In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi, and Brandon Boatner discuss the impact of technology on churches and ministry.
Here’s a discussion from two pastors on the topic as they explore both positive and negative aspects of incorporating technology into religious practices.
Here are some highlights from today’s episode.
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Church leaders should carefully consider the purpose behind adopting new technologies in their ministries.
- Churches should ensure they can still worship and preach without relying on technology.
- Churches should be cautious about being early adopters of new technologies and take time to evaluate their impact.
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Church leaders should emphasize Christ and the gospel rather than using technology to make Jesus more attractive.
Here’s the breakdown outline from today’s conversation.
- Introduction and AI-led church service
– The hosts begin by mentioning a recent church service conducted entirely by artificial intelligence, which sparked their conversation about the role of technology in worship.
– They discuss the benefits of technology in ministry, such as improved training resources, global connectivity, and easier giving methods.
- Positive aspects of technology in ministry
– Brandon mentions improved church staff training through online resources. Jonathan highlights the availability of free resources for ministers and church planters.
– They also discuss how technology enables better cooperation between churches and denominations.
– Brandon brings up the transformation of giving methods through technology, making it easier for people to contribute financially to churches.
3. Balancing technology use and authentic community
– They discuss the importance of physical presence in ministry, referencing Jesus’ incarnation. They acknowledge the benefits of streaming for those unable to attend in person but caution against using it as a replacement for regular church attendance.
– The hosts also address the technological divide between generations and the need to consider all members of the congregation when implementing new technologies.
- Safeguarding against technology pitfalls
– However, they also address concerns about maintaining an authentic community and the potential for technology to become an idol.
– The conversation touches on the need for balance, the importance of biblical grounding, and the challenges of adapting to new technologies while preserving the essence of church gatherings.
– Brandon asks about steps churches should take to safeguard themselves while remaining adaptable to technological trends. Jonathan advises against quickly jumping on bandwagons and suggests taking time to think through new technologies biblically.
– They discuss the importance of not using technology to make Jesus more attractive, as the gospel itself is inherently beautiful. The hosts emphasize the need for churches to be able to function without technology if necessary.
- Future trends and closing thoughts
– They emphasize the importance of not using technology to make Jesus more attractive, as the gospel itself is inherently beautiful. Throughout the discussion, they provide practical advice for churches considering adopting new technologies and stress the importance of maintaining focus on Jesus and the gospel message.
– The hosts discuss potential future developments in AI and technology for church proceedings. They emphasize the importance of focusing on Jesus and the gospel message rather than relying on technology to enhance worship. Jonathan quotes Jared Wilson, highlighting that while others may have better facilities or marketing, no one can improve upon Christ and his gospel.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
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