When you think about presentation software for churches, you probably picture smooth transitions between worship lyrics, perfectly timed Bible verses, and clean sermon slides—all run by volunteers with just a few clicks. Today, that’s the standard. But back in 1999, that world didn’t exist.
At that time, churches had only one real option for presenting media: Microsoft PowerPoint. And while it worked for business meetings, it wasn’t built for worship. Churches needed a better way.
That’s when MediaShout was born—and the story of an entirely new software category began.
How MediaShout Changed Church Media Forever
In 2000, MediaShout became the first church presentation software ever created—built specifically to serve the unique needs of worship gatherings. The idea was simple but groundbreaking: create a tool that allows churches to display Bible verses, worship song lyrics, sermon points, and announcements easily, without the limits of business software.
From the very beginning, MediaShout’s purpose was clear:
“To spread the simple Gospel through simple technology.”
This early innovation forever changed how churches communicate during worship. Ministries large and small could now focus more on ministry and less on managing slides.
The Pioneers Behind the Movement
MediaShout’s story has always been about people driven by faith and purpose. As the company grew, new leaders and partners joined to help guide its mission and expand its reach. One of those leaders was Eric Eitel, who served as CEO for over a decade and left a lasting impact on the organization.
Eric was known for his generosity, wisdom, and deep desire to see the Gospel reach every corner of the world. In his office, he kept a painting with the Sherwin-Williams logo that said “Cover the Earth,” often reminding the team that their work was doing exactly that—spreading God’s Word through technology.
Though Eric passed away in 2022, his vision continues to shape MediaShout’s heart for ministry today. That same spirit of service, simplicity, and partnership lives on in every decision the team makes.
As Ben Wagner, Director of Church Technology Consultation at MediaShout, puts it:
“Your church technology doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful.”
A Category Is Born (and Others Followed)
MediaShout’s innovation didn’t just help churches—it inspired an entire industry. Several years after MediaShout’s release, other tools began to appear, such as ProPresenter, developed by a team at North Point Community Church in Atlanta.
While new programs entered the space, MediaShout remains the pioneer that started it all—the original presentation software for churches that defined what worship technology could be. And unlike many others that focused on flashy “pro” features or subscription models, MediaShout has always emphasized simplicity, reliability, and ownership.
What Makes MediaShout Different Today
More than two decades later, MediaShout continues to lead in church presentation technology. The company remains family-owned and deeply connected to local churches, offering more than just software—it offers partnership, prayer, and personal support.
MediaShout’s values are rooted in helping churches of all sizes communicatethe Gospel with excellence. Here’s what sets MediaShout apart:
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Church-specific design built from the ground up for worship, not business presentations
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Three configurable displays: Control, Congregation, and Confidence/Live Stream screens
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Sermon Builder tool to help you create outlines and presentations faster than ever
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Integrated CCLI/SongSelect access for quick song import and reporting
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Unlimited worship media through built-in Shift Worship integration
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Campus-wide Bible access with over 70 included translations—no extra purchases required
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A simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for volunteers to use
Every day, the MediaShout team connects with hundreds of churches—training, troubleshooting, and praying with leaders who want to make their worship services more engaging and Christ-centered.
MediaShout 7: The Latest Chapter in the Story
The newest version, MediaShout 7, is the culmination of over 20 years of innovation. It’s faster, more stable, and easier to use than ever—designed for both small teams and large multi-campus ministries.
Whether you’re streaming online, displaying lyrics on a projector, or coordinating a full production team, MediaShout 7 gives you all the tools you need—without requiring a subscription.
→ Start your free 14-day trial of MediaShout 7
→ Get a custom-built computer for your church from ChurchComputers.com
Looking Ahead: Technology in the Service of the Gospel
From its beginnings in 2000 as the first-ever presentation software for churches to its modern, cloud-connected platform today, MediaShout’s mission has never changed. It’s still about partnership, excellence, and simplicity.
MediaShout continues to innovate for a new generation of ministries—helping churches around the world use media to “cover the Earth” with the message of Christ.
