Congregations & Technology Part 1

A congregation hires a new pastor, John, he has some mad tech knowledge so they put him in charge of technology, for this post we will look at acquisitions. There are two roads this guy can take, one is helpful to everyone, the other ticks off his fellow pastors and slows down their work.

Road 1: (the one not to take) he buys gets a big budget, John buys the whole staff fast new tablets, updates every piece of software in the office. Now they are left relearning how to do everything and some get so frustrated they go back to good old pencil and paper. Many of the staff end up buying keyboards for their tablets (or even new laptops) out of their ministry’s budgets or own pockets just so they can get some work done. Not to mention the fact they can’t see the screen because it is both too small and at a bad angle. John also decides to update the sanctuary’s technology as well, never mind that he buys things he himself doesn’t’ know how to use, nor does he budget for the sound board or video guys to get trained in the new technology.

Road 2: John has been using a tablet for the past three years and buys one for himself and the children’s pastor who had expressed an interest in one. John upgrades several pastors to laptops with docking stations, so they can use the setup they are use to while still being able to have the continence of a laptop when needed. John replaces the computer of the anti-tech pastor, but keeps his keyboard and monitor the same, allowing for a slow transition for this man. Backing up and transferring all his files, as well as allotting extra time to train him on any changes. In this case John also updates many software applications, but pays for someone to come and train the staff on how to use it.
John attends a meeting of both the sound and video guys ask them what they need and orders it for them. He also orders some new technology in this case here that he doesn’t know how to use, and once again hires someone to train them.

In both situations money was spent, in both situations people likely complained about the new this or how that changed, but in the end one church is operating more efficiently, the other is just angry. When you update technology do so with an eye towards those who are most likely to resist as well as what really is going to help the people who are affected be most productive in their jobs.