Thank you for reading my latest article Which is it? Examine the Data? Or Trust the Lord?. Catch the full episode at https://youtu.be/b5lA-GH1-Fg.
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In Episode Four of Season One of my TCTC Talk Podcast, the conversation is about tech-driven data versus faith. Well, should there even be a versus? The title poses a question so you can choose: “Which is it? Examine the Data? Or Trust the Lord? "
In some ways, this episode skips ahead of many topics and even products that we will discuss in future podcasts, effectively putting a proverbial horse before that cart! The way it should be, right! This is the case because some Biblical precedence is given to qualify the need to conduct some research when determining your next steps for technology adoption or adaptation.
When adopting or adapting technology for ministry, it may be important to know a few things about the hurdles that you will face on the journey. Some of those hurdles relate to your own ministry, some relate to the world that you are asked to go out and reach. Ask yourself, “Can I identify those hurdles, and am I trained and qualified to leap at the right time, land safely, and maintain momentum in my ministry with new tech turned on?”
The question is a bit long, and intentionally vague for marketing reasons, but the fact remains that the more you know about tech (including church-specific tech), the better your approach or pivot as you move toward the vision and carry out the mission for which you are called. To avoid ignoring the race or cheating by going around the hurdles, the podcast goes into a spiritual aspect of life that becomes important to the mindset around decision-making at the intersection of faith and data.
I dive into some biblical precedence for data-gathering for spiritual causes, and even how Jesus handled inquiries about old and new, and how to reconcile the choices between them. We approached His answer from the perspective of the old ways versus the new infringing technology.
So, which is it, and what should we do? Many things became apparent while preparing for this episode, but here are only a handful that may help you decide:
- Data combined with trust in the Lord is relevant today.
- The Barna report provides insights into church effectiveness.
- Biblical origins of data analysis can guide modern practices.
- Churches should collect and examine data for decision making.
- Trusting God is essential alongside data analysis.
- Jesus taught about the balance of old and new.
- Technology can enhance ministry effectiveness.
- Faith should guide the interpretation of data.
- Both data and faith are necessary for strategic moves.
- Engaging with data can reveal insights for ministry growth.
Login or create and account to access information about Barna, the report, and the Church Pulse Assessment at https://barna.gloo.us/login.
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About Jonathan Lonon
Jonathan Lonon decided to use his multi-decade career in technology and service as a Church Administrator to solve a problem of technology support solutions for other small to mid-sized churches. His passions have led to him authoring a book, “Effective Technology in Ministry: A Practical Guide”, the primary text at an accredited theological school; founding The Church Tech Club (TCTC) online community; and hosting the TCTC Talk Podcast, to expose many facets of positive tech adoption through introductions to passionate faith-based tech providers. His purpose is to support churches and ministries wanting to use technology ethically and effectively to promote the Gospel of Christ and the fulfilment of the Great Commission. His Simple Strategic Approach (SSA) framework is part of a masterclass in the TCTC Platinum Tier that advises and coaches many of the most exciting churches on fire for God.