Page 51 - Digital Church in a Lonely World

By asking the right questions, we can better understand the impact of a new technology and not be
distracted by the convenience benefits. It gives us a more well-rounded perspective than just blindly
accepting every new digital trend or online platform that is marketed to the church world.

Physical, in-person experiences are not dead. In fact, some of the leading tech companies are
investing strongly in this area. Churches should continue their commitment to physical expressions of
community.

To complement in-person community, we need more innovation in online ministry, not less. The
always-connected world presents us with almost unlimited opportunity to help people, spread the
gospel and make disciples. The church needs to be “ambidextrous” simultaneously building our
in-person model while boldly exploring new ways to minister to people online. Ambidexterity
provides us with the ability to pursue both at the same time.

In their book Future Church, Will Mancini, Cory Hartman and Ed Stetzer comment: “Organizations
that endure must have an undying commitment to a core ideology on the one hand but a ruthless
commitment to change everything else on the other. This ironically becomes the only way to stay true to
your core.” 24

Innovation that happens within boundaries is more purposeful. An artist with a brush in their hand
could paint anywhere in a room. On the walls. On the carpet. On their shoes. However, they focus their
creativity on a finite canvas. This limitation, this boundary, does not hinder their genius; it channels it
where it is most productive.

Our digital innovation needs a canvas. That canvas of limitation is our biblical definition of the local
church community. We need disciplined digital innovation that keeps us focused on our central mission.

DIGITAL CHURCH IN A LONELY WORLD 51