In the mid-15th century, Johannes Gutenberg invented the first true movable type printing press, making the mass production of books — including the Bible — possible. Before his printing press, Bibles and other books were written by hand or copied using wooden block printing, which was time consuming and costly.
The Gutenberg press, however, was met with initial reluctance among some church leaders who feared losing control over the interpretation of Scriptures when Bibles and other religious writings could be printed and distributed widely among laypeople.
The printing press revolutionized literacy, spread new ideas and knowledge and put God’s Word into the hands of every person.
Today’s internet
The invention of internet technology has been compared in its significance to Gutenberg’s printing press. Internet technology has revolutionized communication, education, knowledge and business and has brought the entire world into close community. Today there are 5.4 billion people — or 67% of the world’s population — using the internet. Its influence extends to almost every aspect of modern life.
A number of churches today, however, have been reluctant and slow to adopt technology for many reasons, including:
- Distraction. They are concerned that technology will distract from the core aspects of church life, such as worship and community engagement.
- Expense. Implementing and maintaining modern technology can be expensive. Many churches, especially smaller congregations, can’t afford it. “Many churches today are struggling just to pay the bills, so how and why would they buy the latest digital sound console or pay to have their websites rebuilt by a professional. … There are other more pressing things that require money,” said Chase Livingston , writing for ChurchMag.
- Historical hesitance. Churches have often been hesitant to adopt or even talk about new technologies. According to the website of Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, those churches worry it will “water down” the message of Christianity and change the way church is done.
- Lack of leadership support. If church leadership is not on board with bringing in new technology, then it is unlikely to be used. There may be a lack of trust in new technologies, concerns about church safety and security issues or no felt need to implement it. Complicated new systems can be daunting to set up and learn how to use.
Ways churches can use technology
Churches, both large and small, can use today’s new technologies in a number of significant ways. Here are a few of them:
- Enhanced worship services. Church management software can streamline administrative tasks such as membership management, event scheduling, volunteer coordination and financial reporting, making them more efficient. Worship services can use live streaming to broadcast worship services, group Bible studies and other special meetings online, reaching members who are unable to attend these functions in person. These are ideal ways to reach the homebound, elderly, ill, caregivers or remote members. Multimedia can enhance worship experiences with visual and audio elements, like displaying song lyrics, Bible verses and creative video clips.
- Better communication. Social media platforms can allow interaction with church members and the community, offering regular updates, event promotions and engagement in spiritual discussions. Emailed newsletters and text alerts can provide timely updates, words of encouragement and reminders for church events.
- Online giving and tithing. People who use digital payment methods can more easily tithe and donate money securely through cashless transactions. As of 2022, 89% of Americans used digital payments. They find digital payments faster and more convenient, more secure than cash transactions, more widely accepted by businesses and services and more accessible to a wider audience.
- Education and discipleship. Bible studies, discipleship courses, group seminars and other activities conducted online enable members to participate from anywhere in the world without commuting and disrupting regular work schedules. Podcasts and webinars offer additional resources to help members grow spiritually.
- Outreach and evangelism. Churches can reach people worldwide with sermons, testimonies and evangelistic content, proclaiming the Gospel far beyond the walls of their church.
- Church management and administration. Church management software can streamline and make more efficient administrative tasks like membership management, event scheduling, volunteer coordination and financial reporting.
- Youth and children’s ministry. Educational apps and online platforms can make learning about the Bible fun and interactive for the church’s younger members. Virtual youth groups can provide a safe space for young people to connect, discuss faith-based issues and have fellowship.
- Counseling and pastoral care. Online counseling platforms can offer a private and convenient way for members to seek spiritual guidance and emotional support from Christian counselors. Prayer request apps and websites can allow church members to share prayer requests and receive support from their church community.
- Help for the disabled. Assistive technologies, such as captioning for people who are deaf and hard of hearing or audio descriptions for blind or partially sighted people, make church services and events more inclusive.
- Global missions and networking. Virtual missions trips enable members to follow and participate in global missions without physical and financial constraints. Networking platforms make connecting with other churches and organizations worldwide possible for learning and collaboration opportunities.
Incorporating these technological advancements can enhance the effectiveness, reach and engagement of Southern Baptist churches in missions, ministry, evangelism and so many other ways.
Getting started
For the church pastor or ministry staff person who has little to no knowledge of technology, here are some ways to get started:
- Start with the basics. Assess what technology might benefit your church’s ministry and begin with those basics. A simple way to start is by learning to use a computer and understanding some basic internet skills and social media platforms.
- Use helpful educational resources. You can find free tutorials on a wide range of topics using websites like YouTube. Follow technology blogs or websites for learning up-to-date information and tips.
- Sign up for local workshops and classes. Colleges and libraries often offer beginning courses in computer literacy. Check to see what training is available in your community.
- Enlist help. Find members of your church who understand technology and are willing to help and teach.
- Seek professional assistance. For complex tasks like setting up livestreaming or building a church website, hire a professional or consultant.
By learning how to implement technology in your church and doing it often, it will become second nature to you.
Rules
When your church starts using technology to enhance your ministry and outreach, please establish some commonsense rules, including:
- Data privacy and security. Ensure the security and confidentiality of your members’ personal information collected through digital means. This maintains trust and complies with legal requirements of use.
- Content. Make sure all digital content represents your church’s values and mission. This includes social media posts, online sermons and Bible studies and all digital communications.
- Accessibility. Make sure everyone in your church has access to your church’s digital resources. Provide captions for videos with audio descriptions, and make sure websites are easily navigable for those with vision and hearing loss.
- Engagement and fellowship. Use technology to highlight — not replace — real-world community engagement. Keep personal interactions, church attendance, activities and fellowship events intact for your church community.
- Financial transactions. If your church uses digital platforms for receiving donations or for financial transactions of any kind, provide transparency and accountability in handling those funds.
To learn more about using technology in your church, check out Hosted Church, a premium one-stop shop for your church or nonprofit to quickly get a website up and running without sacrificing
quality and functionality. Hosted Church is an extension of TAB Media Group and is especially dedicated to helping small to medium churches grow their web presence in the 21st century.
For more information, the following websites also are good resources:
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