I wrote a previous post and we did a podcast exploring what it looks like to visit a church and the issues that church tech ministries need to consider for their churches. This came from the fact that we are looking to move to a new church and what is seen through the lens of a church techie.
It is interesting to compare this with my wife who is far from a techie. She, of course, sees things that I’ve missed. The same is true for our techno-mind-frame.
Here is what I saw as differences between my previous church and current church, both positive and negative changes:
- An environmental projection system is a great use of the new church’s space that really changes the area. Having come from one that doesn’t use it, it first is very incorporating of the whole sanctuary and secondly allows for more light in the room instead of it being pitch black.
- There is no YouVersion app event at the new church which I miss greatly. They do offer a digital program via their website, but it definitely is not the same.
- The new church is still using a hand-written check-in system for our children. Doesn’t make it less secure, but definitely less convenient because I have to do the same thing over and over when I show up.
- Their sound board/church tech area is not a sectioned off area on the ground in the back of the room but instead propped up giving better vantage of the stage and hopefully acoustics. And they do use industry spec cameras which are impressive.
- The designs for their printed bulletins and the stage is on point. The previous church would create a very well thought-out design that would be used for 6-10 weeks on a sermon series.
The new church changes it weekly. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing.
Now, I tell you these things, not so that I can publicly bash one church or the other nor to inspire you to come up with a budget increase for your church but to point out that these issues are noticed. In fact, my guess is that teenagers see these issues all of the time. Technology enthusiasts are frustrated by it. And your new visitors will definitely see it. The question is, what will work for your church?
Church leadership books and blogs constantly talk about creating a culture. Technology is a HUGE part of the culture in the world. We even considered a couple of times naming a whole generation in light of the technology they use. So to leave this out would be a severe lack of oversight on your church’s part.
I wonder what you might be missing. Maybe it’s a good thing you do not have it. My old church did not need industry spec cameras because they did not do as much video as this church does. The culture is not there. But then there are misses like not having a YouVersion app that I feel is essential and costs only your time to learn and put up.
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