Feb
9
Written by:
host
2/9/2010 7:00 AM
Earlier this year, Tim wrote an article encouraging you to evaluate your Christian Education program and Ask, “Why?” The use of technology in ministry is an area where some of your members may be asking the question “Why?” “Why do we have a large screen hanging at the front of the sanctuary?” “Why do we need to spend money on a new projector when we already have one?” “Why does our church need a website?” You get the idea and I imagine that you have heard these questions or other variations. Although it is easy to get annoyed by, “Why?” it is an excellent question when it comes to the use of technology in the church.
In the last two decades there has been a technology explosion. It seems like every time I turn around, there is a new electronic gadget that I am told I simply must have. If it’s not a completely new device, than it is an improved version of something I already own and it is so much better than the old version that I must buy a new one right away! Or so I am told. Now, I am certainly not anti-technology. I use technology every day, and in many (but not all) cases, it makes my life easier and/or more pleasant. My caution is that as a church, we need to be careful not to use technology simply for technology’s sake.
For example, if your church is considering buying a projection system for the first time, it is important to gather information concerning what is available, how much it will cost and what will be necessary to install the system. It is equally important to ask, “Why are we making this purchase?” Another way to frame this question is, “Will this projection system help us to fulfill our church’s vision?” If the equipment is being purchased because every other church in town has a projection system, you might want to reconsider. On the other hand, the purchase of a projection system may help fulfill your church’s vision. Is the system being purchased to allow the projection of images or video to complement the sermon (thus adding an additional way to meet the needs of visual learners)? Will the projector be used to put song lyrics on the screen to allow increased variety in hymn selection? It is important to ask these questions in addition to the “nuts and bolts” questions.
There is no doubt that technology can be an important tool in our ministries. Remember to keep your values and vision in mind when considering the use of technology. Remember to ask, “Why?”
In what ways does your church utilize technology to fulfill its mission? Post a comment and share your ideas with others.
~Sally Hoelscher
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