Technology and Media in Worship and Ministry

June 24, 2009

Reading: Technology and Media in Worship and Ministry
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ELYRIA, Ohio—Here’s a bold statement: No church should be technologically ignorant but rather utilize everything it can—yet without overload or obsession. That’s quite a challenge (and a mouthful, to be sure). The Wednesday workshop by the above title reminded us we’re living in a day of unparalleled opportunity, yet many churches are not taking advantage of the many resources available. And communication is really what ministry is all about.

Larry Burk, worship and media pastor of South Baptist, Flint, Mich., focused on three statements he believes are true:

  1. We can’t keep our message trapped within the walls of our church. People won’t probably come to us; we must come to them through all sorts of means such as CDs, podcasts, radio, e-mail newsletters, Facebook, Skype, Twitter, and much more. People will read a blog by someone they don’t know, while they probably won’t come to church, at least initially. The issue here is reception.
  2. We can’t share the message with a band playing behind us. Here we have the issue of clarity—the message must be heard well. Sound systems, lighting, and similar issues are critical.
  3. We can’t speak in a language the people don’t know. The issue is understanding. Context must not be ignored.

Larry pointed out some valuable items to keep in mind when dealing with technology in the context of the local church.

First, age groups have different mind-sets in the use of it, mainly having to do with why people use it. Everyone is becoming more and more dependent on the Internet, yet people 30 years and older think differently about it than those younger. It is as though people these days are born with technology right from the womb.

Second, churches must work hard to keep up. They do not, as a rule.

Third, technology is a means, not the end in itself.

It’s an exciting time, when it comes to available technology and ministry. Larry summarized by recalling advances in his own lifetime—from mimeograph machines and Dial-a-Devotion to the various advances in computers, from no classes in college about the subject to an array and an awareness of classes available in gaining know-how. Of course, we have become so dependent on technology that we feel totally helpless when the power goes out!

Participants had some good questions and comments about their experiences with various recent resources like Twittering.