Embracing Technology

I believe it is a trait I inherited from my Dad - I love new gadgets and tools that make things work easier, faster and sometimes a lot more fun. Now mind you, my Dad was not a very gifted person when it came to tools and figuring gadgets out (I inherited those genes too!), but that didn't stop him from checking things out.  He loved technology, even if he didn't understand how it all worked.

I remember when he bought his first battery-operated calculator. We sat at the dining room table as he unpacked the portable device (about the size of a Frisbee!) and put the 9 volt battery into place. He turned it on, then started to use it for some calculations - adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing (that was about the limit of its abilities). Next to the calculator, Dad had a notepad on which he was doing the calculations long-hand. He wanted to make sure the calculator was giving him the correct answers! And it did, much to his delight.

When Dad got a new device, he put it to use, as soon as he figured it out. Another gadget I remember is the label-maker. Do you remember these?

Dad thought this was greatest thing since sliced bread. We had labels everywhere. Not just to LABEL things, but to give us directions. By the light switch, "TURN OFF LIGHTS." By the stairway, "TAKE YOUR SHOES UPSTAIRS."

Dad passed away about six years ago, but every time there is something new, I can just imagine Dad trying to figure it out. I imagine he would have loved to play with an IPad or a cell phone. He wouldn't have mastered it, but he would enjoy trying to see what it could do.

The question is often asked, "How can we use technology in the church?" "Should we use technology in the church?" It is true that the technology we have seems to be distraction to many. But the reality is, technology is prevalent in our society, and we do benefit from it.

Someone once said we ought to look at our possessions and ask the question, "Is this a tool or a toy?" Is this object we have something that can be beneficial to ourselves and others, or a toy that becomes a distraction that can get in the way of our relationship with others, and with God? So for the church, the question becomes, is this object just a toy that is fun to play with, or can it be used to enhance our call to learn and carry out the will of God?

Another question to ask is, "Are we using technology to enhance our worship, education, etc., or are we doing it because everyone else is doing it?" This was an issue with my Dad - while he loved to try these new things, often it was because everyone else was doing it, too. Did the labels help in reminding us to turn off our lights and take our shoes upstairs? Maybe for a week or so, but soon, the label was ignored.

I am excited about the many possibilities technology can play in our lives, and in the church. We encourage our youth to use Bible apps on their phones. I had a "first" a few months back when a groomsman used the Bible app on his phone when it was time to read the scripture passage. We are looking at ways we can encourage people to use their smart phones to make an offering to the church (many of those younger than me don't carry cash or a checkbook, so when the offering plate comes by, they are unable to put anything in the plate). We communicate a lot with email and messages and web sites because that is where people get their information.

I believe there are many ways technology can be tools for ministry. Dad would be so happy!

Peace,

Pastor Charlie