Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Technology Requires Changes in Communication Methods

Those of you who are regular readers of my blog know that I enjoy encouraging churches and ministry leaders to be more effective in reaching the next generation for Christ. A couple of weeks ago Baptist Press picked up on one of my blogs and published it. It was then re-published by various Baptist newspapers, church newsletters and websites of all sorts. The same week Associated Baptist Press (the competition!) picked up on a second blog and quoted a significant portion of it in an article that eventually found its way into a newspaper in Dallas, Texas.

When I consider that a missionary in a relatively small out of the way corner of the Kingdom of God, such as Vermont, is impacting people across our denomination through something he wrote on a blog, I am reminded of just how powerful technology can be in our ministry. Technology is no longer just a "convenient" tool for communication, it is fast becoming one of the "primary" tools through which we communicate. 

Emails, text messages, web sites, Facebook pages, and blogs have now become regular ministry tools for many pastors and missionaries, especially those serving the next generation. Pastors and churches that fail to grasp the power of such technology will quickly find themselves outside the loop. Though using such technologies can sometimes be frustrating, we must overcome our frustration and learn to use them. They are no longer optional. 

Recently I was teaching these concepts to a group of leaders in New Mexico and a number expressed appreciation to me for pointing out what they already knew deep inside but had not found a way to vocalize. Effective communication in our culture is changing, and we must change with it if we want to continue to share the Gospel with the next generation.

5 comments:

  1. I'm so glad we're Facebook friends, Terry!

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  2. I like this.

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  3. Donna D. Smith ZumwaltMay 14, 2010 at 10:11 AM

    I like this.

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  4. I found this article on line and thought it fit this post well.
    http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/blessings-new-media/

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  5. Looking for practical ways to put some of the principles in this blog post into action? Purchase my book, Developing Leadership Teams in the Bivocational Church. The first part of the book explains why bivocational ministry is biblical, normal and missional. The second part of the book explains how to mobilize the laity to do high level ministry in a team setting with the pastor so that the church can be effective in reaching its community for Christ.
    The book is published by Crossbooks and you can buy the book directly from them at:

    http://www.crossbooks.com/BookStore/BookStoreBookDetails.aspx?bookid=58188

    The book is also available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com and a many other online bookstores.
    If you live in Central Vermont, you can purchase a copy at the Faith Community Church in Barre, VT.

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