by Allen Ratta (@allenratta)
New technologies are redefining the landscape for conducting church ministry. Technology is ushering in rapid, historic, cultural changes that are creating a much different world than existed five years ago.
It's time to rethink ministry strategies.
The Face of New Leadership
In the coming years, progressive church leaders will be those who are quick to grasp the new opportunities that are emerging from current and near-future technologies. Churches will increasingly be set apart by their ability to utilize these technologies. I see a fresh application of the words of Jesus. “Whoever has [the ability to utilize technology], to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.” (Mk.4.25)
Technology and Strategy
To take advantage of this technology, it is critical to understand how social media can elevate evangelism and pastoral care. To expand from Rolodex-sized thinking, leaders must become comfortable with digital content and mobile computing. It is time to start developing a strategic technology plan for ministry, because ministry potential will continue to arrive at an accelerated pace.
Technology Revolution
The converging technologies of social networking, digital content and smart mobile computing will redefine the ways we conduct ministry far more than the incremental technological innovations of the past. I remember when PCs replaced typewriters. Can you imagine a typewriter being used in a church office today? The adoption of incremental technologies is far easier than responding to scope of the societal and technological change that is currently underway. This generation has adopted emerging technologies in stride. It will be largely unreached without a church that is prepared to meet them on their turf.
Next: Social Networking
A collection of free educational resources from Fellowship Technologies that combines industry trends, detailed analysis and best practices from dynamic churches and leading experts.
Each issue we will focus on a particular topic of interest facing the Church today.
