The goal of any church is to reach the world. Thanks to modern technologies, today’s church is well poised to accomplish this feat. However, churches need to know how to leverage these advancements. The options for technology church growth are numerous, limited only to the skills and imagination of church members. For churches that are truly interested reaching others, it is important to understand the power of technology church growth and what options are best suited for each church’s specific goals and means.
Many churches have already started to harness the power of technology church growth by taking their message online. Church websites are an important place to start, very useful in attracting new members and keeping current members informed. However, while contact information and staff bios are useful content, churches can also utilize websites to promote online sermons. Online sermons are one of the simpler ways to take the message online, requiring a church member to simply record the sermon and then upload a digital copy to the internet for public viewing. Online sermons can support current members who miss a service, and can also reach prospective visitors or even individuals in other parts of the country who are looking to be fed.
As a step up from sermons online, some churches may want to consider streaming. Streaming is similar to online sermons, with the message being played online. However, unlike online sermons, streaming involves a live broadcast, often including the worship presentation and other portions of the service. Streaming may require more skill to keep the connection clean and viable, but it can be a wonderful way to increase church membership into the community and world by allowing individuals to participate remotely.
Another way to reach people with technology church growth is podcasting. Podcasting has become increasingly popular, especially with younger generations who rely heavily on iPods and other mobile MP3 players. Through podcasting, individuals can download a sermon message, often to their music players. Podcasting allows people to take the message with them, even without an internet connection.
Obviously, any technology church growth option will require some time, money, and effort, but the result is often worth the sacrifice. By relying on online sermons, streaming, or podcasting, churches have the opportunity to better meet the needs of an evolving world, not only feeding the current congregation of believers but becoming more relevant and accessible to the lost.
