Assumption of shared knowledge is a real problem in tech talk. It is one of the most common mistakes made when sharing information about technology and ministry.

It is the assumption that everybody has sufficient understanding to translate complex technology into usable, relevant ministry solutions.

But, for example, not everybody knows what “mobile ministry” is or why it is so important.

In the mobile arena, developments are occurring at lightening speed. That makes it hard to keep up.

The good folks at the Mobile Ministry Forum (MMF) want to help.

The MMF is a network of ministry organizations that are working together to use mobile technology to spread the Good News.

Their focus is exclusively on the mobile platform’s potential role in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

The best part? Like the publishers of a good cookbook, the MMF takes the time to explain tech terms and why certain actions are important to the end result.

What sets the MMF apart from many resource groups is their commitment to provide time starved leaders with practical tips, tools, and tested programs in the mobile space.

The collaborative group plans to develop a mobile ministry training curriculum, establish a global “mobile practitioner” community and expand an existing data base of mobile research.

Let’s begin where the MMF begins, with a working definition of mobile ministry, followed by ten observations that answer the question, “Why mobile ministry.”

Definition of “mobile ministry”

Connecting and engaging the lost with the life-changing message, community and mission of Christ through personal, mobile technology.

“Why mobile ministry?” 

1. The mobile is the world’s most ubiquitous media device (the number of mobile phones in use worldwide has topped 5.0 billion) and can provide Gospel access to hundreds of millions outside the reach of the Internet or other media.

2. The mobile is a near-universal cultural insider and presenting the gospel via this “cultural insider” helps to minimize the foreignness of it.

3. The mobile is an individual’s most personal/intimate media device and when the gospel is shared via this device it is shared in one of the person’s most personal/intimate spaces.

4. The mobile provides one of the most powerful media platforms for two-way communications and the development of real relationships.

5. The mobile provides a powerful way to reach vast numbers of the most difficult to reach (hidden, oral, women and children, etc.)

6. The mobile is the device that is present in the majority of circumstances when believers come into contact with the lost and is typically the only media device that could be leveraged in those encounters.

7. Mobile ministry provides one of the most economically viable means for Christian content creation and distribution.

8. Mobile ministry allows for the viral spread of Christian media content.

9. The early mover opportunity is still available (the earlier in a media channel’s life one is able to obtain a hearing the cheaper the initial investment and the greater the likelihood of being able to get and maintain an audience), but the door is closing due to increased interest in commercial, etc. use of the medium as well as efforts to control it by governments.

10. Global mobile statistics 2011 show that the majority of Internet usage will be through mobile devices, rather than through personal computers, by 2015 at the latest. As such, even Internet ministry, as a whole, will need to be “mobile first.”

The trusted and true factor

One of the main secrets behind a great recipe is the “trusted and true” factor, that is, a recipe the user can rely on.

The Mobile Ministry Forum combines hundreds of years of collective instinct, experience and knowledge. They are the trusted and true factor of mobile ministry. I’ve spent some time getting acquainted with a few of the leaders. You can depend on them.

Never before in human history has there been a technology as highly personal, rapidly deployed, and universally embraced as the mobile device. The mobile device presents a unique, two-way communication channel that represents the most important technology for kingdom advancement in the next 20 years.

Take a few hours to browse the Mobile Ministry Forum website. Visit the Mobile Evangelism Wiki. You will learn quickly that these folks know what works in mobile ministry and they want to share that understanding with you.

When tech connection and understanding occurs the kingdom advances. No assumptions.

I recently listened to an interview with Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll and pastor Jeff Vanderstelt from Soma Communities talking about leveraging communication technologies for the gospel.

Some common characteristics emerged from these leaders whose churches are engaged in technology-enabled ministry.

1. They prioritize the mission. Having a world changing mission is more important than having world class IT. Technology is indispensable to promoting the mission and executing ministry at tech-savvy churches. But, it is always secondary to the mission and the people God is calling the church to reach.

2. They plan for the audience. Careful and prayerful consideration is given to planning for three audiences that can be reached using technology.

Leaders – Technology facilitates ongoing conversation about what’s going on in the field. Sharing stories of life being transformed, obstacles being overcome, the Spirit of God breaking in. Online private communication channels are a place for theological conversations, training and equipping.

Members and attenders – This is a safe place for digital community, exchanging personal information, needs and stories. It enables tighter community.

The masses – Video on demand, podcasts, live streaming, social networking and other tools are used to help the unchurched become familiar with what the church is all about and why a person should care.

3. They choose the right tools. Communication platforms and tools are selected to match communication priorities.

4. They understand the usefulness of technology. Technology allows many things to be done more efficiently, so the church can spend more time loving the neighbor that Jesus talked about. They also know that a message delivered one time on Sunday is not enough. Technology allows the delivery of messages in different forms, syngergistically through different media.

5. They make use of stories. Technology allows the church to get information from people and to hear what’s going on in their lives. Heart wrenching and life changing stories are shared and then used in sermons, blog posts and video testimonies, creating an authenticity and community that didn’t exist twenty years ago.

6. They keep historical records. Church meeting minutes are often minimal at best. Online information and knowledge sharing tools allow everyone engaged in decision making to contribute to problem solving, resolutions and strategizing. This provides a detailed written account of ongoing communication. It also facilitates transitions in leadership, and helps to keep leaders from stumbling over the same rock twice.

7. They change for the good. Tech-savvy churches stay true to principles of the Bible but their methods are always changing. Adopting technology is a part of change. Innovate, create, change or die is more than a catch phrase for these churches.

The question is not whether a church will embrace technology, the question is, when it does, will it be used in such a way that it honors God or not? Mars Hill and Soma Communities have all the wheels turning in the right direction on this value.

Bonus Characteristic: They find the talent. Recognizing the need for gifted individuals to lead, create and maintain technology platforms, it is treated as an area of calling not just a job.

Three stories in the news this week brought home again that the world is experiencing change unlike anything past generations have experienced.

1. 1Gbps Wi-Fi coming to a billion devices by 2015

2. What the experts think about the viability of an Internet kill switch

3. Christian broadcaster gets the Canadian boot

Again we see that communication technologies are a driving force of change. Technological change brings social and cultural change. And not all change is good.

You will find plenty to think about in these posts.

Rate of change

There has always been change in the world. The difference now, is that the rate of change is speeding up.

Physician-futurist Richard Swenson explains that progress is biblically normative yet born into a fallen world. “Functionally, it works by giving us more and more of everything faster and faster,” he says.

The change today is explosive and wildly disruptive. The mathematics incomprehensible. Changes that used to take a hundred years to occur, with only word of mouth and slow travel, now with the Internet may only take a few years.

What’s next?

It hardly seems possible, but the pace of change is going to go even faster. So buckle up, hang on tight, and get ready for the ride of your life.

In the Digital Age, contending for the faith will include contending with change. Recognizing these four things can be a help to keeping our feet on solid ground and our focus on aiming for God’s best.

I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 3

First, there is no change with God. “I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6) The Internet is not unlocking any mysteries of life for an unchanging, unchangeable God. We can trust a Father who never goes back on His Word.

Second, there is purpose to every change on earth. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ (Isaiah 46:10) If we are to understand what God is doing through change, we will need to seek Him daily for clarity, guidance and strength.

Third, massive global change brings a sense of urgency. ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.’ (Ezekiel 33:11) There is no way to know for sure if we are living in one of those momentous times of great significance to the advancement of God’s kingdom. However, we do know that there are unprecedented opportunities for using technology and media to spread the gospel. Christian communicators should aggressively pursue every tool while the doors are open.

Fourth, painful changes and setbacks shouldn’t discourage us. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) Disappointments will occur. Doors will close.Through prayer and worship and a persevering faith, there are no obstacles that cannot be overcome.

Stay fixed on God’s eternal vision in this ever-changing temporal world. And as you do the work to which God has called you, be strong and take courage in these words of Jesus; “Remember, I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.”

Question: What are some other ways individuals and organizations can contend with accelerating technological change?

The Barna Group has released their annual year-end report on trends in the culture and in the Church that wants to impact it.

I encourage you to read the whole report, but here’s my summary of their six megathemes for 2010:

• The Christian Church is experiencing a decline in basic biblical literacy.

• Christians would rather connect with other Christians than do outreach.

• Growing numbers are more concerned about practical living than holy living.

• Interest in community activism is gaining ground.

• A belief in moral absolutes is giving way to a belief in tolerance.

• The Christian Church has an image problem.

Now what

After any institutional self-assessment comes the “Now what?” What are we going to do next to move forward on the issues we’ve identified?

Healthy and vigorous debate needs to take place. But let’s assume for the moment that these findings exist to some degree in the Church. What sometimes happens with large issues like these is that we tend to go back and forth, and in the end nothing much is changed. No fresh ideas are generated, or if they are, they’re not acted on. It’s just so much safer to keep doing what we’ve always done.

The truth is, addressing big problems often requires doing something new and remarkable. Something we may have never done before. That in itself is hard. It takes big faith. But let’s also assume for the moment that your part of a church that is committed to developing new strategies for relating to the people of your region.

Here’s three go-to-market ideas that we came up with in a quick brainstorming session. I hope they will be a springboard to having your own “way out of the box creative thinking sessions.” BTW, media and communications technologies should be used to help facilitate each of these.

Promote Bible literacy

Support the Bible Literacy Project, a non-partisan, non-profit endeavor to encourage and facilitate the academic study of the Bible in public schools. Bring people together — Evangelicals, Jews, Catholics, educators, scholars, and parents who want the young people in your community to learn about the Bible in public schools. Host and webcast “The Bible Belongs in Schools” town hall events. Create an annual scholarship award to honor students completing the course. Feature stories from the students and teachers on your website.

Develop unconventional outreach

Produce live outreach events. The Southeast Christian “Momentum” series is an example. Invite national celebrities who have a unique story of faith to share. Create a non-threatening atmosphere around the events, making it easier for people to invite unchurched family, friends and neighbors. Webcast selected performances. Stage the whole endeavor in cooperation with others, if cost is a factor.

Create a marketing alliance

Convene a group to rethink the process of connecting local churches with the community. Research the collaborative marketing efforts of other nonprofit groups, i.e. Alliance for Audience. Build consensus. Pursue a comprehensive new strategy for inviting people to church. Combine the unique calling of each participating church into a grand story line. Establish a central brand that connects Christianity to these stories of how a real and personal God is working in the lives of people living in the region. Build a jointly managed Internet platform. Make it the primary means for accessing information about the Church in your area and what it means to be a Christian.

Note: This is not necessarily brand management, like the religion makeover ad campaigns being run by several religions, though their innovation and use of online media is noteworthy.

Impacting the culture

You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5

God loves every man, woman and child living in the communities and regions of the country. If traditional approaches in reaching them are not as effective as they once were, the Church has a responsibility to develop new strategies.

Can’t resist adding a couple more from my favorite playbook.

Imagine the increased level of impact your church could have on the community if you had your own Internet broadcasting platform. What could a group of churches accomplish creatively for the gospel if they had a community-based local media network on the Internet to reach and engage youth, teens and adults in their own environments?

The Barna research can be a starting point for coming up with new ways to make your region, as the pastor said, “A place where God’s presence dwells, God’s ways are known, God’s word is a dominant force, and people are changed by the Holy Spirit.”

Questions: What do you think about the Barna findings? What new out of the box ideas come to mind for addressing the issues?