Your ministry can’t wait for the next big thing in technology before you dive in. Why? Because there will always be a “next thing.”
I hear these things often when counseling ministries (and maybe you do too):
What if this technology becomes outdated next year?
or…
What if something better comes along in 3 months?
or…
How will I know when it’s time to switch?
All these questions seem reasonable except that they disregard a number of things.
First, “outdated” is subjective and contextual. For some ministries Twitter is already lame and proving to be ineffective. Same thing with Facebook. For others, it’s a boon for them.
Secondly, something will inevitably come along that’s better, but that’s not the point. Our goal as the Church is not to necessarily be on the cutting edge but to be on the cutting edge of the technology’s particular and strategic use, especially as it relates to building relationships.
Thirdly, anytime is a good time to switch if you’ve got the money, time, and the technology is a vast improvement. What a lot of ministries need to ask themselves is how they can commit long-term to a technology platform so that they can even remotely gauge its success.
Let’s do ourselves a favor and dive right in; besides, you’re late to the game already, so better get started.
Brandon Cox says
How true! It's sad that whatever the world around us accomplishes, we tend to do ten years later and 90% as well. You're right – jump in!
human3rror says
hah! you're definitely one of those who does, in fact, jump right in!
Matt Harrell says
I completely agree, that you've got to *commit*. The churches that get the most value and finding success with our product are the ones that taking the time to think it through even just a little and then commit to the platform. For most that means the main communication tool for the church but it can mean other things. Commit…."…besides, you're late to the game…" lol. Good post John.
Cliff Holmes says
You couldn't be more right about this. I don't know why more churches don't embrace technology and see the value that is has for spreading the Gospel around the world.
I would love to get to the point where we as Christians are technological innovators rather than being the old guy who brings food late to the party after everyone has already eaten.
human3rror says
i don't htink it's that bad if we're late… … but if we NEVER do anything, that could be pretty bad (for whatever reason or excuse).
bondChristian says
Yeah, it sounds like something Gary Vaynerchuk would say. It's not about the platform. It's about hustling to connect with people. The platform matters, yes. But waiting for the perfect opportunity means you just missed it.
(The perfect opportunity is now – which is what I blogged about today, ironically.)
-Marshall Jones Jr.
human3rror says
gary v is the man.
dannyjbixby says
SOO late to the game. 😉
An interesting thing about the subjectivity of a technology being outdated for a particular church/area is that it may never hit it's effectiveness point at all.
I've found this surprisingly true with twitter in Springfield. I'm on it all the time…but very few locals are. I've connected more with people who are not in my area than with those who are. Our pastor has experienced the same thing, our congregation is mostly on facebook & twitter is almost a wasteland for us.
I imagine this will change in time, so we still need to devote attention to the platform for when it catches it –the midwest is 4 years behind the coasts. 😉
So basically I'm saying that you not only need to commit to properly gauge the effectiveness of a particular social media network or tool, but you need to commit to some that may not seem to be quite catching on in your area yet…so that you already have your feet under you for when it DOES catch on.
Daniel_Berman says
Crazy part for me, I joined facebook just after it emerged from a privileged "few" colleges. Now I'm struggling to find my relevance there. I peaked at just over 450 "friends." What did that yield me, an overloaded newsfeed. All this to say, engage but keep watching what people are doing and where they are going…there's more stuff coming out, but all this social media stuff is also bringing people back to desiring real live relationships. The scope however, of where those relationships can range, has massively expanded…
human3rror says
you “peaked” at facebook?
PUAHAHAHAA… that just sounded funny to me, sorry.
human3rror says
twitter in springfield made me think of the simpsons… sorry.
dannyjbixby says
it's a pretty natural reaction 😉
Jim says
give the platform some time to develop and breathe…ask for help…monitor, listen, engage…plenty of great tools available
human3rror says
what's keeping you awake these days?
Kyle Reed says
This always takes me back to a post that you did a couple months ago about knowing your ministry and where you want to go and start.
I think that is the most important thing and will answer all the questions above.
Unfortunately, it is easier to just try things now and struggle then to have a plan.
human3rror says
i think you're doing just that, right?
Kyle Reed says
Trying to, to a point at least.
Still feel like a got a long long way to go and am often more confused then clear.
But yes, trying to have a plan and move forward.
human3rror says
we all feel that, even me.
Chris_Tomlinson says
So true. I was anti-everything until last August and was asked by my publisher to launch a website, a blog, a FB page, and a Twitter account. It sounded like a ton of work, and a hassle, and not worth the effort. I've found it did take a fair bit of work, but it's a blessing and completely worth the effort.
I'm now such a believer in jumping in that I had to put my thoughts down on the subject. Mike Hyatt was kind enough to run it on his blog, so hopefully it'll be helpful to some of your readers: http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/01/7-ways-to-build-y…
To any who may be toeing the edge of the pool, don't stand there forever. Jump in. But do it prayerfully, wisely, and with a laser-beam focus on your core message. Without a clear vision of what God wants you to share, no amount of technology is going to help.
human3rror says
chris, thanks for stopping by! that's definitely a great article, and you've proven the value of social media, even if not done perfectly!