Nearly 50 clergy and laity gathered for day-long TechTalk educational events held in Evansville and Scottsburg in March 2008. Some came from as far away as Indianapolis, Martinsville and even Fort Wayne - a testament to the timeliness of the topic for Indiana congregations.
Workshop presenters and Center for Congregations staffers Aaron Spiegel and Nancy Armstrong provided technology information, such as the difference between business and personal computer systems, how to network a congregation's office computers, developing and maintaining websites, and the pros and cons of available congregation management software.
One bit of advice that elicited knowing nods and laughs from participants had to do with accepting donated equipment and using volunteer labor to service the church’s office computers. “Don’t do it!” Aaron advised, “It will cost you more in the long run.”
Technology planning must become part of the congregation’s culture if it is to be effective. Following these six steps will help:
1. Create a technology team
2. Use professional help
3. Include training in your technology budget and use it!
4. Talk with other congregations about their use of technology and training
5. Buy just what you need
6. Get all your records on computer and back up your data
The electronic world is here to stay. This workshop provided participating congregations with practical information on using technology for in-house administration AND made a compelling case for employing available technology to interact with the growing numbers of people who rely on e-communications for information and meaningful community.
Spiegel and Armstrong are co-authors of a book on the same topic, 40 Days and 40 Bytes.
Click here for a copy of the TechTalk resource guide.
Marie Fleming
Consultant
Center for Congregations - South
