Earlier this month, US Senator Linsey Graham revealed that he’s never sent an email.
He later implied that he chooses not to use email because he doesn’t want to have the ability to immediately say what he’s thinking. While that’s not a bad philosophy to have, that can’t be his real reason. Even if it is, it’s a terrible excuse for digital ignorance, especially since Senator Graham’s a me member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law. So what’s the real reason that he’s isolated and insulated himself against forty-year old technology?
I’m not sure, but I think we dig into it a bit.
Senator Graham, My Dad, and Senior Pastors on the Web
Senator Graham is fifty-nine years old. My father isn’t a computer tech, but he’s more than capable in navigating cyberspace, using email, and a whole host of other digital chores. Granted that he’s younger than Senator Graham—only four years—he’s in a different field of work. My dad is a minister. Currently, he serves as the district superintendent for our denomination, but prior to 2012, he’d spent twenty-seven years as a senior pastor, a job that is best held by an individual who seeks to share the essential experiences of “the constituency.”
Senator Graham, like many politicians, lives in a bubble of politicians and governmental support staff, a bubble in which he isn’t forced to stay connected to his constituency and their everyday experiences. Sadly, senior pastors are often trapped in similar bubbles. They grew up and moved up through the ranks with no need for computer proficiency—except perhaps for some typing ability—and have now reached a place in their career where there is no one to challenge, stretch, or otherwise force them to learn.
Now, it’s a bit different for a senator on a committee tasked with discussing tech-related issues to have never emailed: it’s really part of his job. And yet, a senior pastor is, to some degree, the “example-in-chief” for a church’s local body. Because of that shouldn’t he be at least a little aware of what it means to live a digital life?
Being the Pastor’s Digital Shepherd
I’m very proud of my dad for being as good as he is online. In fact, he taught me how to get online, use e-mail, and post on message boards when I was in junior high. However, I have surpassed him in a few areas, and to be honest, when he’s asked for my help in some of the areas, I haven’t the best attitude. Maybe you have the same issue? If so, here are a few pointers.
1. Be patient and humble – Someone once taught you how to do all of this stuff, so shouldn’t you be able to do the same for someone else? You’re time isn’t so rare, you’re knowledge isn’t so valuable that you could excuse even a hint of huffiness.
2. Take it slow – If your pastor is looking to take his or her first step onto the Internet, take that step with them and force them to go further until their ready. If the pastor’s willing to disced their pager for an email account, that’s huge! Don’t try to force them on to Twitter.
3. Follow up – “Hey, pastor. How’s that email account working out for you? Do you have any questions?” You’d be surprised how helpful that might be.
Hmm. You know what? Those three tips are three essential parts of actually being a pastor. Yep, this truly is shepherding the shepherd.
Being digitally conversant isn’t a deal-breaker. Tons of leaders aren’t on social media or have email addresses and barely cheek them, and yet their congregations, their staff members, their families would testify to the quality and authenticity of their leadership. You don’t have to be a blogger to be a pastor, though I think that it would help, going forward.
Is your senior pastor digitally conversant?
Are you a tech savvy senior pastor?
[via Endgadget]
Eric Dye says
I love these steps, Phil. I think almost every church tech has been faced with this. Thanks, man!
Phil Schneider says
I just write what I know, and I know step 1 like the back of my hand…after having messed up a ton.
Jared M says
Great thoughts
Phil Schneider says
Thanks, Jared!