A Christianity Today survey, published in the summer issue of its Leadership journal, points out communication has taken a decidedly visual turn, and churches must take steps in that direction.
Does a church have to have at least 1,000 members, media experts on staff and a multi-million-dollar budget to take advantage of today's technology?
No, according to media ministers in those large churches. Some technologies are available even small congregations can tap. And media ministers argue that churches, regardless of size, must begin to use those technologies or risk losing young churchgoers.
“Today, young people expect technology,” said Brian Bird, media minister at First Baptist Church in Arnold, Mo.
Hank Garner, minister of communications at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, Fla., and a member of the Metro Media Ministers Association, recently pointed out all a church or pastor needs to get started is Internet access.
“Any pastor with Internet access can have a blog (short for web-log, an online diary or forum). Blogs are simple to set up, and lots of free hosting is available,” he said.
Podcasting also is inexpensive, he added. (See related story.) McGregor Baptist Church has been podcasting for about eight months. Most of the positive comments the church has received have come from the area's large senior adult community, Garner said.
Many congregations today already utilize websites, which are inexpensive. Some Internet providers even offer free space to clients. Members need to be aware, however, that a poorly designed and seldom-updated site can harm the church's image and create a negative witness.
The cost of projectors and presentation software has come down enough in the last couple of years to put video use in worship within reach of most congregations. “For just a few thousand dollars, a church can have video capability,” Garner said.
Churches that can afford it probably should consider how to utilize more video in their services. “Five years ago, media in churches for the most part was PowerPoint and sound. Now to attract younger people you almost have to have video to keep their attention,” Bird explained. “If you don't, they'll start text messaging one another during worship.”
Volunteers may be the key for many churches to get started. “It's our role as church staff … to equip others … to help a volunteer who is technologically savvy or a volunteer church member have a deeper discipleship ministry through technology,” Garner said.
The pastor or congregation first should make sure any volunteer is “a hundred percent on-board with the direction the church is heading,” the Florida expert said. The volunteer needs to know and accept that direction in order to make the best choices in media support for sermons and worship.
A volunteer also should demonstrate good technique or creative skill or both, he said.
Bird agreed that training volunteers is one of his most important responsibilities at the Arnold church. He looks for volunteers who are not afraid of technology, who are willing to serve and who have from six to 10 hours available each week or every-other week.
Age doesn't have to be a factor. In fact, many churches find younger members are more techno-savvy and have more time to volunteer. They often are more willing because of their fascination with technology and desire to sharpen their skills. The young people can be an asset to the church's media ministry, provided they are mature and reliable.