Mobile Ministry Magazine

In MEX Manifesto Through Christian Lenses (Part 1), we highlighted that there are issues of mobile technology use and adoption that the mobile marketing, developer, design, and user communities are becoming aware of and need to respond to. In Part 2, we look at this response with Christian lenses, in mind of the Great Commission and a life that doesn't look like the world around it, but sets a standard of holiness.

Content as the Interface of the Future

This is pretty much the case with Christianity already. What will become more the case is how we evaluate associations with one another with this content. Just as in other times of paradigm shifts, all that we do will be measured against the Word and the tradition of the faith. And just like at many other pivotal points, truth and lie will be tacked onto a door and we will have to evaluate it in the mist of seen execution of faith.

Handsets are not longer just for the hand; or the Bible is not just paper and a highlighter

Just as paper has moved in purpose and use, so has happened with mobile devices. No one use will govern technology, and engaging the vast uses over generations of users will take a collective looking and acting outside of the paradigm that we are used to and exploring something new. This doesn't mean to copy what others do, though in places it will. It does mean that innovation has to happen with the tech inside the Body to meet the goals of the commission we are called to.

Fragmentation is the enemy of innovation

Jesus said it best, "a house divided amongst itself cannot stand." This is not just in reference to the ability of one another, but also reaches into areas such as sharing innovation throughout the Body. Larger (well funded) parts of the Body should be spreading innovation to the smaller ones. Sharing the benefits of the technology will build bonds and create an awareness of the strength of the Body when working as a whole, versus the pride of just encouraging the "shiny" parts.

Fashion is a stronger motivation than functionality

The trap of this new tech is to make it shiny and flashy. This is the part of the lens that is a warning and not an admonition. Showing off will cause dissension to happen where growth should. Engaging one another with something new is bound to cause some envy, covetousness, and pride. One part is carrying ourselves as if we are a part of the Body. The other part is just understanding that someone else might see what we do not. Give an ear, an evaluate by the Spirit; not by appearances.

The developing world is the next frontier for mobile user experience

If there is anything that I have learned since starting MMM, it is that innovation in mobile tech in the Body has come faster in places where either the Word is curtailed or resources are just not there. This again, is that areas where well off members of the Body need to plant, water, and listen to what is going on in developing areas of the world, and then be Spirit led in learning, using, and applying mobile user experience lessons to their own appendages to the Body.

Search requires a radically different approach with mobiles

Probably harped on more than anything else here, but it stands to be said again and again. Mobile devices are different. Holding them is different. Interacting with them is different. Developing for them is different. The content isn't. Getting to the content needs to be done in the context of the device and user experience. Not of paradigms of the same users on different devices. Its more work for developers, but that is where user experience professionals come into play to keep things together for us all.

Intelligent contact lists are the information center

The most used and most important social network that we are a part of is our own. And more often than not, it is the one in our phone book. As a Body growing with mobile technology we need to understand this and in our technology efforts focus on enabling users to connect with that network effectively and easily. Whether that is something as simple as showing people how to take photos of their contacts, or something expansive such as using Jaiku or another presence application. There is a lot of room towards keeping interpersonal interaction as the focus of a technology shift.

Mobile payments and the generational shift

I don't agree with this point in the manifesto as I feel that it is too specific and will take longer than MEX professionals really want it to. The broader point that it is making though is something that needs to be stated. Simply speaking, if you were born around 1995 or after, you have grown up with Internet tech as a part of your lifestyle. And if born after 2000 then mobile phones even more so. Feeling comfortable with aspects of your life on the Internet and mobile devices is natural, and will cause the greatest shift as these folks move into leadership-training positions in life. Doing more with mobiles will be the way of life; and there is a hazard in that towards not being aware of what should and should not be public. The Body would be well advised to learn this shift, and teach responsibility, boundaries, and appropriate use accordingly.

Users are complex and contradictory

If you have ever published an application, or dealt with counseling an engaged couple then you know this is an absolute fact. To use this technology and not take into consideration - heavy consideration - that God created us unique and no amount of behavior tracking, profile sharing, or social interaction will ever peg us completely. Dealing with people has to happen on a Spirit-led, person to person basis. We were designed for this type of interaction, and cannot allow technology to be a layer in between it for all aspects of relating to one another.

The potential of smart voice

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). If we don't speak the truth, then we cannot expect people to believe. Yes, voice applications will make a run, but its what is coming out of our mouths that will provoke faith, or provoke hate.

The challenge to the Body is clear when it comes to mobile technology and the changes that are happening now. Its my hope that this look at the MEX Manifesto helps you to understand the gravity of what has and is happening in regards to how we live with tech. This is not an answer to things, just a viewpoint. But one that if the Body takes it, will transform how we do ministry and be Christ-in the world.

Labels: community, mobility, tech