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The editorial in the December 2004 edition of Christian Computing magazine reports statistics that show 97% of churches that read CCM record a growth in membership by conversion, over against the national average of less than 50% of churches. The editor goes on to deduce that "these churches must be seeking to use technology tools to expand their ministry". Interesting conclusion.
I wonder whether it is more an indication of the type of thinking which takes place in such churches rather than the use of technology per se. People who use computers as a regular part of their life are much more likely to be up-to-date with contemporary trends and more likely to utilise the sort of matrix thinking (as opposed to linear thinking) which computers and technology command.
Pikka Himanen, in his book "The Hacker Ethic" explores the culture which is associated with concentrated computer use, noting different ways of perceiving truth, different ways of determining what is right, and different approaches to challenges. The computer generation tends to see obstacles as challenges rather than barriers, are more likely to be adaptable and flexible in approach, and therefore more likely to engage in shared thinking rather than hierarchical notions of authority and truth. Perhaps this approach to engagement might explain the link above, rather than merely employing a powerpoint in a church service, or an Excel spreadsheet in the offic accounting.
Posted by gary at February 16, 2005 11:33 AM
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