Page 47 - Digital Church in a Lonely World

DISCIPLINED DIGIT AL

A new digital innovation may help us to reach more people or change the world in some way, but it
should still be scrutinized—if anything, to help remind us that technology should always be the servant

and never the master. The master should be our biblical convictions on what the Church is and the
mission God has given us.

John Mark Comer says, “I think it’s wise to cultivate a healthy suspicion of technology. Technological,
and even economic, progress does not necessarily equal human progress.” 21

I’ve been thinking a lot about the phrase “unintended consequences.” It may apply to how we use

technology. Technology has promised a lot. Convenience. Efficiency. Progress. Life was supposed to be
better with a smartphone and a smart fridge. But has technology delivered on its promise? For those
of us who grew up in an analog world, technology has brought great benefits to our lives, yet many of

us still feel we have lost something. After all, technology has emphasized a slew of challenges. Anxiety.
Loneliness. Alienation. Division. Angst. Negative news cycles. Many feel disenchanted with modern
life, despite the fact that they can order an Uber from their wristwatch.

Technology helps. Technology hurts. If we know where the hurt is, we can build around it more
intentionally.

We need a filter for new technology, so that if we decide to embrace it, we can understand the potential
dark side of its use and, in turn, develop a plan to counterbalance it. In his book A World Without
Email, productivity expert Cal Newport asks probing questions about the hidden costs of technology.
If businesspeople are asking about the unforeseen challenges that new technology has fostered, maybe
those of us in church leadership should also give it consideration. Let’s ask deeper questions.

Technology helps. Technology hurts.
If we know where the hurt is, we can
build around it more intentionally.

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