The Big Four
In your online journey, look both ways before crossing the street.
Traffic at the intersection of Faith and Technology is faster and busier than ever. Innovation is relentless. As leaders in the church, our constant question should be: “How do we harness this for kingdom effectiveness?” And in the same breath: “Where do I step carefully?”
The following are positive benefits and trends in technology with a sprinkling of cautionary considerations.
Online community and discipleship
Distance barriers are no more when it comes to online chats or video. From Facebook groups, Google+ hangouts and Skype meetings, networking on the Internet is a way of life.
Simulcasts and video venues offer the ability and affordability to live-stream sermons, conferences and theological training courses across the country and around the world. And using Twitter allows us to follow and interact with attendees at almost any live event or conference, even though we may be thousands of miles away. We don’t even have to wait in line for the restroom.
Virtual proximity, however, obviously does not equal community. Physical presence with other believers is still needed for what the New Testament describes as Christian worship or church.
The bible and music at our fingertips
With the availability of Bible apps, we can take in-app notes, which can then be shared on Twitter and Facebook or kept for later reading. Inspiring worship music is as close as our smartphone. Even hymnals (with notes and hymnal-like appearance) are available digitally.
I have no problem with the use of Bible apps on tablets or smartphones while I’m preaching. I sometimes wonder, however, if those “listening” are taking digital notes and reading or are actually checking their Twitter feed. In the end, for all of us: If we can’t use a device without being distracted, then we shouldn’t use the device in that situation.
Powerful ministry tools
Gone for most are the days of the overhead projector. The vast toolbox of software and cloud-based worship-planning resources means that technology is prevalent throughout corporate worship services.
However, just as technology is a financial investment for us personally, it is an even greater investment for churches. With stretched budgets, the choice between investing in technology versus other aspects of ministry is an uncomfortable reality. May we choose wisely.
Promotion and networking
Social media allows for more connectivity than ever before. Churches can stay in broadcast mode through mobile apps, which are simple ways to share information and resources. The technology has also spun off into customized church networks such as The City or The Table Project—networks that allow church members to connect with more privacy about prayer requests, community groups, service opportunities and more.
If your church doesn’t have a presence on Facebook, you are overlooking an effective communication tool for engaging members and potential visitors. More than 1 billion people are now part of this social-media phenomenon. With so many people already on Facebook, it’s an easy way for your church to stay connected with your congregation and reach out to your community, and for your church members (and more) to see you as real people.
While there are obviously great positives to interacting through technology and social-media platforms, we must not neglect our neighbor for Netflix. Our family for Facebook. Our town for Twitter. May our virtual interactions only increase the depth of our in-person, Acts 2:42 relationships.
Online giving
The church I pastor uses online giving. Keep in mind: Young people today don’t write checks; they pay bills online, shop online and, yes, prefer to tithe online. But online giving is not only beneficial to younger members; it can also help members keep their giving consistent during the holiday seasons and summers. I certainly understand the concerns about online giving: It can remove the sense of worship that occurs when giving is more physical. However you choose to give, do so with an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude toward God who has given to you that which you steward.
An area with the most potential for harm . . .
Online all the time
Without a doubt, our plugged-in culture means that we can access information, networks and friends (almost) anytime, (almost) anywhere. The possibilities are endless, the blessings multiplied. But so are the risks of living an artificial life online rather than in the real world, and being distracted from our most important relationships.
I routinely intentionally unplug and go “off the grid’ to take my daughters fishing and have some alone-time when I can hear the details of what is going on in their lives. I want to hear those details while baiting a hook, not by stalking their Facebook page.
Technology is here to stay and will continue to evolve at a staggering pace. There is so much out there that will augment your ministry, your voice and your platform, but use discretion as you attempt to harness technology for the sake of the kingdom. It’s a busy intersection at the corner of Faith and Technology. Look both ways before crossing the street.
Ed Stetzer is president of LifeWay Research. He writes at edstetzer.com.
A Busy Intersection
Traffic at the intersection of Faith and Technology is faster and busier than ever. Innovation is relentless. As leaders in the church, our constant question should be: “How do we harness this for kingdom effectiveness?” And in the same breath: “Where do I step carefully?”
The following are positive benefits and trends in technology with a sprinkling of cautionary considerations.
ONLINE COMMUNITY AND DISCIPLESHIP
Distance barriers are no more when it comes to online chats or video. From Facebook groups, Google+ hangouts and Skype meetings, networking on the Internet is a way of life.
Simulcasts and video venues offer the ability and affordability to live-stream sermons, conferences and theological training courses across the country and around the world. And using Twitter allows us to follow and interact with attendees at almost any live event or conference, even though we may be thousands of miles away. We don’t even have to wait in line for the restroom.
Virtual proximity, however, obviously does not equal community. Physical presence with other believers is still needed for what the New Testament describes as Christian worship or church.
THE BIBLE AND MUSIC AT OUR FINGERTIPS
With the availability of Bible apps, we can take in-app notes, which can then be shared on Twitter and Facebook or kept for later reading. Inspiring worship music is as close as our smartphone. Even hymnals (with notes and hymnal-like appearance) are available digitally.
I have no problem with the use of Bible apps on tablets or smartphones while I’m preaching. I sometimes wonder, however, if those “listening” are taking digital notes and reading or are actually checking their Twitter feed. In the end, for all of us: If we can’t use a device without being distracted, then we shouldn’t use the device in that situation.
POWERFUL MINISTRY TOOLS
Gone for most are the days of the overhead projector. The vast toolbox of software and cloud-based worship-planning resources means that technology is prevalent throughout corporate worship services.
However, just as technology is a financial investment for us personally, it is an even greater investment for churches. With stretched budgets, the choice between investing in technology versus other aspects of ministry is an uncomfortable reality. May we choose wisely.
PROMOTION AND NETWORKING
Social media allows for more connectivity than ever before. Churches can stay in broadcast mode through mobile apps, which are simple ways to share information and resources. The technology has also spun off into customized church networks such as The City or The Table Project—networks that allow church members to connect with more privacy about prayer requests, community groups, service opportunities and more.
If your church doesn’t have a presence on Facebook, you are overlooking an effective communication tool for engaging members and potential visitors. More than 1 billion people are now part of this social-media phenomenon. With so many people already on Facebook, it’s an easy way for your church to stay connected with your congregation and reach out to your community, and for your church members (and more) to see you as real people.
While there are obviously great positives to interacting through technology and social-media platforms, we must not neglect our neighbor for Netflix. Our family for Facebook. Our town for Twitter. May our virtual interactions only increase the depth of our in-person, Acts 2:42 relationships.
ONLINE GIVING
The church I pastor uses online giving. Keep in mind: Young people today don’t write checks; they pay bills online, shop online and, yes, prefer to tithe online. But online giving is not only beneficial to younger members; it can also help members keep their giving consistent during the holiday seasons and summers. I certainly understand the concerns about online giving: It can remove the sense of worship that occurs when giving is more physical. However you choose to give, do so with an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude toward God who has given to you that which you steward.
An area with the most potential for harm …
ONLINE ALL THE TIME
Without a doubt, our plugged-in culture means that we can access information, networks and friends (almost) anytime, (almost) anywhere. The possibilities are endless, the blessings multiplied. But so are the risks of living an artificial life online rather than in the real world, and being distracted from our most important relationships.
I routinely intentionally unplug and go “off the grid’ to take my daughters fishing and have some alone-time when I can hear the details of what is going on in their lives. I want to hear those details while baiting a hook, not by stalking their Facebook page.
Technology is here to stay and will continue to evolve at a staggering pace. There is so much out there that will augment your ministry, your voice and your platform, but use discretion as you attempt to harness technology for the sake of the kingdom. It’s a busy intersection at the corner of Faith and Technology. Look both ways before crossing the street.
Ed Stetzer is president of LifeWay Research. He writes at edstetzer.com.