Technologically Challenged

Technologically Challenged: How to utilize technology effectively in ministry

Here for 1 of 2 reasons. Either already convinced technology is important and want to see what I have to say about it. Or you aren’t quite sold on it yet. Either way I want to be an asset to you.

Rationale

Technology is an incredible asset that, when leveraged correctly, can facilitate growth in the body of Christ.

Let me convince you that technology is important. Ready?

First, let’s take note of Paul’s approach and passion.

(S).

1 Corinthians 9:18–23 NKJV

What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Next let’s look at an important commendation.

(S).

1 Chronicles 12:32 NKJV

of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;

When we put these two passages together, a picture emerges.

We need to understand our times. We need to use any and all tools available to us to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have been instructed not to talk long. I want to spend time answering your questions. I have a CD with some resources on it for each of you.

I’m going to run through a list of technology that is beneficial in ministry. Give you the why, how, and what to avoid. I will also make some notes on area’s each segment of technology can have an impact.

Website

This is basic. You need to have a website.

If you don’t have a website there are people who will never come to your church.

The same is actually true if you have a website that is poorly constructed or that has outdated info on it.

In the info I have for you there is an article by a guy named Austin Savage. In it, he says this “While I recognize there is a growing number of churches who are intentional about their website, I worry that group is the minority. And I can’t emphasize enough how much this matters. Young people are literally using your website to decide whether or not to come to your church. What does yours communicate?”

I included some top church website companies as well as the one we use. Let me give you another reason to have one. It gives you a global outreach. I pastor a church of around 60 people. Last year we had 1,711 people visit our site, from 25 countries. 63 people read the gospel message.

A well designed and maintained website is an invaluable tool for our stewardship of the great commission.

Powerpoint

There are a lot of similar programs. Proclaim, propresenter etc. This is almost as vital as a website.

To make a message memorable, engage your audience with as many senses as possible.

With the use of technology it is fairly simple to engage both eyes and ears. Some cautions.

1 – Use pictures that are either unlicensed or that you have paid for. 2 – Do not use poor quality pictures. 3 – Don’t overuse it. 4 – Put relevant content on it.

2 – Do not use poor quality pictures.

3 – Don’t overuse it.

4 – Put relevant content on it.

One of our Nor Cal pastors has expressed to me that this tool has really helped the younger people in his congregation connect with the message. Personally, I have found it a great tool to help those hearing impaired get more out of the message.

With Logos advancements, it is really easy to make a slideshow.

Text/Email/Messenger

One thing about my generation and younger. We don’t like talking on the phone (S). This isn’t something that’s going to change anytime soon. So we need to learn how to text, email, message, and snap.

4 areas this is very beneficial.

1 – Ministry.

Younger people will text difficult questions. Talking with a guy who speaks to younger audiences. Offered to have them text. Got hundreds in a two hour time period. I have a younger guy who sometimes texts in the middle of the night.

2 – Family.

Grandkids text. They may never call or visit. Kids text. Siblings.

3 – IFCA regional leadership.

I try to send an encouraging text out to my fellow Nor Cal pastors every so often. Some I don’t have phone #’s for so I message them through Facebook messenger. You can set a calendar reminder for when you want to send it. You can also have a text already typed out and just copy and past it.

4 – Marriage.

Send your spouse a text a few times per day.

With this point I want to talk briefly about smartphones.

Smartphone: If you don’t have one, get one.

Why? Access to these apps. Ability to text more easily. Calendar reminders. Podcasts. Sermons. Social media. That’s where we’re going next.

Social Media

I believe that it is essential for pastors to be on social media.

In fact, I would argue that,

Every Christian should be on social media.

I believe this for two reasons.

1 – Your congregation is on social media.

Statistically, the majority of people sitting in the pews, either facing you or next to you, are on social media.

As pastors we are to be shepherding the sheep.

You can’t shepherd the sheep if you are not in the pasture.

As Christians we are to be encouraging, exhorting, building one another up, and bearing each others burdens.

You can’t help others from a walled garden.

One interesting blessing we have had is putting pictures of our trips on Facebook and having our church folks love it because they feel like they are taking the trip with us.

Those at your church will get to know you through that medium.

Reason #2…

2 – Your mission field is on social media.

Around three fourths of millennials are using their smartphone more than TV, computer, or tablet. The number for Gen Z is even higher.

I know a young man who was saved from watching youtube videos.

I know a lady who saved a young girls life because she was on snapchat.

To win people to Christ we must be where the lost are.

They are on social media.

That’s where we need to be to reach them.

How?

Glad you asked!

Videos. Devotional I write for the church. Get’s 50-100 views a week from lots of different people.

Scripture verses.

Quotes.

Your own thoughts on Scripture.

SLIDE

I have an app I use to make these things, called Canva. There’s a video link on how to use it in the packet.

I want to talk about one more area where technology needs to be used in ministry.

Personal Growth

I want to mention this really quickly.

Earlier I mentioned the necessity of a smartphone. This is one of the biggest reasons. I use my phone to help me get fed spirituall.

Used wisely, a smartphone and apps can aid in spiritual maturity.

I have 10 podcasts I listen to. I listed them in the packet I have for you.

The other thing I do with my phone is listen to sermons. Personally, I like to hear guys I know. So I listen to my IFCA brothers preach. I try to send them a note after listening to it to encourage them.

Reading plans.

Articles.

Etc.

QUESTIONS?

I am willing to help teach you how to do any of this stuff. But I would suggest using youtube. Just search for exactly what you want to do.