I’m a stickler for progress–especially as it relates to ministry. Hence my love of technology, good music, multimedia, and etc. That is our focus, isn’t it?
Isn’t it?
No, its not our focus. It couldn’t be. But I must admit…sometimes I lose focus. Sometimes I put the bulk of this (“this” meaning the work of God) on my abilities. Sometimes, looking at our great “inventions” I lose sight of my Creator. Sometimes I look at my hands rather than the Hands of God.
Maybe its just me?
I was in a recent conversation regarding technology and whether the church should embrace it. The majority pretty much agreed that the methods must change but the Message must not. In other words–embrace technology.
Just then a friend of mine, Bob Wagner, joined the discussion. I thought he would just echo some stuff we said…after all we knew what we were talking about! Instead he wrote:
“I agree that the church needs to use whatever technology they need in order to effectively minister to their flock. However I have seen where technology can easily become the main reason people go to church. The great sound, the multimedia presentations, the fancy power point presentations, the movie clips, the ability to text the pastor while he is teaching; All are great, but if this is the way you attract people, you will always have to stay up with technology.”
What could I say to that? It made sense. He was right. No harm done. He added a nugget of wisdom we overlooked–I could accept that.
Alright…it was time for me to go. It was a great discussion. I was kinda hungry anyway. Figured, I’d get some IHOP or something. But hold on…he wrote more. Ah come on Bob…you said your piece…we’re impressed…leave it alone. But thank God he didn’t. He added:
“Then I have also been in services that had none of the above and the Spirit of God was moving so strong that people were getting healed, delivered, and under such Holy Spirit conviction they actually ran to the altar with tears in their eyes crying out for Jesus to save them. I have even witnessed people say, ‘They were drawn into the church like a magnet’ and I watched them lay their guns and drugs on the altar. Others would walk in the door and the Spirit of God would be so strong strangers would ask: ‘What is that I feel?’ and when you told them it caused them to hit their knees…From my experience if the church would spend more time on their faces praying than doing sound checks, God would be doing awesome things in, to, and through the church and people would come to experience Him rather than what man can do.”
Holy crap!!
That hit me like a ton of bricks!
“What hit you, Mike?”
The truth.
For a brief moment I forgot: it’s not about us…it’s all about Him. It’s Him working through us…but ultimately it’s Him.
All our gadgets mean nothing without Him. If there were no Move of God, would it matter where technology’s moving? If He ever invaded our services, would it matter who was preaching? Or what they said? Who could get up to sing if everybody was on their faces?
Something to think about.
What are your thoughts?
[Image: Fervr]
