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Friday, June 8, 2001
Technology offers a new medium
By Shane NixonChurch Internet sites offer viewers a first impression not unlike the message individuals send through their choice of T-shirts. A popular television ad campaign begins with the question: "What do you want the Internet to be?" After a series of responses ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime, a voiceover suggests: "All you have to do is let us know, and we'll make the Internet whatever you want."
Churches that utilize the Internet and other technologies would do well to answer the same question. David Winfrey, managing editor of the Western Recorder, said in a recent article, "As more churches launch Web sites, too few are reaching their potential because church leaders don't define why they want a site or fail to develop a strategy for what they hope to accomplish."
To help avoid this pitfall, look at the following examples of what to do and what not to do:
Do something. Churches that make no effort in the area of technological ministry will lose members; this we know. My dad has a sign in his office that states: "If all you are doing is nothing, how do you know when you are finished?" For churches, doing nothing in this area might mean they are finished!
Don't over do it. This is a common pitfall. Winfrey notes that "too many church leaders are enamored by the gee-whiz technology ..." and end up with good stuff their people can't or won't use. Here are some examples:
Do your homework. Have a strategy. Preachers and Sunday School teachers do not dare perform their roles without a plan, nor do church committees and teams. Technology should be just as thought-out and organized.
Don't try to do it all yourself. Get help. There are probably lay people in the congregation who would love to help. Implementing technology is not something most pastors learned in seminary. Call on the resources available to you - church members, the local association and the state Convention. Help is available.
One N.C. Baptist institution saved $5,000 by simply asking the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) for help.
The BSCNC's free audio magazine, UpClose, offers a technical tip each month.
Do be willing to change the medium. Our God is an awesome God. He has used burning bushes and still small voices. Why should we think He can't use computers and overhead projectors?
Many people thought Billy Graham was crazy when he talked about doing television evangelism. Thank goodness he had the vision to recognize its worth.
Don't change the message. God is still God. Whether presented through a PowerPoint presentation or an Internet site, leaders and learners still focus on the need for a relationship with God.
So before you venture to employ new technologies in your ministry, recognize that you are not alone. Others have been there and some have even done it.
What's the message on your church's technological T-shirt?
For more information, consult these helpful resources:
(EDITOR'S NOTE - Shane Nixon is Webmaster for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.)
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