From this small corner of the blog world, we regularly encourage churches to enter the race to keep up with technology.
Running the tech race facilitates ministry. Finishing the tech race well leaves a legacy.
Like the 400-meter dash, the longest sprint race in track and field, the technology race is a grueling race.
Rapid advances are being introduced at greater and greater speeds.
The iPad, 4-G Internet, location-based social networking, online TV, smartphones that speak aloud are just a few of the latest offerings.
Even more applications and services lie on the horizon.
Pastors and church leaders who embark on this journey have to be physically strong, mentally tough and spiritually fit.
A successful race will depend largely on preparation.
A time for preparation
1. Spiritual preparation: Maintain a vibrant relationship with God to the end of the race. “Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
2. Mission preparation: Develop a technology mission statement. The mission must integrate seamlessly with the unique vision of your church. Constantly ask the question, “Is this technology in tune with the God-given mission of the church?” Communicate the mission clearly. Enthusiasm for any new major ministry endeavor starts at the top. Lead your church’s technology outreach with passion or momentum will bottom out quickly.
3. Team preparation: Get the right people on the bus. Harnessing the complexity of technology takes talent. Hire the staff or bring in professional consultants from the outside to help do the work with excellence. You know people are your most important asset. Make sure they know it.
4. Technology preparation: Plan. Plan. Plan. The three most important words in technology. Developing a technology plan is essential to successfully aligning people, processes and technology. And controlling costs.
5. Preparation for future learning: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends. Remember, change is only going to accelerate. Five resources:
Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them. Ezekiel 38:7
6. Preparation for leaving a legacy: Run the race in such a way that others can benefit from your example. Create a model technology ministry. Start new works using technology to reach the next generation. Release creativity to use media in brand new ways. Inspire others to take maximum advantage of the doors God is opening to reach the world through technology.
A time for celebration
Celebrate milestones of the amazing way God is changing lives through your use of technology. It will build relationships and deepen community. Regular encouragement will help to sustain the energy of everyone running the race and diminish the effects of “hitting the wall.”
Speed will be an asset in the technology race. Start working on a plan TODAY, so when you get in the race full-time, the pace will be within your comfort zone. God has prepared you and your church for this time. For this destiny. Finish well.