Almost two years ago, consultancy firm McKinsey released a report on ‘disruptive technologies’: Those technical developments that will greatly impact the near future. Or, as they defined it: “Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy.”
If you think this sounds abstract and has no relevancy for you, think again. Reading through the summary of this report, it hit me that these disruptive technologies impact the church just as much as businesses. OK, not all of them are relevant for the church. I doubt that advanced robotics will see applications in the church. Though some pastors could use some assistance in preaching…
Seriously, the list of 12 disruptive technologies is a fascinating peek into the future. Here are a few that will impact how we do church and how we serve in the Kingdom in the years to come:
- Mobile Internet: Getting church’s websites mobile friendly is the bare minimum. What about mobile giving, connecting, discipling even? This has already resulted in heated discussions and people wanting to stop this trend. You can’t. The question is how to adapt to it without losing our identity as Christ-followers.
- The Internet of Things: Data-collecting will impact decision making in many businesses, but how about the church? Will we open ourselves to new ways of doing things, more evidence -based perhaps, or do we stubbornly hold on to traditions for the sake of traditions?
- Cloud Technology: Protecting sensitive information will become an issue in the church as well. For many churches, encryption and data security are foreign words.
- Next Generation Genomics (Gene sequencing and ‘writing’ DBA): This will become a topic for ethical debate in the church for sure. Do we have the guts to step into these conversations with an open mind, or have we already condemned any and all medical advancements these technologies bring?
- Renewable Energy: Shouldn’t we as churches lead the way in reducing our (carbon) footprint and invest in renewable energy? Shouldn’t we be a role model in reducing our waste and conserving energy and valuable resource in general?
These are just 5 examples of the identified disruptive technologies that McKinsey foresees impacting the next decade. Businesses across the globe are discussing this report and what it means for them in their line of work or market. I for one would like the church to be ready for these changes, how about you?
What do you think of these disruptive technologies and how they will impact the church?
Which one will ‘hit’ the hardest you think?
[Image via Jesper Barentzen]
Eric Dye says
I think the first three intertwined will have a curious result as data is collected for….?
Rachel Blom says
True. That’s one of the biggest concerns I think, is how to store data safely (think of all the credit card breaches we’ve had) and how to protect customer’s privacy…in as far as we have any privacy left this day and age.