Balancing Act

Posted on September 26, 2006

I have started writing this post multiple times and can’t quite get the right start.  So, I think I’ll start with the question in my mind and expand on that.  Keep in mind that this is not a question that demands a quick answer and it’s not something that a quick answer will solve.  Here it is.

How do you, as a pastor or a church leader, know that your church is utilizing technology the most effective way possible? 

This question is likely not for fellow bloggers or those of you involved in innovative, large, dynamic churches.  It’s more for the smaller and perhaps up and coming churches, those that are taking a lesson from the churches that are well known.

It can be easy to get an idea in our head on how something should be and that becomes absolute, without regard to best practices or what is right for our church.  On the one hand, we need to be in tune with the Lord’s leading, which will put us on track to make decisions for our church that enhance the ministry and expand Christ’s reach.  At the same time, we need to be aware of what is working for other churches and learn from their successes.  Also, look beyond the church world and see what’s working in the “real” world and maybe learn something practical in that way.

There’s a balance here and we need to be careful to not lean too far one way or another.  There is no standard answer, but everything within the church needs to be considered prayerfully and with a right heart, including technology.  I’ve heard it said that it’s better to go where God is blessing, rather than to ask Him to bless where you have already gone. 

So, tune in to what other churches are doing and do things to keep up with industry standards or best practices.  For instance, spend some time looking at other church’s websites and pay attention to what works and what doesn’t.  How does your website compare?  Learn from what others have done, but don’t copy it verbatim.  One church’s success will not translate into an instant success for you, usually just the opposite.  But take what you see and adapt it to your situation.

What’s the take-away?  Keep a balanced perspective, seek the Lord with all your heart and follow where the Lord leads you, but at the same time, don’t isolate yourself.  Network with and learn from other churches and be open to share what works for you with other churches.

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