The Why! 

The modern world was built on technological improvements on technological improvements, each building higher and more complicated up as we go “the ladder”.  In the seventies people dreamed  about having a computer that could fit in one room.  Then they dreamed about having a portable one.  Now I have a computer that travels in my pocket every where I go. 

Everyday something changes, there are improvements, changes and/or advances.  Only the basic ideal and function of technology never changes: to help people make connections.

Ironically we have forgotten that in America.  Far to many of us are running around in circles trying to catch up with the latest trends in technology.  Everyone is saying upgrade this, get that, do this.  Sometimes its greatly needed, only most of the time its a waste of money, time and sanity.

The most important thing to understanding any new technology is to first learn its purpose. What do you gain and does that out weigh the things you loose with sticking to the older version you are using.  In most cases, upgrading to the newest thing, isn’t worth the frustration of the change.  People get excited about having something new, so they jump in without first understanding why they need it.  A year down the road, their back to using the older, better understood technology.

Technology in our churches

Most churches want to use technology, only they are stuck with a worn out VCR that you have to hit on all sides to get it to play the tape.  Or you are at a church who has bought the newest equipment but it never seems to get it working right or it always seems to be broken. (not all churches are like this, but I would say 98% of churches are) For most churches its one step they forgot, or didn't know was needed (most often dealing with cables)

My role in the church is not to get the newest gear or equipment into the building, its  to first understand what the church is trying to accomplish and help them reach their goal with the correct technology.  For some churches, that VCR serves as all the technology they need.  Yet their are other churches who need their own server farms, buildings that fully wired with announcement screens and personal ID systems. 

Just because another church is using it, doesn’t mean you should.