Mobile Ministry Magazine

One of the people in the Bible that I really have a good time in reflecting on is Joseph, son of Isreal/Jacob. While we all know the story, I found myself asking a question after a conversation last night about why a particularly large church has such a problem with a communication connection with all of its ministries. I imagine that its a common issue, but one that me (as website developer, communications major, and just an observer of those things) noticed. I had to ask myself, and the person with whom that I was speaking, at what point does the Internet become a viable option not only for display, but for the productive use of talents, managements, and giftings in that particular Body (and across a larger scale, the Body).

Joseph must have had a difficult childhood from the standpoint of someone who was bemoaned by his siblings as the favorite, the one who was always getting something or another. But I wonder if he ever felt useful to his fammily. While it seems that he had the best of both worlds in terms of life training (worked in the home and in the field), he could never seem to get it together to a point where he was, or felt, valuable to his family. And so in them abandoning him, that feeling was porbably magnified some.

Fast forward to a well developed man in Joseph. The abandonment of his childhood always staying with him and driving him to be the best that he can be. To always be in a posistion where he was noticed and recognized for being useful. I am sure that issue with the two men being freed from jail and the one forgetting him ran him completly back to this childhood feelings of being left out and alone. But he didn't stop, he had a vision from God in where to go next, how to serve next, and just simple patience. Then came his moment. There was a dream that the governor/pharoah had that Joseph interpreted correctly. He was then placed in a high office and given much in terms of wealth and responsiblity. He finally was in a place where he felt and was useful.

This is where I believe that many churches view the Internet. They do not know how the Internet can be useful. Or there may be a person(s) in their fellowship that does, but that person is not feeling like they are being "useful" enough. I'd urge you not to mistake the Internet's abilities to reach, or even to be discourged because you are speaking and no one is listening. At some point, you/tech becomes useful and wanted. And by the gift of God you were given the gift to see and walk in that despite what others might not see.

So stay the course. Keep using your PDA, configuring email lists and content management. Keep pressing into God's face, committing all your ways and technology to Him. At some point, probably soon, there will be a need, and you will be in the position to direct (even if only for a season).