System error: 4 rules to implementing tech in your ministry

Oct 12, 2012 by

Guest Author: Chris Wesley

About two years ago, I noticed a middle school student with his iPod reading the Bible during one of our programs. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I thought, “How cool is it that this kid is reading scripture from his device?” I quickly downloaded the application myself and started patting myself on the back because my youth ministry was going 2.0.

That very next week, I encouraged all of the middle school students to download this Bible app and bring their devices. They did and it was an instantaneous failure. Instead of immersing themselves in a digital version of God’s word, they used my invitation to text and play games. I gave it another week before I decided that this wasn’t going to work.

Why did this experiment fail? It was because I neglected four basic rules to implementing technology into your ministry:

Rule #1: Make sure there is a purpose

t’s easy to get caught up in the hype of something new and think, “I have to do that.” Before you engage, make a list of practical ways this piece of technology can impact your ministry. If you are stretching to find at least two, move on.

Rule #2: Set guidelines

Guidelines allow you to regulate the misuse and abuse of your original intentions. While some teens did use their devices for reading scripture, others took advantage and just texted. Since then we’ve made a policy that all electronics are turned off during certain portions of our programs. If this rule is violated, we keep the device until a parent comes to retrieve it. These guidelines will definitely vary depending on your ministry (I doubt the Knights of Columbus will need a "Don't text during prayer" rule).

Rule #3: What works for some won't work for all

We’ve learned that high school students are a little more responsible (or at least less distracting) than middle school students. We’ve also seen some churches utilize online polling, while it doesn’t work for us. Know your audience and don’t be afraid to test out the use of technology in ministry because the benefits are amazing.

Rule #4: Test it out first

Always be prepared for technology to fail and have a back-up plan. You also want to test the technology over and over again. I was once giving a workshop to a group of fellow youth ministers and for my presentation notes I was going to use my iPad. However, I never tested it out. As soon as I was about to begin, the Bluetooth on my device wouldn’t connect with the laptop. It was awkward for everyone as I fumbled for my notes and moved through my presentation without a powerpoint presentation. Don’t get caught unprepared - plan ahead and practice.

Technology in ministry can be a beautiful thing. With so many different choices in software and mobile apps you can change the way your teens engage scripture, participate in worship, and grow deeper in their faith. But before you dive into the world of technology, remember these rules so that you never find yourself overwhelmed.