Based on your pastoral role at First Church, how has technology impacted the church?

Pastor Doug Pratt

I am not very tech-savvy in most areas but have devoted time and focus to developing what I think is an effective approach to the visual dimension of worship. After I arrived in 2004, we made the decision to maximize the sanctuary screens and projectors by using PowerPoint as a visual support to each facet of worship. On-screen hymn lyrics have improved the congregation’s quality of singing (people sing better while looking up). Viewing Scripture text from the large screens has given us the flexibility to use a variety of translations, not just the NRSV Bible in the pew racks. While many large churches use their screens to show a larger-than-life image of the pastor while preaching, we choose to use visual images to enhance the sermon. This reinforces the message and allows worshipers to follow the main points and better remember them.

Pastor Brad Rogers

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3 – “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins…” The importance of the Gospel message requires that we effectively use all platforms to make this truth known, including the effective use of technology. Like a trellis that enables the vine to grow, our technological infrastructure provides support for the spiritual life of the community. Whether we are teaching in the Great Room, McClure Hall, the Ministry Center, Lightner Conference Room or the Sanctuary, we are wired with technology that empowers the communication of God’s Word. Beyond that, our communications team is actively working to make the most of online communication in social media, email and web communication. Why? Because the message is “of first importance”!

Pastor Allen Walworth

First Church offers several “on ramps” to the generosity highway, many of which are supported by technological tools only available in recent years. For example, Giving Kiosks provide a convenient “offering plate” in the narthex at any time, especially for those who prefer to use a credit card. Giving through the church website allows givers to set up onetime or recurring gifts, designate to various ministries and establish auto-draft options from their bank. More and more givers are using these alternatives. The important thing is for a believer to give to God joyfully, out of gratitude and trust. We want to make it convenient to follow the prompting of the Spirit, so we offer every available tool to assist in that good work.

Pastor June Barrow

At each worship service, we see technology transformed into art through the onscreen graphics that guide us in praising God. Our women’s Bible studies also use media presentations for instruction in the Word. Even if our circle of women is small, we learn from the best teachers and meet many Christ-followers who share their faith through DVD studies. During Wednesday in the Word, we always use a video or two. Some introduce us to a fascinating person, some make us laugh, some inspire us. I once said to a friend, “I don’t have to use a video every single Wednesday.” And she said, “Oh, yes you do. It’s like you’ve made a promise and we all count on it: there will always be a video worth seeing on Wednesday mornings.”

Another Perspective

The Epistle also asked Media Manager Tommy Hillegass for his thoughts on how technology has impacted the church. Here is what he said:

I have had the opportunity to be a part of the Media Team since 2004 and have gotten to see the church grow and change in many ways, especially in the area of technology. Fast-forward 15 years; technology use in the church has grown exponentially. I know this firsthand just by the level of support the Media Ministry is asked to provide to each ministry here at First Church.

If I had to choose the biggest way technology has impacted the church, it would be how much we utilize it to enhance and support the work done by our ministries. I would also say the enhanced level of quality we have obtained in both audio and video due to technological advancements has impacted the church in a very positive way —from allowing people to hear clearly from every corner of the sanctuary to participating in worship via live feed in CenterPoint or viewing a church service on the website when out of town. The degree of community that can be experienced  through technology is nothing short of remarkable.” – Tommy Hillegass, Media Manager