In most cases, we are a society that fears change, especially if that change involves developing new skills or habits or, even more so, changing old skills or habits. This is certainly evident in the technological revolution that has and is occurring before us. We justify this fear factor several ways. It is going to impede the hands on relational aspects of Churches and their members some say. Churches said the same thing when the telephone was invented. Technology is actually furthering the hands on relational aspects of Churches by providing them with additional communication capabilities. Nothing good comes from the Internet, just watch the news or read the paper others say. When was the last time the news or newspaper reported on the flight from Atlanta to Chicago that didn't experience any problems? Yet, we still fly, or drive our car, etc. The news isn't going to report what is good about the Internet and the World Wide Web.

My Mother recently purchased a couple of books at an online bookstore. When she visited the site after a couple of purchases, she was shocked to see a "Welcome Mrs. Dalton" message and a special offer for a couple of books similar to the ones she purchased earlier. Suddenly, her privacy had been violated and there was this evil empire on the other side of her computer screen. When she told me this story I made the following analogy. Mom, what if when you go to the grocery store tomorrow, the same store you shop at every week, the managers could see you walking through the parking lot and immediately change the store around so that things you normally buy are on the first aisle, would you like that? I asked. Yes, she said, that would be great. And when you walked in, they would say Welcome Mrs. Dalton, we have everything ready for you. That would be cool wouldn't it I added. Yes, she said. Then she realized I had her. Granted there is a security issue when it comes to online transactions but that wasn't her fear. Her fear was simply that she didn't understand what was on the other side, nor did she want to make the effort to understand it.

Those same fears and/or lack of understanding have prevented Churches from
truly utilizing their Web presence and the Internet to benefit their
Ministries, Congregation and Community. Use judgement, make an informed
decision, but don't negate a useful communication tool based upon a
lack of information.

Joe Dalton is with FaithHighway, Inc. FaithHighway designs and develops custom Web Sites for Churches and Ministries featuring interactive web tools. For more information on their products and services visit www.solutions.faithhighway.com Or call 877-703-2484 E-mail: joe.dalton@faithhighway.com