One product that simplifies your life.
The Internet. 🙂 Is that too tongue-in-cheek? I’m serious, though, because I do just about everything online and you probably do, too. Banking. Work. Education. Ministry. And to a certain level, relationships.
Since it’s Sunday, let’s talk digital ministry. One of the best ways I’ve utilized the Internet and our digital age is with the ministry. As with anything, there are upsides and downsides to the Internet that affects the ministry, and digital ministry has to extend beyond the online world into the real world. That said, here are some ways digital ministry has made my life sweet and simple.
Curriculum. Digital curriculum is easier to hand out and access. We used to use 52-week curricula, but the choices are beginning to get limited. The curricula I wanted to use were digital, and I faced a problem with printing them because many came with videos or music that I couldn’t burn onto CDs or DVDs. I started posting them on a password-protected page on this site (because I’m having trouble coordinating with my church’s website guy). It’s so much easier this way. I’m able to update the lessons and add videos and music when necessary. My leaders access them easily on their phones and laptops. The downside is getting stuck behind the screen, but with training, integrating technology into the classes can become seamless.
Midweek Engagement. Keeping in touch with a lot of families is easier online, especially when most of them are already online. Encouragement, announcements, and reminders are quickly posted and disbursed through emails or Facebook groups or pages. Getting resources to parents are also easily done online.
Leadership Training. For yourself and your team. When it’s hard to get everyone together in one room, sending training materials online is one solution. Follow-up is the key to make sure everyone actually read that article, watched that video, etc. There are also training and conferences that are digitally streamed that you and your team can attend for free.
Ministry Network. Getting connected with other ministry leaders is possible online. You can network with leaders all over the world to give and receive encouragement, resources, and ideas. Want to learn how Awana works? Need some information on CPC? Want some inspiration for your new ministry logo? Post a question online.
Digital ministry can be intimidating at first. Sometimes, there’s a steep learning curve. Plus, technology is always changing and it can be hard to keep up. But it’s doable if you’re willing to learn. It’s a tool we can use to further the Kingdom of God.
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