A great reminder article here reminding us that technology always impacts someone:
We also need to be aware that technological change always affects people in ways we might not guess.
Eugene Peterson tells the story of when his church implemented a bulletin folding machine. For decades, a group of women met on Saturdays to do the time-consuming work of folding the Sunday bulletins.
Peterson thought the ladies would appreciate how the machine freed up their Saturdays, but they were actually saddened that the machine eliminated the need for them to meet together regularly.
It’s true, you know. Our job as technologists is to take great care and consideration with the many possible “luddites in ministry” that we encounter. Here is John’s recommendation on engagement:
Since that experience, I’ve developed a strategy of introducing slow, gradual adjustments and taking the time to clearly explain how something new will work.
I’d recommend that the next time you want to introduce a new technology in your ministry, resist the urge to be like the bosses of the Luddites who valued technology more than people.
And rather than just labeling those who are resistant to change as Luddites, take the time to think through how the change will affect each person and how you can help them in the transition.
A good word.
