Technology is an integral part of fulfilling the Great Commission given to all followers of Christ. Not only is it integral, but I say that it is required! Disagree? Let’s dive deeper below.
Does your church have any of the following: electricity, lights, microphones and speakers, an HVAC system or even indoor plumbing? These things have become synonymous with organized gatherings worldwide to the point that they are not even considered “technology,” and churches everywhere have embraced them.
Would you attend a church where the only bathrooms were outhouses? Those all-night prayer sessions would take on a new meaning! One prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, another prayer for a safe trip to the outhouse.
Now that we’ve seen how integral technology is to the church, let’s take a step further and look at mobile technology and the church.
Just like the technological advancements we discussed previously, mobile technology did not start in the church, but it has become a foundational aspect of many churches.
Unfortunately, unlike the previous technologies, there has not been a unified way in which mobile technology should be implemented in churches.
There are no building codes that one can refer to for the right mobile technology for your church and how it should be implemented. This has led to several fractures in the church landscape from a technological perspective. Some churches use emails, some use a website, some use text messaging, some use mobile apps, and some use nothing at all.
Why is this? Well, unlike plumbing and electricity, mobile technology tends to be a bit more complex and nuanced in its implementation. Not only that, but security, training and cost play a major part in the adoption of mobile technology.
When was the last time your church’s plumbing system was hacked and data exfiltrated? Or when was the last time you needed to help the older members figure out how to use the light switches in the church? Even worse, imagine having an electrical bill based on how many people attended service! A full house would be a very bittersweet moment.
Due to these issues, many churches have neglected to embrace mobile technology at the expense of continuing the work of spreading the gospel. So, let’s have a look at some dos and don’ts regarding mobile technology and how churches can embrace it.
Every church should have some mobile technology presence. Mobile app technology can help your church with announcements, church calendar, potluck, community services, member directory, messaging, online streaming, outreach tracking, prayer requests, and tithes and offerings, just to name a few.
By neglecting this, many churches alienate the younger members of society. Remember the outhouse analogy from before? This is how some of the youth see the church; it’s like stepping into a time capsule and teleporting back to 1970.
So, how exactly do you get started? Like choosing a good HVAC system or plumbing accessories, you will need to do some research.
Step One: Pray! Ask God to guide you on your journey. He did say, “Ask and you shall receive.”
Step Two: Do some research, look on your favorite search engine, ask your friends and family or fellow pastors and nearby churches what mobile app technologies they have adopted, if any. Remember, “…faith without works is dead…”
Step Three: Find what works for your church. Not every mobile app is created for every church. Some are highly complex and predominantly designed for megachurches. Some are very simplistic and designed for microchurches. Reach out to mobile app developers for demonstrations and question and answer sessions.
Step Four: Make sure the price is right. Some companies view the church as just another revenue stream and created their mobile apps to reflect this viewpoint. Many basic features will cost your church quite a bit. Some of the free mobile apps also collect and sell your members’ personal data or include ads. These should be avoided. There are a few mobile apps that are ministry minded, meaning that they are supported by donations primarily because they want to help the gospel go forth and not pilfer the church while doing it.
Step Five: Just like potty training a toddler, you will need to train your church members, especially older members, on how to use the newly acquired mobile technology. If they are willing, then God will be able to use them right alongside the younger members to spread the gospel in this digital age we live in. Remind your older members that “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Step Six: Share with nearby churches. If we are soldiers in God’s army, should we all not be properly fit for battle? If your church has found a solution that has been a blessing to your members and your ministry, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with nearby churches so that we can all work more efficiently.
Ideally, all members of your church will be onboard with whatever mobile app technology is being implemented by your church. However, here are a few things that should NOT be done regarding mobile technology in your church.
Don’t force reluctant members to use the technology if they are not comfortable with it. Be patient and respectful of member wishes. Remember, we all run this race of life at different paces.
Don’t use mobile app technology to replace member fellowship or interactions.
Don’t let mobile technology get in the way of warmly welcoming visitors in person. You can then ask their permission to keep in contact by providing contact information.
I hope that you have seen the benefits of utilizing mobile app technology in your church and the perils of neglecting it.
Ed Elias is the founder of GenesisApp, a free mobile app designed to help your church communicate better, www.genesisapp.com.
