Mobile Ministry Magazine: Assessing Perceptions and Use

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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Friday, June 06, 2008

Assessing Perceptions and Use

An important decision that many ministries are facing right now, especially in the US, is how to conserve energy with the rising energy and gas prices. Whereas many could say that it would be of some advantage to do things such as carpooling and some virtual office tasks, another cog in the puzzle has to do with the hardware itself. Is what you are using too much for the task at hand.

It's hard to think about mobile tech in this light though. For the most part, many of use understand the concept of get it just in case. And while this motto of "be prepared" is a good one, sometimes its something that is too much for what is really needed.

What I am getting at is part of that decision process of how to go mobile if there is a change in computing lifestyle that is needed. Considering things such as resources, device ability, personal ability, and perceptions are a part of this process. We look at how going mobile will impact several aspects of our lives, and what positive and negative effects that it will have for us and others later.

In March 2006, I suffered the experience of a laptop whose motherboard fried. I was left with a computer at work that I could bring home on occasion. But mostly had the use of a Palm Treo and a wireless keyboard in order to do everything from manage this website to connect with the world around me. Because of this trimming of my computing, I found that I got work done more often - the smaller screen made me more purposeful. Also, in telling others of my situation, I began to be an evangelist towards what is possible with mobile devices. Yes, an emergency initiated my situation - just like what happened with this person at Internet Tablet Talk - but I had a choice. I chose to learn what was possible, and it influenced me to change my perceptions of what is possible.

As you engage with various aspects of mobile technology, I would hope that you take the time to challenge your perceptions as well. You might not need all that you have, or you might need more than what you have. But you need to assess and then drive the boat. You'll be surprised where it can take you and others.