Earlier this week we discussed new research from the Barna Group that shows many parents and teens would like more guidance from their churches on media and technology issues.
So, what are the biggest media/tech issues churches should be teaching/training on?
Here are 8 that come to mind for me:
- Internet filtering/monitoring – How to set up software to block porn, violence, and hate sites from being displayed on computers in one’s home. Plus logging/reviewing websites being visited.
- Protecting teens on social media – Discussing issues and providing training about the dangers of social media – stalkers, sharing inappropriate content, etc.
- Phones & texting – Training for parents & teens, Internet filtering for phones
- Protecting your marriage from online dangers – Internet filtering, accountability, appropriate use of social media for adults.
- Media usage – How much TV/Internet is too much? Time management tools. Addressing Internet/gaming addictions.
- Being fully present – Family relationships are important, but often families eat dinner in front of the TV, conversations are interrupted by phone calls and texting. Eliminating distractions and being fully engaged in family moments is a big deal.
- Being salt and light online – The Internet isn’t all bad. It’s also a great opportunity to share your faith and show God’s love with people you connect with online.
- People and churches working online together – Your church probably has a website and may be using Facebook, Twitter, and blogs as well. Talk about what the church is doing online and how individuals can connect with the church and amplify what the church is doing.
What do you think? Do you think churches ought to address these 8 issues? What did I miss? What other issues do you think churches should address?
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
5 Comments
Another one to add to the list which was mentioned by Sean Young in the Church IT Roundtable LinkedIn Group is cyber bullying. It probably falls under #2, but is certainly worth specifically mentioning.
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As a community of people who care for each other I think we should. We are in a way Xtnizing the net when we do this. I wouldn't do it from the pulpit (that's for the Word) but more through workshops, the webpage, FB, and other social media as well at the Church bulletin.
Nice and informative post for all, really at present time internet trend now increase day by day and it is not suitable for all kids and youth. So Internet filtering is the best option to protect current generation from internet harmful effects.
I think churches should be addressing the destructiveness of following the world rather than Christ, and it should be done from the pulpit, and it is God's Word for today. God's Word isn't separate from our daily lives, it is all one and same. Example; I bet most Christian teens and adults will go see Hunger Games, a Godless, humanistic, hopeless world view, where teens are slaughtered right before their eyes. There is another movie playing "October Baby", which gives real hope for changing our culture, taking personal responsibility, helping people deal with real tough decisions, and it wasn't even mentioned in church. One pastor at our church talked about the Twilight movies, but he didn't really condemn them, just said he didn't understand why his wife wanted to go see them. What business does any Christian have, in seeing a movie, where a blood eating vampire is more sacrificial than any one else in the young girl's life. The church has lost its saltiness, because it is part of the world, not just in it, part of it. Each man does today what is right in his own eyes, making himself equal with God. The Bible warns about mankind becoming blood thirsty, and that is what our culture has become, Christians included. We need to turn away from this stuff and follow Christ only.