Rev. Leon C. Moore, Jr., General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions
In my last article, we looked at prayer to lay the foundation for growing the church during a pandemic. I would like us to look at the creativity of a technology team during these challenging times. We have a unique opportunity as pastors and laity to look at innovative ways to grow the local church. Consider how technology relates to church growth and how we approach it. I suggest the pastor and laity develop technology teams. Of course, the team will need a leader. This should be a leader who understands the context of the local church, goals, and objectives of that local congregation. The team could have several tenets or one under the umbrella of technology. The team must consider the following: telephone, web-design, e-mail address, mobile app, television broadcast, social media, and word of mouth. The tech team should research and find the best practice for the target audience. Additionally, local churches can reach out to the Communication and Information Technology (CIT) Connectional Department <cit@thecmechurch.org> and goonline for technology consulting and planning for virtual ministry resources. There are CIT representatives in each Episcopal District. Is a cost associated with all of this? Yes! However, the cost of the church remaining the same is much greater. In some cases, you can use what is available to keep the cost to a minimum. For instance, Google your church name. Is your information up to date with current photos, hours of operation, etc.? With prayer as the foundation, the local church can be relevant in ways like no other. Potential members can find you and participate with you in worship, even stay informed with your ministries and programs. I do understand some oppose technology in the life of the local church. After all, some ask, did Jesus use technology? Jesus used the technology of his day. Too often in the local church, parking lot, a virtual church we fail to be relevant and creative but expect a great harvest. Technology allows for the church to introduce or reintroduce itself to the greater community. With a solid tech team in place, your church will grow. So, I challenge each local church to take seriously the opportunity of the new paradigm shift. The local church has multiple opportunities for worship and the potential to reach more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you do not know how to pull a team together ask someone who has, seek training, or partner with someone. People may be looking to connect with God lay the foundation with prayer and use technology to embrace them. Without vision, the people perish! Evangelism must have a vision and a visionary leader or leaders who understand that blowing the trumpet. In the walls of the church, in the parking lot, on social media outlets and the telephone is still blowing the trumpet so the people can hear. Joel 2:1,” Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in my holy mountain” …. Blow the trumpet!! We are The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church recognizing the importance of Christ in our daily lives.
