Let a microphone or sound system go out in the middle of the pastor’s preaching and immediately someone is trying to fix it. Lights go out and someone is frantic until the burned out bulb is fixed.

It happens. It is a fact of life, things do not last forever. Yet as shocking as it is, some churches and ministries rely on old technology to get the message across.

I realize not all churches have much of a budget, but in larger churches if you are still using an overhead projector and wipe off pens on plastic sheets to display your announcements, you need to catch up. I realize we invested quite a bit of money in products to supplement our  tape ministries, but does anyone even own a tape player anymore?

What do you use?

We find it very easy to upgrade our personal cell phone. If we have a TV or monitor in our home, then it is usually less than five years old to keep up with the changes in technology.

Other than in a laptop, most of us do not even have a CD player anymore, and for most of us, it is a DVD drive not a CD anymore. Society has changed and if we mean to reach the lost, or even keep our own members updated with what is going on, we need to upgrade.

Cell phones, multimedia players, and computers are all based in similar formats, and our message needs to reach them where they are. However, if we are not using the tools that they are using we can’t reach them.

Is The Message Worth It?

Our first instinct when we think about upgrading  is the cost. Many times it isn’t cheap, and we delegate our ministry equipment to what we don’t use at home anymore, or perhaps what someone has donated. Yet, if we look around our church we would see that some areas need serious updating.

I have been in churches in the past couple of years where they recorded their sermons on CD but in a format that most CD players don’t even play anymore. One church used software that they had to restart every 15 minutes, so there were gaps on the CDs in the messages, and instead of flowing words, it seemed that some of the thought was lost.

And that is really unnecessary. There are programs available that are free that can record from beginning to end, and even include output formats that can be played on cell phones and iPods. This would reach many more people.

Yes, it is worth spreading the message no matter the cost but to buy a computer, or laptop that can be used better than the antiques we use in our ministries, really is not as expensive as we like to think. Chances are the amount of money you paid for that iPhone is more than what it would cost to get a good laptop for your ministry. And if you use an iPad or tablet computer, well it for sure is cheaper.

If you have the money to buy yourself an iPad, you have the money to buy a laptop for use in your church.

Ministry Uses

Just a few areas of your church that could benefit from upgraded technology and software that get overlooked include:

• Church Bulletins, Newsletter, & Other Printed Materials
• Media Ministries (CD, DVD, Video Presentations)
• Power Point (Songs, Announcements, Minister’s Message)
• Sunday School
• Attendance
• Church Member Directory
• Church Website

There are many more areas that are crucial to your ministry but you get the idea.

Consider The Cost

Yes, it is very important to consider the cost of upgrading. To be honest, I miss having song books to hold  as we sing, and it really helps visitors. The idea of buying new song books can be very expensive, and many churches have gone on to using an overhead screen or some sort of monitor system to show the words for everyone to see.

It can be difficult if the worship leaders sing new songs that visitors, elderly people, or those who sit in the back do not know. If the words are hard to read either because of too small of font, or some background that really isn't suited for words, or  if the one screen on the platform is too far away, then many of the congregation will still get lost.

But most of us have no upgraded our hardware or software in so many years, that our computer still uses old formats that you can’t even get supplies or tech support and is incredibly slow. If your computer is more than three years old, and even that would be considered antique, then you need to find some money in the budget to update.

Older computers heated up more, had weak video cards to display media, and formats that will not work with newer systems. The hard drives are generally full with information, images, and databases, that if not backed up elsewhere would be lost forever if your hard drive crashes.

We even update our bibles more than that, and The Word never changes.

Plus if you are requiring your Creative Missions Team to work with outdated equipment, then do not be surprised if the materials you put out do not look as good as someone down the street. Many ministries supplement this by outsourcing ‘important materials’ to a designer and pay more for that than they would to just buy a new computer. It is more cost effective to have at least some of your media created by the talent God has placed in your ministry. Plus, you can also hire someone if you choose to make materials, that you can edit yourself later. It saves money and time.

Do You Know What You Need?

Now, I realize not everyone knows what they need to bring their technology and media up to date, and before you make a big purchase, you should make sure you know exactly what you need. Do not base your decision on what a friend told you; the advertisements you may have seen; or even on the knowledge you have gleaned yourself. Speak with someone who works with media and design on a regular basis.

Apostolicvision Design Services offers free quotes, and we can consult with you on what your ministry needs to stay updated with today’s technologies.