INtroducing technology ministry to orthodox churches

[Faithhb_lutheran]

This is a topic I have wanted to bring up for a while. Most of us at this forum belong to what could be termed progressive denominations. My question is does anybody have any ideas for how to introduce e-ministry or any ministry using new technologies to more traditional and orthodox churches that aren't really open to change?

[flutem3]

This is a topic I have wanted to bring up for a while. Most of us at this forum belong to what could be termed progressive denominations. My question is does anybody have any ideas for how to introduce e-ministry or any ministry using new technologies to more traditional and orthodox churches that aren't really open to change?

Hi, Kyle,

That is what I am trying to do. And it is like pulling teeth much of the time. And I cannot say that what I have done has been a roaring success because it hasn't.

We are doing remodeling on our church right now which is extensive. Part of the idea was to attempt to reach out more. But we are quite a traditional church. There is, at the present, a committee working with the idea of putting together a more contemporary worship service. It has been tried once, moved along for about six months, and expired for lack of leadership in my opinion.

My answer to your question is I don't know. And we don't have a very computer literate membership either. And as of four years ago, I was one of that group. I ask myself the question, "What could be on a church web site that would make me feel that I wanted/needed to go to it with some frequency. I cannot answer that question for myself. I cannot think of anything...other than the Bible Challenge and the articles which are written by the bishop, Jack Harnish, and Bonnie. The other things I use are the resources. People are always needing information for devotions etc. so I pulled a number of resources together all to no avail. The other thing I use myself are the various links which I have on the web site. The church secretary and I seem to be the only people who use them.

If anyone has a good answer to this question, I would like to know it as well. A couple of people said they wanted the sermons up so they could read them. The sermons are now up, but nobody reads them...one person does...me. Now, I am learning how to place audio sermons on the web site.

I am an optimistic soul usually...and I still am, but I really don't know what it takes. I have asked people what they wanted on the web site. The three things they mentioned are already there. They hadn't looked. And when they did, they were amazed!! :rolleyes:

HELP!! I know I have been of no help at all, Kyle. Sorry about that!

Carol

[StubbyD]

I have asked people what they wanted on the web site. The three things they mentioned are already there. They hadn't looked. And when they did, they were amazed!!

This is the way of the world and it seems to me the Church is worse at it.

I have along with a good friend have reserached, edited and published a monthly 10 or 16 page A5 magazine for our Church for the last 12yrs and my friend for a year or so longer - with the mag having existed for a further 6mths prior to that.

Every month and I mean every month folks ask me things - I look at them and say the four immortal words folks always hear from me ..... "it's in the magazine" to which the usual response is "Oh, is it?" <slap>

I don't think there is an answer though.

Another example - the same friend that helps with the magazine texts me today to ask my eMail address ... it's been the same for the 16yrs I've known him (he's also my best mate as aby the by). This has to be the 100th plus time he's asked, but nothing could be simpler. It's mychristianname @ mysurname .co .uk ....

So I have resigned myself to no longer feeling grieved or stressed by the thoughtlessness and just answer the questions ... :)

[flutem3]

WOW, you have had a lot of experience!!! When my dad died four years ago, he left some money. Because I am on Medicaid, I had to spend it all within a month which makes no sense to me. But those are the rules.

I got a computer. I had not even watched anyone use a computer, but I had listened to ZD TV when it was on. The first thing I understood about a computer was "ping" time. :D After about a year, I saw a church web site for the first time. I am semi-homebound so I work lots by phone. I called and talked to the minister about a church web site. He said they had been thinking about it for three or four years. That was all. Nothing else.

I thought about it for quite some time and wondered if I could do such a thing. And here we are. I am getting ready to learn how to put audio sermons on the web site.

Sometimes, I am at peace with what I am doing, and other times I just get irritated that people don't at least say what they don't like. But they don't. I don't hit my head against the wall so frequently as I did. For one thing this 65 year old head doesn't need to be whacked around. I need the gray matter in there and don't need to be damaging the cells. I need every one of them. That is because ever since I was 17, I said I was going to live to be 104. And I still think so. My Aunt Lizzie lived to be 101 so why not. :-)

I keep hoping that someone will come up with a truly inspirational idea, but I haven't seen any yet. Everyone seems to have similar problems. However, I love doing the web site, and it has been good for me if for nobody else. There are people who visit...just not our members very often.

Carol

[StubbyD]

WOW, you have had a lot of experience!!!

That makes me feel old :)

Just in case anyone tries to outsmart me and tell me the internet has only been around since 1995 then let me clarify that and add 10yrs or so to the figure and make it 1986 as the birth. I was a late starter really and used to run a BBS in the late 80's and refused to be a part of this new fangled internet **. Oh and the earliest mention of me on Google archives dates back to 1993. But I'm still learning, still growing and will continue to help where I can, when I can.

** Mainly because it cost me money. Now I pay one fee per month and that's it. Back then, the longer I was connected the more I paid and it was slllooooowww.........

a computer was "ping" time.

You wouldn't believe how many still don't know what 'ping' is - a Packet INternet Grouper (also Groper or Gopher) and was originally written in 1983 - now there's some history for you and shows how sad I am ..

going to live to be 104. And I still think so.

Whereas Ikeep telling my children I'm going to be around to be a pain in the bottom to them, their children and their children's children.

But back to the point - we can but keep trying new ways, new ideas, etc to try and encourage folks. So long as there are people like yourself around prepared to do their bit then a difference is made.

It's the old starfish story.

[sstress]

This is a topic I have wanted to bring up for a while. Most of us at this forum belong to what could be termed progressive denominations. My question is does anybody have any ideas for how to introduce e-ministry or any ministry using new technologies to more traditional and orthodox churches that aren't really open to change?

Inertia is an interesting thing... it goes something like this: An object in motion will stay in motion unless acted on by another object or force.

Leadership is dominantly driven by Vision. Purpose. Role. And when its guided by God's hand, people will follow.

In the case of orthodox churches... just go ahead and build a site (Vision). Be the object that will change the direction of that well settled interia (Purpose). Grab your camera, shoot some photos create a photogallery or two and post their bulletin and newsletter. Simply repurpose what's there. And keep it small (Role). You do not need church permission to do this. It is your worship and expression of your skillset. Others will grow in their interest and leaders will step up and ask to help. It might take time, but it will happen and they will become interested.

Now if you want them to pay for it, that's another story! ;)

I suggest godaddy.com for hosting. A domain and hosting is only a couple of dollars. Put it on your own cc. Consider it part of your tithe.

Eventually you will see that domain on the church bulletin and in the local paper's church directory.

God bless you passion! If you need some design help, let me know. I'll do what I can.

Michael

[Faithhb_lutheran]

Michael I was talking more about how they apply the technologies, most churches have a domain name and a basic website but nothing more. How do you take traditional churches that are used to having technology being something that you do off to the side of ministry to integrating it with and letting it become ministry?

[flutem3]

Michael I was talking more about how they apply the technologies, most churches have a domain name and a basic website but nothing more. How do you take traditional churches that are used to having technology being something that you do off to the side of ministry to integrating it with and letting it become ministry?

HI, Kyle,

I think that is exactly the issue that Michael was addressing. A web site like anything else cannot be forced upon people. But somebody needs just to take the leap of faith and begin. I did that when I started. It is frustrating as can be sometime. That is when we all have to remind ourselves (at least I do) of the reasons we are working on web sites.

However, I am hoping that in time the congregation will see that there are all kinds of possibilities for ministry...of many kinds. But it takes them forever to change. Those of us who can see, though I see dimly sometimes, must be educators, cheerleaders, etc. to teach and encourage those who do not see the possibilities to see them. And it is a long process. It took a long time for a church to be established...and it takes just as long or longer for people to adapt to change.

In our church we are talking about a contemporary worship service. Now, that goes against everything in my entire being...except that some people might find it more to their liking than a traditional service. I am so old fashioned that I prefer that people be quiet in church!! :D However, I am just contemporary enough to enjoy a good hand-clapping piece of music...but many aren't.

It just takes time. I am just beginning to understand better what I am into myself. One of these days I might even understand a bit. However, what Michael said about changing the culture is true. And it may be that it won't change until some of the young people who have grown up with computers are church leaders. That is possible...and in many churches I think it is probable...our church is one of those churches.

Be patient. God works in mysterious ways.

Carol