Sep
15
Written by:
host
9/15/2009 7:00 AM
I would say that I know just enough about computers to be dangerous. Generally, I know how to make the computer do the things I need it to do, but I do not understand much about how that actually happens. The same is true of audiovisual equipment. We do not have a TV, VCR or DVD player (except for our computer) at our house, so my experience with these machines is limited. Essentially, I am in the position of knowing how to use technology, but when something goes wrong I am not the person that you want in charge!
Fortunately, I have what I fondly refer to as my own personal tech support. When I need help with technology, I call my 15 year old son.
Today’s young people have no recollection of life before computers, DVD players and cell phones. I did not learn to use a computer until I was in high school. (And then it was a computer that was as large as a room and was programmed using punch cards. Admit it; many of you know just what I am talking about!) Today’s children and youth have grown up surrounded by technology and are comfortable using it at home and at school.
How are you utilizing this generation of tech-savvy individuals in your church? Do you have young people helping with the church website? Perhaps you have some older elementary kids who would be willing to do VCR/DVD setup on Sunday morning. If you have an AV system in your sanctuary, have you trained your youth how to use it? Maybe some youth would be interested in blogging about a special ministry that your church is doing? Do you need a Power Point presentation created? Most schools begin teaching kids how to use Power Point in elementary school.
By using your children and youth as tech support, you can help them find a way that they can be a contributing member of your church family. And at the same time, you get the tech support that you need! It’s a win/win situation.
~Sally Hoelscher