Honestly, I do not understand why most pastors and church leaders do not leverage technology for the Glory of God. Pastors, church leaders, and faithful church attendees who see social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, and LinkedIn as evil are missing a great opportunity to reach people far from God.
Are you sitting?
Here’s something that’ll blow your mind…
Christianity was, in a very real sense, the first technologically driven religion.
Not even the name of the product spoken in the ad.
One word to describe this entire ad campaign: Classy. Such a big contrast from ads with robotic space ships or trash talking the competition or the “hey mom, look what I can do” type of ads that we see from the competition.
The Lesson: Focus on the experience & tell a compelling story.
Paint a picture of what could be and what should be!
I’m trying to figure out how the church can show how life “could be” and “should be” with Jesus (John 10:10).
Goodness…they really know what they’re doing don’t they.
I finished last week’s post mentioning how how I used my iPhone, Cloud Storage, and a few Apps to prepare messages in 10 minutes or less. Let’s face it – there’s no way we can escape technology. It’s here to stay and we may as well leverage it for the glory of God. Furthermore, given the consumerist mindset of most church goers, presenting a real and relevant word (grounded in biblical truth) remains challenging. Communicators must learn to quickly “size” up their audience and adjust their message for maximum impact. I had to do this this earlier this year while preaching at another church.
As a pastor, I’m invited to preach at other churches during their pastoral or church anniversaries. While worshiping, God begin to impress upon my heart that the message I prepared wasn’t quite right for the occasion. I quickly discerned the room was filled with broken people who had looks of despair in their eyes. I came to encourage the pastor, but discerned that the people needed a Word from the Lord. I prayed and God revealed they need encouragement, healing, and empowerment. I opened my Bible, pulled out my iPhone 4, placed it in my Bible (to hide it), and began crafting a “NEW” message.
Yesterday, Apple summoned reporters to an event in San Francisco where it unveiled a new version of its popular tablet computer – iPad 2. “Apple clearly sent a message to all of the manufactures lining up to complete with it: Just go home.” (Andy Ihnatko – Chicago Sun-Times)
Apple is a very successful company. They’re innovative, swimming in cash, and have the friendliest staff I’ve ever met. I began thinking: “What could the church learn from Apple?” Theologically, I understand the church is a body and not a business and incorporating business models is risky (some may even say it’s heretical). Whatever! I’m a believer in principles and if there’s a transferrable principle, I’m applying it.
After visiting Apple’s retail stores and buying their products, the church can learn a lot if they would open their eyes and use a little imagination. Here’s what we can learn:
We were not created to have miserable and joyless lives. We were created to have abundant and joyful lives. But most of us, such a life is elusive at best and seemingly impossible at worst. Why? We have too much going on and are constantly inundated with requests to buy more and do more. The result is life that drifts towards complexity and paralyzes us from being productive. It’s no secret I enjoy using Apple products and admire Steve Jobs.
I’m not an Apple fanboy, but, I own an iPhone, MacBook, iMac, and Apple TV. The genius behind Apple IS NOT what they make, market, and sell. It’s what they’ve decided NOT TO DO. A few months ago, while reading the Cult of Mac, John Sculley, former CEO of Apple explained what makes Steve Jobs (Apple’s CEO) unique.
He said:
“What makes Steve’s methodology different from everyone else’s is that he always believed the most important decisions you make are not the things you do – but the things that you decide not to do. He’s a minimalist.”
John Sculley, former CEO of Apple, as quoted on the Cult of Mac (October 14, 2010)
Question: Have you created your NOT TO DO list for 2011?
OfficeDrop is a “simple” online digital filing system makes your paper and digital files text searchable, so you can quickly find a word, number, or phrase among all of your documents. What I like most about OfficeDrop is how it automatically converts your paper and digital files into PDF’s.
Document Scanning Service
As a busy pastor, OfficeDrop is a vital part of my staff. I absolutely love the Document Scanning Service. This service allows you to mail your documents in prepaid USPS Envelopes or UPS boxes. OfficeDrop scans your documents into text searchable PDFs that can be downloaded anytime from your secure web account. No software to be installed, no expensive scanning equipment, no gruntwork, and no more paper-cuts or LOST DOCUMENTS!
My “Personal” Digital Assistant”
I decided to use the free trial offered by OfficeDrop and wound up becoming a happy subscriber. I thought I’d give the scanning service a real test and send a stack of envelopes, index cards, and slips of paper containing handwritten messages I’d collected over the years.
They are a good resource for me but are tedious to thumb through when I am looking for a particular message, Scripture, or illustration. The envelope arrived quickly after I registered. I placed the information inside and sent them off. I was notified when they arrived and that they had been digitized and were online. Imagine my pleasure at being able to find the index cards clearly scanned and easily scrolled through when I logged on!
My originals arrived back home safe and sound. They are sealed in an envelope that will be easy for me to file away. I’ve got a lot more material to send to OfficeDrop. I’m already seeing how this service will cut hours from sermon preparation. Try out OfficeDrop’s storage and digitization plans for free for 60 days – no credit card required! Believe me, you WILL NOT regret it.
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
