Mobile Ministry Magazine

Probably more than most else, I think about how to engage studying and sharing the Word via the use of conversations and mobile devices. I've got this thought that because we are at a point where the Word and several resources can be carried with us, that we can effectivly take this aspect of the discipleship out from the church walls and literally be a church that goes to people.

Most would hear that and think that its near radical, and a borderline good idea. I want to submit that its not only a good idea, but in light of the commission that we have as believers, that it is something that we should do (once we've been equipped with the knowledge, wisdom, and maturity to speak with grace in any occasion).

What does this mobile-enabled study look like then?

- Is it like the OLPC program where tools are given as a blank canvas for people to dig in and be directed through the Word, finding concepts and functions of our faith through discovery then application?

- Or is this like a blogger-relations program where we take subject areas and then endow enabled people to speak the truths of God in fashions that demonstrate a skillful handling of the technology at the intersection of faith and need?

- Or is it something that has not yet been explored? Something where technology can truthfully fade to the background once it opens up the real issue that the Body has a responsibility to be more than just a picture of God, but His hands and heart to the world around us.

I would argue that it is a little of both. And because mobile tech as a broad field is general in and of itself, that one can look towards past uses of new technologies towards ways in which mobile tech can and should be used towards keeping the Body joined in faithfulness.

I envision situations such as when people that have nothing but mobile phones being able to hold a conversation on a particular topic, but accessing a SMS repository of verses, quotes, and subject areas.

I see classrooms over pen and paper, PDA/smartphones/laptops, and software services where people discourse on how to continue to lead their communities; then make class projects out of being effective.

I see people understanding the positive and negative scope of technology; knowing that there's a time to pick it up, and a time to put it down. Where services aren't a demonstration of the wizz-bang that tech does, but that it sits in the background while the faithfulness of those who've walked in that esteemed hall of faith are spoken about. Where the Body has an understanding of this technology, and is skillful enough to be a servant-leader to the rest of the world in this arena.

When I started MMM, this is the point that I saw in this endeavor - a place where you can learn various ways to skillfully use this tech to point people to the goodness/mercy/respect/justice of God by Christ Jesus. No, I'm not espousing that tech is the answer to do this, only that its here and we might as well use it. Especially since, when it comes to tech and where we are in faith, there's an intersection that needs to be addressed. And this World won't stand for Christ to just sit down and click a mouse, when the point is sharing Him.

Labels: Bible, community, mobile, networking, tech