I’ve drafted quite a few posts (and deleted many more) that tackled a biblical definition of technology and ministry but I’ve never published them; something in me wants to wait til I do a few more things, experience a little more ministry, and finish out my seminary degree (which could take forever).
Luckily, there are a few who are far more brave than I who have jumped right in, like Stephen Presley and his shot at a “Biblical Definition of Ministry in a Technological Age.”
If this type of discussion makes you antsy (or excited) take a look and give it a read; I think it’s well worth it and is a good crack at making a stand.
Nice one Stephen, and you can thank me later for helping you spell “ministry” right.
What are your thoughts? Love to hear ’em (especially you scholarly-types).
[Image from Eye2eye]
Jim says
mah head hurtz frem redding it…{sounds like its from John or Rhett's blog}
Jen C says
So, I got that he doesn't think it's truly ministry without the physical presence.
And, if that's what he's saying, I disagree. I think that technology can be used in and for ministry, but it shouldn't replace our local person-to-person ministry. I {heart} technology (which is probably why I'm here), but I also {heart} my local church. I think using the internet to reach unreachable people is a good idea. We should be encouraging those same people to find a local church also.
Within the local church, I think the internet is the best tool to make Sunday connections last all week. It's quick, easy, can be fairly painless but provides an opportunity to connect with your church family that might not otherwise have been there. Again, I don't think it should replace inviting someone over for dinner (and on a personal note, I absolutely despise e-cards) or stopping to give a handshake or a hug on Sundays.
Technology should be just another tool for us to reach for as we attempt to spread the name of Christ to the ends of the earth.