Technology and the Human Imperative

I have talked about technology before and the desire to see how best to integrate it into the ministry of the church. In a recent conversation at the Church Council, a concern was shared that we did not ever want to do anything with technology that might cause people to stay away from church rather than being part of corporate worship and the general life of the local church. That is a very legitimate concern. The most powerful worship does, indeed, occur when we are together and as we are touched by the Holy Spirit. However, we must be careful that we don't identify corporate worship as the only "real" form of worship or even the only "effective" way in which to be touched by the Spirit. In fact, the Bible is clear that in the smallest of groups we can be assured that the Holy Spirit is present. There is also the issue of what the definition of The Church really is! That, however, is a subject for a later discussion.

It goes without saying that there are people who are unable to be in church because of physical problems, jobs requiring Sunday work, or many other situations. This conversation is not about them. It is clear that technology can be of great importance in ministering to these type people. The real issue is what ways can technology be used to reach a new group of people that think in different ways and have been raised in an environment that is much different than any environment in the history of the world.

Before I go on, let me give this warning - Technology is sinfully enticing - even in the church. Because this is true, we must remember that technology is only a means by which we interact with people concerning the Gospel. In a world of rapid technological advancement we will err if we fail to realize that technology is only a MEANS through which we do ministry. People are the heart and soul of any organization, especially a church. And, if we ever think that our great technology will replace the human interaction found only in the church - we are living in a dream world! Technology is not bad. It is not the demon of the New Age. But, seen only in and of itself, it has the potential of destroying the very heart and soul of a church. We must keep people in mind at every juncture of the technological dynamic.

We cannot afford to sacrifice people on the altar of technology.

Now, let me give you some examples of what I, and others, are thinking about when we talk of using technology to enhance ministry:
1. Our website is being redesigned to make it an outreach of ministry by allowing people to communicate easily with the pastor(s) through email, blogs, FaceBook, and other methods as they develop. To many young adults, these are primary ways they communicate in the world. You can also listen to recent sermons from your home or from anywhere in the world!!! Think of being able to share in the message of the sermon and immediately comment on it to the pastor, or share thoughts through FaceBook.
2. We have the ability to use video as part of our worship - right now. But, what ways can we use it to enhance (not degrade) worship? What would the addition of cameras provide us (such as having the sermon shown on video on our website or producing quality video from among our church members)? Could we share the worship service with a small congregation in some distant community that cannot afford a pastor, or even a church building, but would value a United Methodist worship service?
3. What possibilities exist for audio ministries such as podcasts, Bible studies, online chats, etc.? These might be available through our website and utilized by anyone interested in growing in Christ. If a family member is in the military or working far away, they could participate as easily as any of us here in Huron.
Our church (in particular) and all churches (in general) are poised on the brink of new and exciting times. Times that even the most astute futurists have difficulty visualizing. And yet we can be assured of one thing, with a clear picture of the environment in which we currently work and live; a well-thought out strategy that identifies were we want to go, and how we plan to get there; and fueled by a dynamo of people power like no nuclear reactor has ever seen - we will exploit technology as never before. And our church will be true to its mission.

Just Thinking. What do you think?