I’ll be the first to admit — I’m not the most tech-savvy person I know.
In fact, I really dragged my feet when it came to:
- getting a cell phone and
- getting on Facebook
But I must say, that after slowly easing my way into the waters of technology and social media, I’ve really come to enjoy much of what it has to offer.
So I previously posed the questions (on Twitter, Facebook and Google+):
If you have all 3: a smartphone, iPad/tablet and laptop/pc — which do you use the most? Why? Which of these 3 would you give up first if you had to? Why?
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I did find myself surprised by the number of people who responded with the belief that their iPads & smartphones were their most valued (and used) pieces of technology — and that their laptops would be the first thing that they would get rid of (if they had to). A couple of people even mentioned that their laptops/pc’s were beginning to collect dust due to lack of use.
I find myself wondering how much of this had to do with the novelty that comes from rapid advancements and ever-changing nature of the smartphone and tablet-type technologies.
Are they really that much more convenient? Or user-friendly?
Do they offer that much more than a laptop or pc?
I’m asking in all sincerity.
I really enjoy my iPhone, but when given the choice to type out an email with my thumbs, or use all 10 of my digits on a keyboard, I’ll almost always choose the latter.
I’ll confess to having had very little interaction with this mid-size mobile technology. But the thing that’s always puzzled me about the iPad/tablet-type devices is that they seem to fall into this odd size/function category where they don’t fit nicely into your pocket (like a smartphone) and they don’t have the external keyboard or ability to hold itself up in position (like a laptop).
For me, my laptop and iPhone seem to provide more than enough ways for me to stay connected and current… but I want to be open to the possibility that the iPad/tablet (or other such devices) might have much to offer us in our work with college students!
SO, considering the person and work of those of us in college ministry, I want to know:
- Which of these devices is most essential for what we do?
- How would you rank these 3 items in terms of their capacity to further your work with college students?
- Is there anything special about the iPad/tablet-type devices that I’m unaware of? Something that makes them a “must have”?
Thanks for helping to enlighten this tech-neanderthal for ministry in the 21st Century!
>>>>>>>>>
FOLLOW-UP: A posted this last summer (July ’11), before purchasing an iPad in October. And while I love my iPad — and use it regularly in a variety of ways (it has primarily taken over the role of a notepad at meetings — among other things that I could just as easily access on my phone or laptop), but I still think that if I had to give one of these three up it would probably be the iPad.
But I’m glad I don’t have to give one up. 😉
7 thoughts on “Technology: What is Essential for Ministry?”
At this point I am with you Guy. In fact I don’t even have a smart phone or a work laptop (we have one at home though, a Mac so I can stay “relevant” with my students computing trends). I have desired a smartphone but as of yet have not quite been willing to make the jump due to cost (dollars, time, and presence). I will definitely keep an eye on this post though. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing Frank! I must confess that if my iphone was not paid for I’d likely not have one — or any kind of mobile device for that matter. I fight daily with wanting to completely unplug and detatch — but am increasingly convinced that new technologies and e-connections will play an increasing role in ministry with this generation of students.
Of course, my desire is always to move from virtual connections with students to the face-to-face kind!
All you need is a mobile phone that can do voice and SMS. All other features are just that, features. If your mobile can do those basics, then a probable next step is to have a mobile or computing device that can view the social network(s) you would like to invest time into.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a smartphone unless you are pushing the mobile to be your office or creation station. The added expanse of mandatory data plans into USA makes getting a smartphone something that while it may be possible, is also somewhat wallet or tech-knolwedge defeating.
Most needed for ministry though isn’t the tech, but the relevance of the Gospel or some other serving capacity. In what way is that tech enabling you to live out what you believe? If it’s not, then it’s not essential for ministry.
iPad is still a big iPhone in my world. I’ll never get away from the mouse pad & keyboard especially with the speed of a laptop & for graphic design work & videography which helps out alot for ministers who want decent looking graphics/videos on a tight budget.
Suffice it to say, I’m a tech enthusiast and nerd of a high degree. I think I could tell you 10 blog posts worth of stuff on what ministry benefits aren’t being taken advantage of in the realm of technology from where I see most people and organizations. With that…
I’d probably give up the iPad first, but not by choice. I’d give up the cell if purely by choice. I’m kinda obligated to keep the cell at this point, but really there are free and easy ways to have even your iPad or laptop do everything a phone can do – and better. I’ve considered trying and saving the money! Laptop is #1 by far though because of power, storage, and abilities.
iPad a “must-have”: no not really. Yet if you have one, there’s some “must-have” apps and things that it could be being used for. Easiest networking, note-taking, fundraising, travel friendly, conversation starting, socializing, bible and book reading device ever made… and I am not an Apple fanboy at all. Seriously. It just is what it is.
Anyways, last thought for now: We can all want face-to-face or, as some do, complain we don’t have it, but our people do the majority of their communication and value hunting online on tech now. Like the iPad, I don’t think it’s evil or holy, haha, it just is what it is. I’m sad at the resistance to utilize methods and meet people where they are that I see from so many. Change is daily now, and we have to step up to it.
Hey Adam!
What apps would you consider to be “must haves?”
How about submitting a post for the Back to School blogathon on some ways we can better utilize technology (for those who may be slower to adopt it).
Thanks for sharing!
Well, here I go blowing up your comments again, but… a few of my favorites at the time:
-Evernote – a given for so many reasons.
-Logos bible software. -Vyrso – links all your books to and from Logos, and they do giveaways/deals on good books – grrrreat. -YouVersion Bible, duh, but also Logos folks just made a new study bible app that’s looking so cool – FaithLife. Currently free but won’t be for long – I’ve always wondered why logos folks didn’t make a study Bible linked to all their resources! Finally. Check it out.-Paypal – really good at a ministry fundraising event. -Then, Chimpadeedoo – Slick as can be. Beautiful for quick sign-ups for support newsletters or blog followers at a conference – it’s a Mail Chimp product, so you should really try it if you haven’t yet – it’d be great for sign ups with students at the start of new school year too.
-Huge Keynote fan.
-Chrome browser – just released – keepin all my tabs and bookmarks in sync while on the go from desk at home.
-Google Drive, Box, Dropbox – tons of synced storage – not too mention collaboration – I never worry about printing off or leaving my material before I lead a Bible study anymore. Haha.
-Then, though I could go on and on, absolute FAVORITE app right now: POCKET. Amazing. Keeps me sane and organized. Always “saving for later” so I can get more important stuff done. Phone, browser, iPad. I “love” this app.
That should keep ya busy for a bit. Haha. I could do more. Our worship leaders could benefit greatly from many different apps. Anyways, yea, I could do it. I thought about it but thought I was going to be gone. Just found out I’ll get back mid-day on the 7th, so it could probably happen. Same rules as guest posting?
Comments are closed.