Mobile Ministry Magazine

Last week I visited a youth center in Charlotte that was being outfitted with 16 new computers. The executive director is a friend of mine and I told him that I would visit the facility now that I have the time to get there during their working hours. I saw a place that is right on teh verge of having a major impact in East Charlotte; but also wondered where aspects of learning and understanding mobile tech would come into play in a venue like this.

Use and Sustainability

While it is true that mobile tech has become more and more a part of our lives, it is still something that is an accessory, rather than a need. That being said, I always want to look at how something can be used and maintained in an effective context when speaking of introducing or reteaching technology in a particular area.

For many urban communities, managing finances is a big issue. From the allure of "the greener grass" to the media's depection of rags to riches for just about everything, many of those who live in urban environments have a skewed sense of how to manage their resources. Its in this context where I've sesen pre-pay mobile phones and SMS related services as means for helping to disciple responsiblitiy, and also change the perception that money in is always slower than money out.

Community Involvement

What I noticed about the youth center that I visited is that it sits near a TV station, a radio station, and has a cellular retailer right across the street. If there is ever a means to teach and enable people to reach higher, there are the assests that can do such. In some cases, there might even be other opportunities such as schools, colleges, or local businesses in which their investing of consistent time to teach and mentor can open upthe entire community to start building a solid base for social and economic change.

Spiritual Leadership

One thing that my friend and I agreed on was that for things to change in Charlottte's commnities, the Body has to be a leader in providing those services and points of empowerment that enable and entire city to action. Charlotte is like man places where their is a church on ever corner. When the Body gets together and begins to work in the wisdom and understanding of 'parts and sum' then the kind of leadership that changes communities happen.

And Then the Fun

I had this idea once that students with mobile handsets and some free time could document and change their world. I see this happen more and more as the years go on. Nokia, MTV and Reuters getting together for Super Tuesday is one example of mobile tech doing something different. Taking that action a step futher, using that same mobile tech to give households with no access to the Internet that access. Linking schools, communities, the Internet, and mobile tech to create a community communication net where life is shared appropriately, and generations withining that community are enabling one another to see that the blessings that Christ speaks of in Matthew 5, are as close as us serving one another.

Additional Information

• The Digital Sanctuary also spoke recently about equipping leaders for urban ministry in this post.
• MobileActive.org is a site where one can find out more about engaging their community with mobile technology efforts.

Labels: community, mobility, Nokia, tech, urban