The more time I spend in ministry the more I learn about the balance and fine line between “too much” and “too little” in terms of educating my ministry and staff about web technology.
Probably many of you already know much more about this than I do (since I’m “new” to ministry), but I’ve realized that it’s an even more delicate balance than in the marketplace and it’s been both a challenge and a frustration, but one that’s ultimately worth it in the end.
As I present and introduce new web technologies to the organizations that I work with I have to be more than aware of the different “playing fields of awareness” in which I’m engage.
In nearly every case I, as web technologist, am vastly more aware of the platforms, tools, and tech than my ministry and/or clients can actually handle, so I have to temper it and “roll it out” slowly and with a truckload of wisdom.
But one also wants to establish authority and subject matter expertise, especially when presenting a new initiative, project, or program.
Essentially, I find myself asking “How much?” and “How little?”
I want them to be comfortable with trusting me as an expert in what I do and my field but not grossly overwhelm them to the point of calamity and despair (or for some, too much information will lead them to want to do everything and is just as bad).
What I’ve personally found that has worked tremendously is a third question: “When?” It’s sometimes not so much that the ministry can’t handle it, it’s that they can’t handle it now. Perhaps later, but not now.
What have you seen work? What has worked for you as you balance the “fine line” between too much and too little?
[Image from Ozyman]
Ancoti says
I think you need to assess your target audience to determine how much is too much or too little:
—Are they resistant to change in general? You are going to need to go slower.
—Are they early adopters of new technology? Pick up the pace.
—Is this the first new thing they have seen in years? Slow it down.
—Are they on a curve and change and easily seeing the benefits of prior activity? Bring it on.
—Are they falling off that curve? May be time for a break.
It isn't what you think they can do, but what they think. So observe and ask.
This is not an easy question to answer.
human3rror says
nice break down. i like this…!
Phillip Gibb says
Very relevant in what I want to do at our Church.
I have been mulling about a kind of Social Media Workshop.
Aimed at everyone in the ministry but also to a number of other people.
So all those questions are pertinent to that idea.
should I throw everything at them? How much info, etc
I think the time is right.
human3rror says
workshop for your church? that's awesome.