Unit 8 – Learning Activity 2 – Technology

Being a pastor in an International not-for-profit, religious organization and church, technology is something that is not only useful but required for the work. It seems, sometimes like a big monster; however, when used correctly it is advantageous and indispensable in the world today. John Smart gives us the idea that technology will keep accelerating and, as far as we can see, it will keep on accelerating (2013).

One way that the not-for-profit I work for uses technology is to connect with people and to connect people in general. However, Smart also suggests that we need to anticipate change with developmental foresight (2013). In a not-for-profit, religious organization setting, a queue is taken from John 17:14-19 which says:

“14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth” (Jn 17:14-19 New Revised Standard Version).

Yes, there needs to be an understanding that technology can help us, however, don’t let it get in the way of being able to share Christ with someone. Some of the benefits of these changes are that organizations are becoming more aware of their social responsibilities, ensuring that they are helping others and are forward-looking (Ma, 2016); however, face-to-face meetings, and not just over a computer have their place as well. I would suggest that a leader in a religious not-for-profit, or church, should consider the ramifications of using technology to connect rather than meet someone in person. I don’t want technology and my use of it to get in the way of having an “in-person” conversation.

Question: In what other ways can technology be used in a religious not-for-profit church setting that could help reach people for Jesus?

References:

Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Ma, J. (2016, June 23). [E-learning]. Keys to Success from Jack Ma | Self-Made Billionaire and CEO of Alibaba. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WjHZ5wLe6w

Smart, J. M. (2015, April 8). John Smart – leadership of tech change – wfs 2013. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhdWqLNUJns