Intergating Technology Carefully
Writing about Paul having a blog has me thiking lately more critically about how churches can integrate mobile technology into different functions. Granted, I don't think that we are at the point yet where people would like a tract sent to their phone or PDA via Bluetooth, but with the rise in computer technology in many churches and mission fields, it pays to take an assessment of where one can really go with the technology.
More and more, I find that in visiting a church, especially smaller ones, that there is some use of PowerPoint during praise and worship to show the lyrics to songs, or to show announcements. Some churches even go so far as to make 'commericals' with which to drum-up interest for an upcoming conference or related function. This is all well and good; but what if churches would 'push' that information to those in the congreation who have PDAs or TabletPCs. Using wifi or Bluetooth, this would be possible in may church settings. There would, however, need to be careful teaching and administration of this functionality. As if abused, members will easily talk about invasion of privacy and/or being spammed.
A very big consideration before doing anything 21st century like this, is how to extend it as a service, and not allow pride or gadget envy to become the attitude of the people. Having training workshops on the healthy use of technology, doing small things like making the suggestion that "for mobile device users, you can download the flyer or commerical from the church website" would help ease that integration. My personal favorite would be a class that would teach how to evangelize and church build with the help of mobile technology. There you could get into the facny points of technology, but would also have a means where there is no choice but to teach someone else when the class is over. Much like when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit and were all but compelled to tell the world about Jesus; have a full understanding also puts you in position to bless others with appropriate technical know-how.
Now before I sound too much like a revolutionary and say "down with paper, up with your Palms!" There has to be wisdom applied in all levels of technical know how. Just because you have 'x' number bibles of varying translations, several dictionaries, and everything musical piece Jesus produced in 2001 doesn't give you the right to hoard that information over people. In my reading of 1 Chronicles 21, David took an assessment of the number of Isrealites before a battle, when he was clearly supposed to be relying on God. And because he took that assessment, and got the wrong number since two tribes were not counted; Isreal met defeat in the battle. In the same way, having these tools are great, but its speaks a lot when we can not get a big head about what we have. I am ever guilty according to my fiance. Counting what you have only takes the glory away from God who gave it to you. Yes, the point is to use the technology. And you should know what you have at your disposal. But when it comes to how it is best used, only God can say what's best there as He blessed you with it. Anything else would be setting yourself up for a battle and repentance.
More and more, I find that in visiting a church, especially smaller ones, that there is some use of PowerPoint during praise and worship to show the lyrics to songs, or to show announcements. Some churches even go so far as to make 'commericals' with which to drum-up interest for an upcoming conference or related function. This is all well and good; but what if churches would 'push' that information to those in the congreation who have PDAs or TabletPCs. Using wifi or Bluetooth, this would be possible in may church settings. There would, however, need to be careful teaching and administration of this functionality. As if abused, members will easily talk about invasion of privacy and/or being spammed.
A very big consideration before doing anything 21st century like this, is how to extend it as a service, and not allow pride or gadget envy to become the attitude of the people. Having training workshops on the healthy use of technology, doing small things like making the suggestion that "for mobile device users, you can download the flyer or commerical from the church website" would help ease that integration. My personal favorite would be a class that would teach how to evangelize and church build with the help of mobile technology. There you could get into the facny points of technology, but would also have a means where there is no choice but to teach someone else when the class is over. Much like when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit and were all but compelled to tell the world about Jesus; have a full understanding also puts you in position to bless others with appropriate technical know-how.
Now before I sound too much like a revolutionary and say "down with paper, up with your Palms!" There has to be wisdom applied in all levels of technical know how. Just because you have 'x' number bibles of varying translations, several dictionaries, and everything musical piece Jesus produced in 2001 doesn't give you the right to hoard that information over people. In my reading of 1 Chronicles 21, David took an assessment of the number of Isrealites before a battle, when he was clearly supposed to be relying on God. And because he took that assessment, and got the wrong number since two tribes were not counted; Isreal met defeat in the battle. In the same way, having these tools are great, but its speaks a lot when we can not get a big head about what we have. I am ever guilty according to my fiance. Counting what you have only takes the glory away from God who gave it to you. Yes, the point is to use the technology. And you should know what you have at your disposal. But when it comes to how it is best used, only God can say what's best there as He blessed you with it. Anything else would be setting yourself up for a battle and repentance.
posted by Antoine @ 6/17/2005 06:34:00 PM
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