Mobile Ministry Magazine: Moving Along

Seeing mobile technology through the lens of Scripture

Welcome and thank you for visiting Mobile Ministry Magazine. Here, we explore the use of mobile technology and how it can be used by ministers, missionaries, and many others as a means to augment their abilities to share the Gospel. Read more about our mission to educate and edify at the intersection of faith and technology.

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Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Moving Along

As the time for my moving to NC draws near, I am back to a nearly solo mobile existence. Mainly with the Treo 680, with the Nokia N95 and N800 finding duty for voice and data needs. It really does seem that since MMM was started that there is at least a mobile technological argument for a mobile ministry.

The item that tends to get at me though is its relevance -- in the US. I can see in Europe and Africa where the mobile device (laptops, hotspots, mobile phones, etc.) have a place within the social context. A place that doesn't displace people, but because of economies and convenience, it works. In the US, this is a much harder argument, and if not for the iPhone busting into the party, probably a forever "on deaf ears" one.

The iPhone? You see, one of the things that has made me smile about the iPhone has been the opening up of the eyes of Americans as to the possiblities as to what can be done in the palm of your hand. Even those who see the iPhone and opt for a smaller phone and laptop do admit that technology is at a place where location is not nearly as important as ability and need -- the ability to get things done and the need to connect with one another.

I believe that the iPhone and possibly one or two more innvations this year will thrust the US audience into a better mobile awareness, and at that time the question will come to the church if it is possible that the Spirit of God can manage such a technological trend.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there are phones going off...
Ok, not exactly a quote of Scripture, but there is a growing awareness of mobile phones, eh, wireless life within the abilties of the Church. Part of that is because the church has always been mobile. We go places to teach and preach the Word in the hope that they will go more places and teach and preach. If you think about it, the best social networking program has to be the Holy Spirit, and dang it you only need to have faith to sign up (no annoying spam either).

What happens in our moving along this technological landscape is that we understand the appropriate place for technology, and then we use it to further the hand of God in improving the lives of others around us so that they can make a decsion to "believe on Him and be saved." It will not come thru "Holy Ghost e-tracts" or "Pauline TV on your mobile" but by a consistent and ardent focus on making sure that technology is an enablment and not an idol. When we exhalt Christ via tech, we move the focus from being 'ooh look at that' to 'ooh look at Christ.' And that is something that I am sure that all of us want to be first in line for.