01/24/26 USING TOOLS

01/24/26 USING TOOLS

Meeting together "in person" as a church is the Biblical model, not only because there were no "electronic church" capabilities in the New Testament, but because in-person is the most effective and efficient form of body life gathering.

However, the use of the printed word, audio and visual tools (radio, recordings, film, television, internet) is all valid and important forms for carrying out Christian ministry. I have used printed media, audio and video tapes, radio, television, and the internet in my ministry. I am grateful for internet communications and live interaction with people. It is not the best form of a meeting, but sometimes it is the only form to reach people. Personal sickness, dangerous regional diseases, weather conditions, distance, oppressive governments, environmental catastrophes, poverty, travel restrictions, and transportation shortages are some of the reasons people cannot get together with other believers. I am not talking about mere inconveniences; I am talking about actual and prohibitive issues. As with printing, radio, film, and TV, the internet has been a great tool for reaching people for Christ and building up believers in the faith. But they are tools that must be used carefully.

I use online ministry. I am amazed at the number of small churches using online ministry. Online ministry requires a different set of rules, boundaries, and considerations. I find myself tweaking our format. I need to make changes in specific technologies I use. Online ministry can be as simple as a phone camera set up and allowed to run unattended, or it can involve a team of workers (before, during, and after the service), who will make the presentation most efficient and effective. Online ministry is an opportunity for a local church (regardless of size) to reach its neighbors or reach the far corners of the earth. It will take vision, wisdom, sacrifice, and unity to make it work. Don't miss this opportunity.

Online ministry is not the same as in-person ministry. However, online ministry can support in-person ministry. And there are situations where in-person ministry is not possible, online ministry may be the closest option. It will take work to develop online relationships. Some things in ministry are personal and private, requiring a closed communication system. Sometimes a pastor needs to address his people (privately or congregationally) in a more controlled atmosphere. It will take special technologies to provide an online "church" ministry.

Sometime in the future, it may not be possible to use electronic tools, or you may not be able to meet in person. Take advantage of your present situation. Be in person whenever you can. When you actually cannot be in person, find an online ministry that treats you as a parishioner, not simply as a viewer. Build your pastor/parishioner or parishioner/pastor relationship. Don't settle for a "talking head." Be a participant, don't settle for being a viewer. Worship and fellowship are essential.