These are exciting days for ministry.  When I consider the possibilities God has provided for me to serve Him on relation to the Great Commission, I consider these unique to my generation(s):

Websites

Every church needs a website.  They can be done as cheaply or expensively as one can afford.  A website indicates several critical interest points.

• Our church is relevant to your life.
• Our church is service-minded to your family.
• Our church is available for informational needs.
• Our church is interested in resourcing your faith-building needs.

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more.  Directions, service times, biographical information on pastors, leaders, promotions, upcoming special sermon series, services, etc.  For an example click here.

Your website in this culture is one of the primary outreaches to people ages 18-30.  If you don’t have a website for your ministry, let me help. Send me an email and I’ll have someone get in touch with you to see if you can do this.

Podcasting

Pastor Mark Batterson writes in one of his recent blogs this definitive statement…

If it’s worth preaching it’s worth podcasting. We need to redeem technology and use it for God’s purposes.

Most churches record their services and if so, podcasting is simple.  With an internet connection, you upload the message to your chosen service (i.e. Itunes, etc.) and then point people to subscribe to your services.  I have several favorite churches in the USA and outside our country that I regularly worship with through an audio podcast.  There is no cost to podcasting and your ministry goes around the world to those interested. I absolutely amazed at how God uses technology to spread the Good News of salvation.  Most of you are good preachers and your ministry should be reaching further than it is now.  If you video your services, provide video podcasting, much the same way.  Finally, consider this…God has spoken to you to preach a message of hope but to whom?  Is it merely for those in your community or could God use the message you are preaching next week to reach Australia or India.  Believe me, they are listening.

Blogging

Of course, you are reading a blog now.  The power of blogging in this country is almost unfathomable and it is not just young people either.  There are many inexpensive ways to communicate through blogging.  Your message should be simple and consistent.  Most serious bloggers read daily blogs involving everything from business, religion, politics, hobbies, etc.  You can offer daily encouragement to people in your church, colleagues in your profession, persons you are trying to reach for Christ through personal interests, etc.  I use a program called WordPress and the setup was simple and seamless. I strongly encourage every pastor to start blogging.  If you need help getting started…email me.

It seems reasonable that technology can help you and I fulfill God’s assignment for the Kingdom.  Don’t be afraid to try, to invest and to experience ministry beyond the walls of the church.

How is your church/ministry using technology?

Let me hear some of your thoughts.

Link to Forward Leadership Blog