Will Media & Technology Save The Church?
A few weeks ago, a newspaper reporter called me and asked me a few questions about churches that are using technology. Then, point blank, she asked me:
“Will media and technology save the Church from low attendance and irrelevance?”
Uh, wow. I admit I was a bit taken aback by the question. I thought about my answer for a second.
“No,” I said.
First of all, we all believe that the Church can’t/won’t die and therefore doesn’t need saving, right?
Ultimately, what I explained to the reporter is that authenticity trumps gadgetry any day. Media and technology are great — they can attract, engage, and communicate — but how we live the gospel is what matters. The way we love God and our neighbors is what matters. The way we welcome strangers — no matter what kind of baggage they’re carrying — is what matters.
The best media and technology in the world won’t persuade visitors to become part of a church or arrogant, self-centered, ungenerous people.
When we use media and technology, let’s use it to reflect and amplify our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for the people He loves. In my opinion, a church (or Church) that does that need not worry about attendance or irrelevance.
Great post! If we're using technology to "save the church" we need to shut the doors…the power of the Holy Spirit should be saving the church…technology supliments
posted at 4:25 pm on November 23rd, 2009 by Jonathan Malm