Mobile Ministry Magazine

Greetings to all; I am in the mist of the first evening at my new apartment and for the most part I feel a lot like I am just starting the next leg of an incredible journey. You see, while it is that I have moved into a new place, I only have my Treo to play the role of computer, music player, and reading device. It's pretty much the opposite of where I thought that I would be upon making this move, but I like this as it is both humbling and freeing.

I started to make another one of those posts from my RSS feed list but decided not to because of how this one post (timbuktuchronicles.blogspot.com/2007/07/mobile-phone-reporters.html) really seemed to hit this particular moment. You see, in an area where making sure that knowledge is shared in a timely manner, there are people using the power and ability of mobile devices to spread and collect that news for great consumption and empowerment.

This is a good application of what can happen when tech and a problem meet head on and something new has to happen. On the side of ministry, I have always seen this kind of use of mobile tech as being beneficial in a Pauline-like manner, missionaries writing back to their home churches or church planters encouraging and keeping up with plants they have movd on from. If you will, I see the instant-abilitty of SMS and blogging on a mobile device to accent the already existing relationships that have been formed.

As I write that I kind of laugh to myself, I am in a similar situation in the respect that I am using a mobile to report on the world "around" me. Very funny how appropriate this is.

The question then to be asked is how this kind of application could be done in a societty like the US/UK/etc,? In these places, mobile tech is more defined by hotspots and high data fees, and so how can reporting and connecting be done effectively, and at the same time foster the kind of communities that are built in faith, not on fluff?

I believe that the answer lies in mobile social networks, or more effectively, taking mobile tech that is relevant (SMS, MMS, email, moblogging, etc.) and then applying it within the teaching of making disciples who truely see the world as reachable for Christ. We use these technologies as messages of encouragement, or followup to ministry so that bonds in Christ are strengthened.

Its my hope that my moblogging/email can be that for you. Its not at all easy in being in a new place and still knowing that there is a responsiblity to keep walking in those things we were called in. For me, this post is both a challenge and an encouragement that mobile tech is a part of what the Spirit of God has given us as power to reach to the ends. Now, I hope that you having been reached, can teach and edify someone else to do the same.