Changing Technology & the Church
by Donna Gaither
There is a current TV commercial showing people standing in a store holding signs that read "CD," "DVD," "MP3." I confess that I don't even know what all those initials mean! What I do know is that there is a technology revolution profoundly impacting society, and the church must quickly and thoughtfully decide how to respond.
I see these new technologies not as threats or frivolous toys, but as tools for making disciples. Used correctly, contemporary technologies such as the Internet, interactive video, and distance learning can do for our century what the printing press did for Martin Luther and other leaders during the Protestant reformation — allow us to quickly and effectively reach a larger, more diverse audience with our message. To use these new technologies to spread the gospel, we need to focus on three things:
1. Focus on Results
Decisions about technology should be based on the church's mission and the specific results we hope to gain. Technology should not drive our decisions. Before any equipment is purchased or any project using new technology is begun, ask these questions:
- How will this technology help us make disciples?
- What do we want to happen as a result of this action?
- How will we measure the results of this project?
- How will we know if this technology/project enhances faith formation of individuals and of our congregation?
- How will this project have an impact on our present work and resources?
2. Focus on Values
It is tempting to let a desire to be on the "cutting edge" drive our decisions about using technology. But the key question is, "Can new methodologies and technologies help us support the spiritual formation of individuals and congregations?" Using technology does not necessarily negate values such as transformation, renewal, communication, connection, and the formation of community. Using technology can actually enhance these values. Lay and clergy people are already using the Web to connect with one another. There are chat rooms, book study groups, covenant prayer groups, ministry web sites — all focused on building up the body of Christ.
3. Focus on Learning
One of the most exciting opportunities that the new technologies offer is the ability to learn over distance. Sharing information through e-mail, videoconferencing, computer-based instruction, online courses — all of these offer new ways to increase skills and knowledge. The possibility exists to build "virtual learning communities" where people share knowledge and experiences electronically as they work together to solve problems and increase effectiveness in their ministries.
As the FaithQuest congregation clarifies its mission, vision, and values, the church will be able to make wise use of this new digital frontier.
Donna Gaither is Director of the Learning Center, General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, TN; dgaither@gbod.org, tollfree 877/899-2780, Ext. 7567.