COLUMBIA, S.C. (ABP) — Media technology is changing so fast that churches trying to keep up can get exhausted. But at least one church in South Carolina is making an effort to develop a churchwide electronic strategy.
Today churches all over the country are using computer technology to communicate their message and optimize the efficiency of their administrative and pastoral staffs. Many of these churches are also using computer tools to keep the staff in touch with each other and with other ministries.
“Websites facilitate about 90 percent of instant communication within the church between ministerial staff and multiple ministries,” said Jay Wingard, a church website developer.
Ministers also are using technology to prepare sermons and find relevant information. Computer technology allows them access to a wide variety of information in a more efficient way.
“I rarely get up from my desk to pull a book from my shelf anymore. Everything is at my fingertips with a computer,” said Ed Carney, senior pastor of Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C. “Membership information and counseling tools are easily accessible through my Palm Pilot, anywhere and anytime.”
But staff members at Riverland Hills wanted to use technology for more than just their own benefit. They wanted a tool that would benefit the congregation and help reach their community.
The result? An e-ministry designed to bring all the communication tools under one umbrella, taking the technical burden off the various ministry components and allowing each to focus on the people and their needs.
“Because there is so much out there, our church leadership felt the need to develop a ministry to be used as a tool to facilitate the various needs of all ministries,” said Riverland Hills executive pastor Wayne Cole.
This new ministry involves people from all aspects of the church and embodies three features — Web design, multimedia and communications. Each subcategory has unique responsibilities and roles pertaining to the ministries' mission.
“The website gives information about the ministries I am involved in, and I am able to keep up with various ministries that I wouldn't otherwise know about,” said college Sunday school teacher Marie Hogue.
As the ministry slowly becomes an instrument for the church body, it develops new interactive ways to reach others, church leaders said. “Our multimedia CD-ROM will be for new and prospective members,” Wingard said. “It includes a video welcome from our executive pastor and basic information on our church. We will also look to develop this CD to be used as a witnessing tool.”
“Technology is driving our country,” said Cole, the pastor. “So why not use technology to the fullest in order to advance the kingdom?”
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— Allison Horne and Adam Martin are college students and members of Riverland Hills Church. Photos available from Associated Baptist Press