting design deserves particular attention for its thoughtful layering of fixtures. The Clay Paky Sharpy fixtures are renowned for their intense, pencil-thin beams that can cut through even the most challenging atmospheric conditions. These fixtures create dramatic aerial effects when paired with haze, adding dimension and depth to the worship environment. The Next 1 fixtures complement the Sharpies by providing broader beam effects and color washes that can transform the entire room’s mood instantly.

The decision to light the central stage exclusively with X4s (likely referring to Elation Professional’s Platinum Beam 5R Extreme or similar moving head fixtures) creates a distinct visual identity for the intimate worship space. By using different fixture types for the main stage versus the center stage, the lighting designers created visual zones that help the audience understand the flow of the service. When attention shifts from the full band on the main stage to an acoustic set on the center stage, the lighting reinforces this transition.

For churches considering a similar approach, the investment in LED wall technology has become increasingly accessible. While a 100mm LED wall represents a significant investment, rental options make this technology available for special events and seasonal services. The key insight from Fellowship of the Rockies’ design is that technology should serve the goal of connection—bringing people together in worship rather than creating distance between performers and congregation.

Related Designs

Explore more LED and lighting-focused stage designs for inspiration:

• LED Sunburst – A stunning LED cross design with seven radiating light beams controlled via DMX for dynamic worship lighting.
• Light Chimes – PVC pipe pieces illuminated from below with LED bars create an ethereal, glowing atmosphere perfect for worship.
• Versatile Brilliance – Custom LED fixtures built using lumber and LED tape lighting for flexible, programmable stage illumination.
• LED Lighting + Haze – Discover how combining LED fixtures with atmospheric haze creates dramatic beam effects and depth.
• Acrylic LED Cross – A modern cross design featuring LED tape lighting behind translucent acrylic for a glowing worship focal point.

Pro Tips for LED Wall and Lighting Design

Plan Your LED Wall Resolution: When specifying an LED wall, consider viewing distance as the primary factor for pixel pitch selection. A 100mm (approximately 4mm pixel pitch) wall is ideal for venues where the audience sits within 50 feet of the screen. For larger spaces, you can use larger pixel pitches (5mm-6mm) to reduce cost while maintaining visual quality. Always request a demo viewing at your typical audience distance before committing to a purchase or rental.

Coordinate Content with Lighting: The most effective worship environments treat LED wall content and stage lighting as a unified system. Work with your lighting designer and media team to establish color palettes that complement each other. Avoid bright white backgrounds on LED walls when using colored stage lighting—the contrast can be jarring. Instead, use darker backgrounds with accent colors that harmonize with your lighting cues.

Manage Heat and Power: LED walls generate significant heat and require substantial power distribution. Ensure your venue’s electrical system can handle the load—large LED walls may require multiple 20-amp circuits. Plan for adequate ventilation around the wall structure, and consider the noise from cooling fans if your LED wall is positioned near microphones. Many rental companies provide power distribution units specifically designed for LED wall setups.

Create Flexible Rigging Points: If you’re investing in permanent LED wall installation, design your rigging structure to accommodate future expansion or reconfiguration. The ability to add side panels, create curved configurations, or adjust height gives you flexibility as your visual needs evolve. Use certified rigging hardware and consult with a structural engineer to ensure your support system can handle the weight of the LED panels plus dynamic loads from wind or movement.

Related: A Journey of Light and Unity – See how angular panel designs with programmable LED tape can transform your stage into an immersive worship experience.

Related: New Traditional – See how The Church of Acts combined a century-old pulpit with modern foam arches and LED lighting for a timeless stage design.