Hey Family,
I am surveying the community of believers, in reference to the Black Church, and its usage of teachnology/internet.
I would appreciate it if you could respond to these questions:
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
Thank you for your answers in advance
Charles Dorsey
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1. From what i have begun to notice is that many pastors have been uploading there sermons to the internet, which i think is to the advantage of the church, as they can spread there word to many more people, and those who dont have time, desire or opportunity to attend church.
ReplyDelete2. I do not have a home church, but there are some pastors that I watch via internet.
3. As a marketing student, it is taught for us to be observant to what consumers (people) are doing and the trends. Many people are emotionally expressive through there social networks and it does allow you some insight on that person.
4. I do not think it can hurt. I think any way that the word can be spread effiectly and to more people can be helpful.
5. I do blog, for my business and my self.
-g
1. Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advantage? Pastor has facebook account but it is not promoted as a way to communicate with him or congregation.
ReplyDelete2. Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions? No, I do not.
3. How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church? Benefit - Could be used to communicate upcoming events. Hurt - could be overwhelming.
4. Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is? I do not blog and the church does not have a blog.
Hi, I hope you didn't need responses solely from Black Church goers, but I'm going to answer the questions anyways! 1. I have no idea about the ways in which the Black Church utilizes technology/internet to its advantage, though after viewing some of your youtube clips, I can see that you have been using powerpoint to help spread the word of God. 2. Yes, I do receive emails from my pastor/church. 3. No, I do not utilize facebook in any manner except via friends facebook pages 4.Technology can help spread the word of God by reaching out to a broader spectrum of people if were talking about facebook or any other social networking site, but it can also hurt the Black Church, because studies have been done that information gathered via technology is not as memorable as information that is actually printed out on paper or written by hand. 5. I recently started my own blog, but I'm not sure if it is a practice I will continue into the foreseeable future.
ReplyDelete1. I think that progressive churches in general are beginning to you technology/internet to their advantage, however I think there is a lot more that we can be doing so I would have to say no for the following reasons:
ReplyDeleteA. Number of Progressive churches v. non progressive churches. Though progressive churches may be using technology/internet there seems to be a greater proportion of churches that are not quote on quote progressive than are.
B.Not always used to full potential: When technology is used it is not always used to its fullest potential. For example it may not be uncommon for a church to have a website but they may not be using the website to its full potential in terms of marketing and communication.
C. Scared of using some sources? Some churches are wary of using all mediums of technology such as social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc.
2. Yes my pastor(s) use facebook and email to communicate with me as well as our church body. I actually get at least three emails a day from my church.
3. Yes
4. I feel as though technology expands your network and allows you to fullfill the great commission because of the potential to reach individuals all over the world without having to actually physically go there yourself.
5. Technology can hurt the black church if it is not used correctly. Also precautions should be taken on who has acess to certain mediums of technology and what is communicated to others.
6. I do blog. I am not sure if my church blogs however I know that we have several ministers who do.
1. I feel the black church has come along way in regards to using technology. Im starting to see blogs, twitter accounts, and videos from pastors and churches. It makes it easier for individuals to receive the message without actually attending church.
ReplyDelete2. I don't have a home church.
3. I use facebook for communication and networking purpose. religious views via facebook can give you some insight to an indvidual but someone's facebook life can be far different from their actual lifestyle.
4. It cant hurt, i feel it will extend the church's arm and allow the message to reach more people.
5.I do not blog. I do not have a home church. But i read blogs daily, mainly lifestlye and sports blogs.
-d.booker
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advantage?
ReplyDeleteThere is a large spectrum to consider here. In my experience, the Black church uses technology for basic, fundamental ministry service as in the case of a church of any size that uses PowerPoint/projector/screen to post the lyrics of songs during praise and worship or playing an accompaniment track for a solo. I think most of the technology use in the Black church surrounds the music ministry. In some cases, Black preachers use their websites as platforms for self-aggrandizement. I’ll go no further on that. Then, there are product sales. Many church websites sell more product than they sell Christ. Again, I should stop before I go off. The flip side here, though, is that I think it is great that pastor’s can record their sermons so that people can go back and eat throughout the week, allowing the Word to penetrate more deeply their minds and hearts.
A lot of churches I know have Facebook pages and Twitter accounts and reach out to their members and the community that way.
The technical savvy of any particular church community will be influenced by the prevailing age group(s) within the church and their level of involvement and empowerment in the church; the theological beliefs of the church; and a church’s progressiveness (or lack thereof).
In terms of productivity, I would say that megachurches that have a large structure and large operating budget and true business offices are afforded a larger market.
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
I have a Pastor friend who uses FB faithfully to communicate to me and his members, inviting us to service, keeping us posted on the development on his new church building, etc. It’s a smart thing to do; good way to connect and market a church or person.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
I don’t necessarily use it as a theological tool, but it intrigues me to see people’s posts when it has anything to do with God. Sometime, I will check to see what a certain person’s religious views are.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
Technology in and of itself is neither good nor evil. It’s neutral. What people do with it could be good or evil. The church’s relevance to the culture could be improved if we would use websites, social networking sites, and blogs as a forum for theological discussion, Christ-telling, caring for people, and creating community. When however, a church’s website becomes all about selling product or creating fame for the pastor, we have allowed the culture to penetrate us and have forgotten the purpose of the gospel message.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
LOL! I don’t blog, but have recently thought about it. I don’t know of any churches that blog, but of church folk, such as yourself who do.
1.Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
ReplyDeleteWith respect to mainline churches, they are absolutely behind the technology curve, especially with respect to using technology as an evangelism tool.
2.Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
Yes.
3.Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
No.
4.How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
Benefit - as a tool to retain connectedness with members. We no longer live within walking distance of our churches and many feel like they no longer have the same sense of family in the modern church that we had 25-30 years ago.
Harm - technology can be misused, particularly when members' confidential information is not kept secure or when access is misused (e.g., email lists sold to common marketers/spammers).
5.Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
No, no and yes.
Thank you for your answers in advance
Agent Double O-Heaven,
ReplyDelete1. I feel that the use of this technology in the Black church overall is spotty at best. There are some who take full advantage but most church "Leaders" do not. This could be attributed to generational differences however, I believe it is just an old fashioned view that If "I don't say it, think it or develop it, it is not from God". This out dated view and approach doscourages the use of Modern social communication technology in our spiritual development, teaching and research.
2. Agent OO-Heaven,
ReplyDeleteMy Pastor Is moving in that direction.
Agent ActionJ
1. I do not feel like the black church uses technology and the internet to its advantage. One reason may be because they simply do not know how to effectively use the internet to create websites, upload videos, etc. Technology is contuniously advancing and not everyone is familiar with it. However, becoming more familar with technology could be beneficial in the black church as it will provide another way to stay connected.
ReplyDelete2. Facebook & email is not used to commmunicate with me. But, I do believe that email would be more personal and beneficial than facebook would.
3. Yes. I do pay attention to what people feel about God & scriptures on facebook. Life questions are interesting, and paying attention to them allows me to think about my life and what I can do to better man.
4. It could benefit the black church by allowing people to stay connected. Sermons could be deeper analyzed and you should be able to feel like you always know what is going on in your church. It could be a disadvantage if you begin to rely on technolgy to heavily.
5. I don't blog, but I do read them frequently.
-Jay Brown
*Yes I use Facebook frequently to gain insight and to share my inspirational thoughts.
ReplyDelete*This technology will benefit all who seek to use it properly. Live services shown miles away, Research tools, educational tools, access of information, all necessary items for continued Christian education.
*I do blog occasionally
Sincerely,
Agent Actionj
Agent Double O-Heaven,
ReplyDelete. I feel that the use of this technology in the Black church overall is spotty at best. There are some who take full advantage but most church "Leaders" do not. This could be attributed to generational differences however, I believe it is just an old fashioned view that If "I don't say it, think it or develop it, it is not from God". This out dated view and approach doscourages the use of Modern social communication technology in our spiritual development, teaching and research.
Agent Actionj
1. I have seen some increasing use of internet and technology in the Black church, but not as much as some other White or ethnically mixed
ReplyDeletechurches. And as prominent as technology is in our society today, I definitely think that the Black church could put it to more use their advantage and the advantage of their congregations.
2. I know a few pastrors that have facebook accounts, but I do not communicate with them directly. I'm only "friends" with my young adult pastor on facebook.
5. I personally do not have a blog, I don't think my church has a blog...But yes I do know what blogging is!
2.
1. I believe that some churches might but for the most part not so much. I've visited websites for churches such as Chirist Our Redeemer, West Angeles, and Faithful Central. So the fact taht they have a website is good. But I do not believe that they seemed to have anyone updating the site regularly. I believe I remember them all having missing information. In terms of email, I've attended a lot of black churches and only know of Christ Our Redeemer to request email information and actually make announcements through email.
ReplyDelete2. My pastor at Christ Redeemer does..I have not experienced it at any other church
3. Somewhat, but typically no.
4. I think that technology can benefit the black church by making sure that people are aware of and reminded of upcoming events. every other sector of the world has resorted to the internet in order to maintain space in people's lives. The church definitely should! Also, the church can provide a way for its members to be able to share their church experiences with others outside of church-exposing nonattenders to the church even when they are weary about making their first visit. Technology can hurt the church if it is used to the extent where it replaces any form of intimacy that is necessary within the church. for example, the church should probably never provide live services through the internet. i believe it is important for people to literally be in the house of God. the church should avoid doing things through technology that allow people to become to comfortable with not attending the actual church.
5. I do not blog. I beleive my church blogs but I am not positive that it is constantly active.
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
ReplyDelete1. Why does it have to be about the black church? Is new technology or social media or the internet in general being used at a discernibly different rate in the black church community than in others? with that, i haven't really been checking, but what have noticed is that just about any idiot can get in front of a web cam and post all kinds of jibberish on youtube and call it a message from God. And who knows, maybe it is, but mostly I like to believe that the God I serve isn't the same one that some of these people do, in fact i'm sure of it because our God's are giving us different messages.
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
2. I don't know....so I guess that's a no.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
3. Not specifically and definitely not primarily, but sometimes, sure.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
4. See answer 1.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
5. Not any more, don't know, yes.
1.) Absolutely. I believe that online streaming is making the Word more accessible and even more opportunities to spread the ministry.
ReplyDelete2.)Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
No.
3) Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
Yes. I will often post scriptures or spiritual quotes to elicit response or just as a daily pick me up.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
It can hurt the church because the Word says "forsake not the fellowship" so I believe it can make people more lacsidasical when it comes to attending church.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
I occasionally blog, but my church does not.
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
ReplyDeleteDepends on the church... A really big/progressive church such as the Potter's house probably does... But I would guess that most black churches do not.
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
No... I'm not sure he even knows how to use facebook... lol
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
Yes... Facebook is a way to get a look into how people are tackling life's questions, which inevitably come down to spiritual/philosophical questions.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
Yes both... Technology is just another way of interaction... You have the ability to hurt or help any of the relationships/organizations/affiliations through your interactions on a daily basis... It just so happens that on the internet those affects can be seen around the world, instantly.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
I do occasionally... My church does not (see above about my pastor... lol)
1.Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
ReplyDeleteDepends on the church and their audience. If the church has the money, and the community that they serve deems it necessary, than they generally have some sort of Internet presence. But, at its core, this question is a class question, not a race question. Wealthy churches will use technology in ways that less affluent churches will not, primarily because their core audience is different.
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
My Senior Pastor is freeked out by facebook. He and a few other people that hold important positions believe that there are too many privacy concerns (i.e. people surfing the page looking for children, etc.)
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
People know that I am a pastor, so my friends may email me questions or post something on my page that is theologically provocative. Some members of the church that I serve do this also
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
It all depends on the person that it using it and their intentions. Again, this is a class question. If I were attending the church I grew up in, a poor urban church, I would not want the pastor spending time working on a "facebook" page! I would want him/her to ask what the congregation needed, and work from those needs. If they felt that creating a web presence could help them accomplish this, then go right ahead.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
I don't blog. I have too much to do!
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
ReplyDeleteI believe they do. COR often has a powerpoint to follow when people forget their bibles
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
All day everyday
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
Yes statuses about God and his ways are always on facebook
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
It can be used to make the music better and to transcend the message better
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
I do not blog. I have heard of blogging but have never looked into it deeply
1. Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage? No; not even close.
ReplyDelete2. Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you? Yes
3. Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions? No
4. How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church? It could benefit, but has yet to be used effectively enough to know whether is can also cause harm to the Black church.
5. Do you blog? Only in response to specialized causes, e.g, to stay advised of a friend's illness. Does your church blog? No; but Pastor does. Do you even know what blogging is? Yes.
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
ReplyDeleteMy church, Nu Philly does.
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
My pastor used email to communicate w/ me as a member and now as a member of the ministerial staff.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
Yes. There is a wonderful body of believers.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
Benefit - reach a generation comfortable w/ technology. Hurt - leave out a large group of people that do not have access to the information provided by technology.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
Yes, I blog, and no my church does not.
Charles, the last post is me, Vera Alice Bagneris
ReplyDelete1. Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
ReplyDeleteThe "Black Church' as a whole does not use the Internet to its advantage. As more "younger" person are entering into the position of the pastor, you will begin to see more usage of technology. I beleive those pastors who are (generally speaking) under 55 years are the first generation to incorporate technology into ministry.
2. Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
I am the pastor of my church, and I do use fb and email to communicate to my congregants. I have served this church for nearly 4 years, and it's taken some time to get at least a portion of my congregants used to email communications.
3. Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
I use fb to post spiritual messages.
4. How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
Benefit - An additional form of communication
Hurt - Like other media (TV and Radio) people will use this as an excuse for not attended church in-person.
5. Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
I do not blog, regularly. My church does not blog. Yes, I know what blogging is. :-)
Reverend Raceal's responses:
ReplyDeleteDo you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
Today many people especially under 30 look to the internet 1st for information. It would definitely benefit the church to keep an up-to-date interactive presence on the internet
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you? Yes. We get overkill on the emails so much that I'm hearing from people they don't read them anymore.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions? I only look at facebook once or twice a month for a few minutes. Most of my friends are mature christians so I do get comments about God, scripture and life questions.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
Technology can be used to benefit the church when it is timely information and provides ways to contact a live person and visit a congregation, information on special events etc. It can harm the church if the information is inaccurate, confusing and doesn't include telephone numbers where a person can talk to a live person. That can turn a person off and give the church a reputation for being outdated and irrelevant.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is? I know what it is but I don't blog. I have a website I put actual messages on. I have too many other things to do. I've never visited Pastor facebook page, but I am told he blogs. One day when I catch up with my reading and writing I'll take a look.
From Bola
ReplyDeleteDo you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
-Yes, I believe that Black churches take advantage of internet technology
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
- The young adult pastor does.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
- Not really. But I like to read peoples spiritual posts.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
-It could be used to connect with the masses in a way that has never been possible. It could also be used to get out a message about events / issues.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
-I do not, i don no9t believe my church does either. I do know what blogging is. I feel blogging could be used effectively to provide daily word. Even though i am not a fan, I believe twitter and blogging is the future.
1. In general, most black churches don't use technology enough. Most have an audio/video ministry to buy sermons or programs. However, I do think it's getting better. More and more pastors are uploading sermons and using the internet. The black church is behind in some respects, but I believe it is taking steps to close the gap.
ReplyDelete2. No, my pastor does not use facebook or email to communicate with me.
3. Yes I definitely use facebook to how people feel about God. Facebook tells a lot. I'm not saying you can see who is about God, but you can definitely see who is NOT about God by looking at comments and pictures. They may very well be Godly, but I'm trying to avoid Carnal Christians when it comes to dating.
4. I think technology can help the black church when it comes to posting sermons online, facebook invites for events, email reminders about events, programs and special services. The only possible hindrance is that if people become more into the internet and participating in services via online, they may skip out on the in person worship. It's important to not forsake the assembly of God's people.
5. I know what blogging is, but I don't blog nor does my church have a blog. I don't know if I would be interested in my church blog's...if they had one.
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage? There are many black church's in the United States and most of them are not on the internet and either the members or Pastors do not want to understand it, they are either scared because of the many horror stories or just do not care. Most of the Pastors either tell you it is there way or the highway, Most of them do not know about texting. Many of the churchs are small and they do not want to take the time out to learn about the technology/internet. It is very sad due to I used to belong to a small church and visit other churchs and they are not interested. Some church folk just are not interested at all.
ReplyDeleteDoes your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you? YES my Pastor has over I believe 5500 plus people on facebook and he has moved to Twitter, my church Christ Our Redeemer has streaming service on Sunday on 3 of our services, we have a total of 4 services. We have a great Audio Team, very cutting edge with the technology. We have a web site you can join pay tithes and etc. I had the chance to Minister to a UCI Student and they joined via internet and came that same Sunday and they are still attending the church.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions? I do not use facebook, but I visit other people site, but I feel Facebook and other social sites and the Internet is a good tool for people who do not come to church to worship, at least they are hearing or reading about God. And also learning, but you have to watch who you listen to make sure that person has there information correct. That also scares people they do not know who to believe. I tell people that the bible every version is on the web and read for yourself. Do not depend on someone you do not know or trust.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church? Technology cannot hurt the church in my opinion any technology or knowledge of any kind can help anyone and every church needs a web site, If they cannot afford the cost it is basically very affordable they can go to the college or high school students or members in the church to help them put up a one page site if they cannot afford it. If there is a will there is a way, believe me there are people who will help that church.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
I am not sure if my church blogs? but I do not have the time for it, I think it is a great idea and I read others comments on various sites if I am looking for others opinions.
True
Do you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advantage?
ReplyDeleteMany Black churches are so rooted in tradition that they have not been willing to incorporate technology into their ministries.
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
Yes, my pastor/church uses both facebook and email. Fortunately, most of our members are accessible through facebook, so it's easy to stay current on what's happening in one another's lives.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
Yes.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
I have seen it used ineffectively when a pastor friend aired his personal business in a status update on facebook. I called him immediately and offered a safe place for him to talk and air out his frustrations.
It is beneficial in reaching people who oftentimes are not apart of the local ministry. Technology enables the gospel to be carried out beyond the four walls of the church building.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
Yes, I blog. My church has a blog and has noted my blog as one of it's spiritual resources.
From: jwool - (Charles, you are a blessing)
ReplyDeleteDo you feel that the Black church uses technology/internet to its advangtage?
I think the Black Church is constratined by the cost and expertise to establish and maintain a technology strategy and its membership is burdened by economics and the lack of technical literacy.
Does your pastor/church use facebook or email to communicate with you?
Yes.
Do you use facebook to gain insight on what people feel about God/scripture/life's questions?
No, I do not use facebook. However, I do access the Daily Bread online (receive via email) and I use the Internet to research and stay current on topics, such as Servant Leadership.
How do you feel technology can be used to benefit/hurt the Black Church?
For those Churches that have the resources to establish and maintain a technology strategy and a membership that leverages the strategy, the Church prospers through increased communication, income, and community impact and outreach.
Do you blog? Does your church blog? Do you even know what blogging is?
No, I do not blog. Members of my Church, including my Pastor, communicate using social networking services.
The black church is continuing to evolve which includes technology. In 2010 you can no longer define the church as "the black church" as we are finally learning to integrate. It has been said that Sunday morning is one of the most segregated days of the week and we are finally learning to change that stigma. Technology has helped us to change the stigma of the black church.
ReplyDeletePastors, such as Bishop Craig Johnson, use technology to emphasize their Sunday morning sermons via Power point presentations as well as present announcements on video versus paper bulletins. In 2010 you will find a multitude of Pastors on facebook and twitter. They use this electronic tool as a communication resource with their young adults. This tool is effective to reach out to this generation of high techno geeks. Most churches have websites and can be seen on streaming faith. Because churches are accessible via the internet more cultures can avail themselves to worship.