2nd Opinion: Technology can help or hurt church

I tried to call the church office of a fellow youth minister, and the secretary said: “We’re not sure where he is this afternoon, but try to contact him through Facebook. He always checks that.”

Accessibility of ministers—in particular, communication—is important. So, social networking can enhance ministry if used properly. But it also can hinder ministry effectiveness.

A senior gentleman in my church likes to use the phrase “the way things used to be” to describe life before the technology takeover. Often, the only time we see ministers now is his or her profile picture on Facebook.

The senior adults in my church tell of a day when they could find a pastor just by calling the church office. I even hear whispers of a time when one could go to the church and meet with the pastor face-to-face. A congregation needs accessible ministers, and vice versa.

When cell phones became widespread, they were supposed to help us communicate. Now, cell phones connect us to so much information that answering a call can be a hindrance. Why, it possibly could disconnect us from Twitter, Facebook or MySpace! I actually became a Twitter fan of a ministerial friend just so I could figure out where he is during the week.

Please do not misunderstand. Technology can enhance life. But failure to balance social networking with human interaction can present a stumbling block in ministry.

How can the blitz of social networking and smart-phone technology become a positive tool in ministry? Here are three principles for using modern technology to aid the church:

First, information can be dispersed and updated rapidly. After a hospital visit, I take out my cell phone and call the church secretary. Through e-mail, she updates our church prayer chain. I also can use Facebook to put up a status about a prayer request or praise, and those who watch the Facebook “mini-feed” or follow my “statuses” can choose to pray.

Second, ministers can be accessible, even when they are out of the office. If I am away and a ministry emergency strikes, I can be alerted through text message or a call to my cell phone.

Third, dispersal of information can be inexpensive and direct. I send out text messages each week to my youth group to let them know the who, what, when, where and how of our ministries.

Technology has its negatives, too. Here are three principles to remember when using social networking or technology to aid the ministry of the church:

First, do not overload inboxes with e-mail. Have a reason and objective for all messages. Also, remember what you put into cyberspace represents your body of believers and the entire body of Christ.

Second, when dispersing information, beware of gossip and remain confidential. Ask permission before you throw someone’s name into an e-mail or social networking site that acts as a public prayer forum. A church member never wants to think his or her deepest, darkest secret is going to end up on Facebook.

Third, have self-control in time management. Social networking can become addicting, so put limits on how much time you will spend online. Also, ministers should have clearly defined office hours, and they should communicate to the congregation the best way to be found in person.

As a young minister, I want to be committed to being accessible to my church members. I hope they know they always can call me at church. I want them to see and hear from me—outside of my profile picture or status on Facebook.

Kyle Tubbs is youth minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Sweetwater and will graduate from Logsdon Seminary at Hardin-Simmons University in December.