When I hear these words, “Let’s pray about it,” especially when it comes to a technological decision, my body starts convulsing internally.
And it’s not that praying is a bad thing at all; in fact, I think if you’re not praying about your web team, your web strategy, and the products you roll out (as well as the impact on your local community and beyond) then you’re doing a disservice to your post, calling, and opportunity.
Period.
But, I have seen that particular answer, when talking with a number of ministries, be a crutch and an excuse resulting in un-action, or apathy, typically birthed out of ignorance and/or fear. This, of course, is sad.
Here’s a typical story:
Me: So how’s your technology strategy coming? Are you guys on target for your launch?
Frustrated Ministry Person: No, we we’re moving ahead really nicely but the Senior Pastor has just said that he’s unsure and wants to pray about it some more. We’ve been praying about it for over a year now, and I’m not sure if we’ll ever launch.
Me: … Oh. Yeah, that ___________________ (I fill in the blank with some nice condolences or pithy statement).
Truly, a sad story. Again, I believe in the power and necessity of prayer and everything we do should be covered and bathed in it. But if it begins to seem like it’s being used as a crutch of some sort (and get some other people’s opinions here) then it’s time to have some tough conversations.
Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is to trust in our staff (and our God) and then go do it (whatever “it” is). That’s my prayer for you today.