For the average American, a phone is probably no more than 50 yards away from themselves at all times. For a techie, an Internet-connected device is probably within arms reach. For the Church techie, you are probably the first and last line of defense for security, hardware failure, and software mess ups that you need to be at least aware of what is happening with your church tech.
I have personally lived this out as well. While this has been something that to this point I can justify the tech because I am was in ministry with teens, leading a group of volunteers, and readily available for parents or supervisors that needed to call and talk, I am finding myself longing for a disconnected season.
Here’s my reasons:
- I’m clumsy As I’ve stated in a Tech Wreck Tuesday post, I destroyed my MacBook Pro just a couple of days into owning it. I have come to believe that I do not need high value devices that are mobile.
- I can’t justify it When I was in ministry, it was good to look through emails on down time. Now, I don’t need to be always accessible. I need to make time to send out important emails, but I have boundaries on my work and these Internet-connected electronics are only being used for Facebook.
- I want less distractions A mobile laptop means I can work in front of the television. A smartphone means I can be distracted while feeding my son. A feature phone and desktop mean I have to physically check out instead of the less noticeable (and I believe more destructive) mentally and emotionally checking out. I want digital margins in my life for my own sake and my family’s sake.
How about you?
Do you need more margin between you and technology?
Eric Dye says
I think this is a cultural issue that could be an opportunity for Christians to be “different” by being more present in day to day life, imho.
Jeremy Smith says
But I want the latest and greatest gadgets! (I don’t really, but that is what I am internally battling)