O
ne person answers me by raising their cell phone. Another points to the computer on the desk. An occasional adventurer dares to mumble a few words, sometimes nonsensically.I like to roam the corridors asking people this question. I am always surprised by people’s reactions. Most people hesitate to answer, trying to articulate a satisfactory response. It is almost as if I would asked them an existential question.
Technology is so much a part of our experience that it is hard for us to define it. We take it for granted. We forget that much of what we use in our daily lives is technology. You can look around and take a mental inventory, but what is technology?
Churches throughout history have used technology, even if they were not always aware of it. Times have changed. Now we need to be aware of the meaning of technology and be intentional about how we use it.
To define technology with the purpose of understanding its applicability in Christian ministry is of utmost importance. Considering these two variations: what it is and how I use it, I’ve come to the following pragmatic definition:
Technology is an interconnected cultural network of people, systems, processes, policies, and devices that allows us to interact with the world around us.
Vladimir Lugo
Let us delve into this technological Pentateuch, these 5 vital columns of technology.
A Cultural Network
Technology is a product of culture and has the potential to transform it. It is important to know the culture in which technology develops, the culture that uses technology, and the culture we aim to reach with technology. We must not lose sight of culture in our dealings with technology. I delve deeper into some of these dynamics in my article on the cultural challenge of technology.
An Interconnected Network
No technology exists in isolation. Technology evolves through its generational links, meaning current technology always inherited from its predecessors. Technology creates a common experience. We must not overlook technology’s ability to connect; its impact lies therein.
A Network of People
I have found many mistakes in church tech initiatives happen because people are overlooked. Technology is by the people, for the people. This includes those who benefit from it, but it should also encompass qualified personnel to implement and support it. We cannot lose sight of technology’s human factor, given the ministry’s goal is to touch human hearts.
A Network of Systems
According to the Royal Spanish Academy, a system is “a set of things that, related to each other, contribute to an object.” Technology is a system. The church is a system, a body made up of contributing entities, and I am not just talking about tithes. Some contribute by attending, others by serving. We must not overlook the intrinsic systematic relationship of technology..
Network of Processes
Every process moves something from one state to another, transforming it at every step. Processes are often represented by flow charts that define input and output states (I/O). The way the Christian message flows from one person to another is a process, one that transforms the heart. We cannot lose sight of technology’s processes. What do we want to change with it? How does it move from one step to another?
A Network of Policies
Certain norms, whether written or unwritten, govern the use of technology. As it has evolved, official government bodies have been created to regulate it, and new laws are enacted with new advancements. We mustn’t overlook the laws that govern technology usage, like software usage licenses, privacy policies, copyrights, or warranties.
A Network of Devices
Finally, we come to what most people point to as the most obvious: the devices. Even if a knife can also be used as a screwdriver, we must not lose sight of the specific needs of device handling regarding recommended use, proper maintenance, and lifecycle.
An Interactive Network
These five components of technology are in constant interaction with each other and the surrounding world. They mediate our relationship with the world we’re called to reach with the gospel message. It is easy, and surely a modern-day malaise, to isolate ourselves when using technology. We cannot overlook technology’s interactive nature.
Without people (like scientists and technicians), systems (design and budget), processes (manufacturing and marketing), policies (usage and privacy), and devices (functionality and maintenance), there would be no technology, making it harder for us to interact with the world around. But we are called to interact. We are called to cast the net. Jesus said:
Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
Matthew 13:47
How do we cast the net of ministerial technologies? This will be the subject of the next series of articles.
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