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Computers in Ministry
July, 2005

The world around us is in the 21st century, connected by the Internet, cell phones, email, etc. How can we reach them or minister to them with 19th century tools? What better way to “connect” this high tech generation with the Gospel than to use tools with which they are comfortable?

A most familiar technical tool, the computer, is common in homes and businesses alike. It is as vital in ministry as in other parts of our society. For every computer-generated task at home or work there is a like or corresponding application in ministry. Email can go around the world in minutes. Former TECH Intern, John Lundstedt, recently set up remote radio email sites in Africa, a project initiated by Retiree Les Williams. Mission stations that can only be reached by aircraft now have email system that will deliver messages with that same speed. The Internet is effective in ministry for everything from information exchange to online communication. The explosive growth of the Internet is sure to transform the shape of ministry in the future.

Ministry needs are similar to those of all computer users: reliable hardware and software that will do the job. There are two great gaps in the area of software. One is cost. Missions cannot spend thousands of dollars every year on software, as the commercial world does. Missionary TECH Team is able to keep costs within their reach. The second gap is the lack of available software that will meet needs unique to ministries. Commercial software often falls short. TECH has developed specialized software packages, including ARK (AWANA Record Keeping), CMS (Contribution Management System), MICAH (Missionary Information Catalog And History), and work is in process on a software program for camp ministries.

Today’s public has expectations for use of “state of the arts” media, even within the context of ministry. Large churches endeavor to meet these expectations with multi-media presentations, audio and video equipment that rival other venues. Most churches make use of computers to create or run these, as well as to organize their ministries. As an ongoing project, Computer Services provides hardware and software support for four local churches with greatly diverse needs. It is TECH’s privilege to come alongside each to assist them with computer needs in order that they may be more effective in their ministries.

When a ministry or missionary has a computer need, there is help available. TECH’s Computer Services provides expertise and guidance related to computer systems and networks, ranging from the selection, acquisition and set-up of equipment to design and installation of networks, technical assistance and web page development. It includes guidance in the choice of software as well as software development to meet specific ministry needs. Numerous ministries have sought and received assistance. Missionary TECH Team is grateful to be a partner with these ministries to bring the Gospel to the world.


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