Frankie Jarrett

Technology and the Kingdom of God

Technology really can help churches advance the kingdom. This realization is in full swing among churches today. If you are a technologically-aloof Christian pastor, teacher, administrator or ministry laborer of any kind, the fact that you are reading this post is hopefully convincing you of this.

Technology has improved, enhanced and increased productivity in our personal and professional lives so it’s no surprise that it has become our most valuable tool - outside of our own calling and relationship with Jesus - for helping to accomplish what God’s asked us to do. I can think of a couple dozen ways God has used virtual things to bring sustainable impact to real lives, and there are hundreds more I’ve already taken for granted and won’t think of.

As pastors and church leaders I think it’s important that we remember why we’re using websites, web apps, video, Twitter, Facebook and all the other fascinating tools available to connect with people. Here are some points that I try to reflect on when I’m praying about starting a new tech venture within the context of the church:

Do I have a kingdom mindset?

God has a plan already, so I don’t want to go making one of my own. How did Jesus get things done? Well, he spoke about the kingdom of God more than anything else. That’s proof enough for me that everything I do, not just technology related stuff, should be realized and carried out with a kingdom mindset.

God may tell us as a church to stop doing something I have heavily invested in, but if I’m serving Him and recognize His rule, I would want nothing short of His desires! Sometimes it’s hard, but it’s a great feeling at the same time (if you know what I mean). I’m amazed God loves me enough to teach me to see like He does.

Am I helping or hurting?

The Apostle Paul makes a strong point to the church in Ephesus about how their communication with one another should look Eph 4:29. Will that next project I’m considering facilitate this? This looks different every time and requires special consideration, prayer and team discussion. We should be on the lookout for ways people could potentially use for harm what we are meaning for good.

Could my next project backfire? What is my plan if it does? Still, I don’t have to live in constant fear of making mistakes because I know I will make them and His grace will correct them. He is doing things ahead of time, preparing the way so we can walk in good works! Eph 2:10

Am I making it all about the Gospel?

The ways messages are delivered have changed significantly since Jesus walked the earth. I remember riding in my dad’s truck around age 8 and watching him point to a group of construction workers along the interstate saying, “Son, that’s the information super-highway. It’s going to change everything.” My dad was right. Our lives have changed so much in the past two decades that it’s hard to identify which things are really still the same. But one thing can’t change and won’t change, and that is the Gospel. If you call yourself a Christian, this Good News is what changed your life!

Our lives change. People, places, callings, highs and lows come and go - but our God and the message of His relentless grace never changes. The Gospel is the rock that He has set our feet upon. In the fast paced world of technology, the Gospel must still set the pace - it will never fail us.

Where are my affections?

Why am I doing what I’m doing? Sometimes I’m really just wanting to do something cool and not want to glorify God. In fact, in those times I really just want to glorify and bring attention to myself. As designers, technologists and administrators we can fall into the trap of thinking, “Wow, this wouldn’t have been possible without me. In fact, I heard a couple of people got saved because of project X, I hope they know I did that.” I can’t tell you how destructive that type of thinking really is to our soul. I know we’re only searching for joy and satisfaction, but truth is, we are robbing Jesus of what he did for us to BE our joy and satisfaction.

God made it all. He planned it all. And I can’t wait to see how much more He has in store. It’s true that we love the gift of technology (and we should), but we should be diligent to reflect on its true purpose in order to give our true affections to the Giver.

Am I really listening?

I would love to say there are many skilled people who are eager to serve in the way we do. But there just aren’t a lot of us. Often times I find myself alone in what I feel called to do. That reminds me that I need to seek counsel and advice throughout whatever project I’m doing, even if it’s not from someone “technical”.

Sometimes I can get so focused on details and logistics that I can lose sight of the biblical and spiritual implications of what I’m working on. I need people in my life to help with both. Often, I find the Holy Spirit whispering, “No, Frankie, you’re not the only one who understands how to do something technical. No, Frankie, you’re not the one with the perfect opinion. No, Frankie, that awesome jQuery technique is not more important than the Gospel!” I need people in my life to accomplish things the way He wants them done, and boy am I grateful for the one’s I have.

I hope you find some benefit in considering these things. If you have any thoughts or additions to this, I’d love to hear them.