Siloam Baptist Church in Marion has been an innovative church for nearly two centuries. The historic church — which gave rise to Samford University, the Home (now North American) Mission Board and The Alabama Baptist — will celebrate its 200th anniversary this fall, and it’s taking intentional steps into the future by committing to use technology for good.
Part of that commitment is utilizing Faithlife, an online platform designed to support a wide variety of church technology needs.
‘A two-pronged approach’
“I see Faithlife as a two-pronged approach for us,” said Josh Watford, Siloam’s associate pastor. “Discipleship, but also church management.”
The platform gives members access to Bible study materials by the makers of Logos Bible Software, as well as ebooks and video resources.
On the church management side, Faithlife keeps membership records and offers an online giving portal. Updates to the church calendar through Faithlife automatically are added to Siloam’s website and newsletter.
Safe access
The platform also functions as a Facebook-style group where announcements and information can be posted in a safe space. Pastor John Nicholson likens the church’s Facebook page to a front porch, open to all. In contrast, Faithlife is more like a living room, where access is more safeguarded.
“There’s a lot of security there,” he explained.
The church started utilizing Faithlife just before the pandemic. Siloam moved its prayer meetings online through Faithlife video conferencing, and some of the most senior members were able to stay in touch. One Sunday School class still uses the platform for class members who are out of town.
Siloam continues to use Facebook Live to livestream worship services, though some Faithlife packages do include livestreaming.
3 technology commitments
Siloam’s transition to Faithlife came after church leaders wrestled with the impact of social media on the lives of churchgoers. There also were censorship and security concerns about some existing social media platforms.
“We’re all more aware as a church of the purpose that social media plays in our lives,” Watford said.
It can be used for good, he said, but spending too much time online can be unhealthy. That’s why it’s a discipleship issue.
To make the church’s position on social media and technology clear, Siloam adopted three commitments as a faith community:
- We will educate ourselves on the impacts and effects of technology on our lives and the lives of those we love.
- We will intentionally use the tools of technology for good. This includes controlling how we use these tools rather than allowing them to control us.
- We will make renewed commitments of time and resources in face-to-face interactions with members of the church and community as well as the intentional investment of time engaging with God’s Word and His world.
Siloam has held Sunday evening studies on the impact of social media, part of the church’s strategy to help members grow as followers of Christ.
“Social media is a tool,” Nicholson said. “The question is, are we using the tool or is the tool using us?”
For more information, visit Faithlife.com.
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