222. Technology and Ministry
As many of you know, I love technology. But I haven’t always been into technology. I didn’t have my first computer (i486, which was the bare minimum for Windows) until I was 18. I always preferred reading books over playing video games. (Though I did like arcade games!) After my brief (?) infatuation with computer games, my love for technology began to grow but not fully until I got my first iMac.
I got my first laptop during university and was PC. I only used it for school, but I never liked the experience of using the computer. But once I started using Mac, I began to love my computing experience. Though I must admit that I spent more time trying apps rather than getting things done, it helped me to realize the type of tool we use can provide a different experience in solving the same problem. Many people think solving the problem is what is important. But in the modern world, “how” we solve it can be as important, as “user-experience” is more important than ever.
Some people resist technology because they think it is only seeking “convenience” and takes away special moments. Partly they are right. Though email is more convenient, it lacks the personal touch a hand-written letter can bring. But technology also brings “efficiency” which saves time. Technology is important because it shapes the way people think and how they communicate. Pandemic only accelerated that shift. Technology will change faster than the pace we feel comfortable. So whether you are tech-savvy or not, we need to walk in the delicate balance of our desire to seek convenience and efficiency. One can kill our gratitude, but the other can bring gratitude.
I used to feel a bit guilty about my infatuation with technology because I wasn’t sure if I was using my time well as a pastor. I also used to think that it wasn’t a very spiritual thing to do. But I am very grateful these days because it saves me a lot of time in my ministry. If I can cut down time spent on paperwork significantly by using an app, that means more time for me to meet more members, develop curriculums, and create sermon messages. I also see that deploying technology helps our church members to do ministry more efficiently. I am sure we can do everything we do now without technology but doing things efficiently is a great experience.
