I was putting together some materials that I may be making use of during annual session this week when the thought suddenly came to me, "Why am I doing this 'Technology in Ministry' thing anyway?"  I came up with a two point answer.

Technology in Ministry about more Than Worship

Technology has entered many churches in a big way.  From lyrics projectors to animated slides for announcements, technology is being used to make the Gospel accessible to the people of the 21st Century.  Churches are right to do this.
The most exciting opportunities for blending ministry and technology, however, are happening outside worship and in the “everyday” world.

Technology in Ministry is About Communication

The rapid increase of communication tools is giving people the power to connect like never before.  Cell Phones, Text Messaging, Instant Messaging, Mobile Internet, and Social Networking are creating a whirlwind of avenues through which people communicate.  Combined, these shifting technologies are creating the new Agora, the marketplace where, not only are goods and products sold, ideas are exchanged, debated, and discussed.

As these technologies grow in their pervasiveness, it is imperative that the Church be part of the conversation.  In a world where people are discussing ideas long before they ever encounter them in the “real” world, our voices need to be heard!
Local Churches, then, must understand that outreach to our neighbors begins in a very different setting than it used to.  Buildings and signs are no longer the largest  indicators that a community has “life” and something of value to share.  People now look first to how churches communicate.  Do they have a web-site that is frequently updated and well-crafted?  Is the staff able to be contacted through electronic media like e-mail or instant messaging?  How does the church exchange information like prayer requests?  Is there any indication that members of the church communicate regularly outside of Sunday worship?  Does the pastor have a blog, and what does the pastor discuss on it?

During this provocative shift, in which the virtual is becoming as important as the physical, Churches need to learn how to make their voices heard in the realm where many conversations are now taking place.  Technology in Ministry is about communication, and that is why I celebrate my role as part of ABCNJ's regional staff.