Matt 3.0 — Changing the mainline Christian view on the use of technology

0admin • 16th Mar 2009 • Posts • Opinion, Technology, Web

Not so many years ago, I was an avid blogger. MattCarlisle.com was a place for me to lift up new Web methodologies and applications from a “ministry” perspective. It became a rolling list of resources that I had used and or had recently been released. I was very neutral in my presentation, never wanting to endorse one product over another. I was also very careful not to share much of an opinion, so not to offend. Sounds pretty boring — I agree, it was! While a great resource, suggestion without opinion isn’t much help to anyone.

The past few weeks I’ve felt a strong pull to retool my blog and share a more personal perspective on Web as ministry. A Matt 3.0 if you will.

I will certainly ruffle feathers. But honestly, I’m tired of seeing good money spent on worthless ventures in the name of service.

I want to help create a culture shift. Changing the mainline Christian view on the use of technology is in desperate need of help. I’m not simply talking about the mainline protestant churches, but all Christian churches. For some of you, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Internet isn’t a fad and tools of Social Media aren’t going away. The wave has crested. You missed it. Now what?

The daily use of the Internet and technology as part of programmatic ministry is a subject that I am passionate about. I’ve devoted most of my professional working life to this subject and I certainly have an opinion. I realize that helping to create a culture shift means I won’t make everyone happy and I will certainly ruffle feathers. But honestly, I’m tired of seeing good money spent on worthless ventures in the name of service. I’m tired of seeing a generation of youth not able to find a flood of relevant Christian voices online. I’m tired of “tired looking” websites. I’m tired of bureaucratic church leaders that opt to do it the way “we’ve always done it.” And I’m mostly tired of excuses.

I’ve now publicly called myself on the carpet, so there’s no going back.

I’ve now publicly called myself on the carpet, so there’s no going back. If you share my sentiment, or have your own “tired excuses” to get off your chest, please feel free to visit my blog. All opinons are welcome. Blessings.