Then there are the poor folks who might get stuck behind me in traffic when my car won’t go because of something I did to my engine trying to get the turbo to work. Again, just because I can doesn’t mean I should.
The Technological Imperative:
The same is true with technology. Technology is advancing at an exponential rate and there are many things that can be “improved’ through technology, but that doesn’t mean technology is right for everyone. It is ok to use a paper boarding pass. It is ok to pay with cash or write a check at the checkout line. It is ok to go into the gas station to pay for your gas.
When I think of ministries and organizations and their technology support needs, I often question if we are supporting things we should support or supporting things we shouldn’t even be attempting. My computer can support up to 12 monitors, does that mean I should, or I should add that support load to someone else so I can have 12 monitors?
Don’t let the perceived need to use technology make you ineffective. It’s ok to call someone instead of sending a text. It’s ok to balance your checkbook using the register booklet that comes with your checks. (Yes, I’m old.) Don’t waste time trying to use technology when you can accomplish the same thing using a tried and true, analog method.
Beware the technological imperative: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
This article originally appeared here, and is used by permission. Jonathan Smith is an author, conference speaker, and the Director of Technology at Faith Ministries in Lafayette, IN. You can reach Jonathan at jsmith@faithlafayette.org and follow him on Twitter @JonathanESmith.
