Children’s ministry can use the most technology of any other ministry in the church. The media ministry may use the most technology and if so, then children’s ministry can be a close second.
In the church where I serve, we average between 15-20 children on most Sunday mornings from nursery through sixth grade. On a typical Sunday morning I utilize five computers, one tablet, two flat screen televisions and wifi. Four of the devices are used for our check in system, two computers and flat screens are used for the preschool and elementary groups for the media aspect of the lesson. Pictured on the right is the main check in station for Sunday mornings. All of this technology does not include my personal tablet and smartphone that I use for ministry on Sunday mornings. Technology, while not mandatory, has become an important aspect for children’s ministry, especially with the need for check in systems to protect the children.
As we all know, technology is great… when it works. Printers jam, wifi goes down, the Windows computer updates at an inconvenient time; so much can go wrong and I have experienced it all.
The main issue with technology in a small church is that often only one person understands and is comfortable with it. How many churches do you see where someone decides to start a Facebook page or a website and when that person leaves or gets busy that awesome way to connect with the community goes stagnant and becomes more of a hindrance with outdated information that has not been updated for months or years. Or the check in system cannot be used because you are off one Sunday. So how do you combat this common scenario?
Keep it simple.
Use one password for all systems that have a common purpose like being used for check in. Have the systems set up as close as possible to minimize confusion. Have a written procedure that almost anyone can easily follow to set up the system and operate it, even with contingency plans.
Train others
You do not need a deep bench. Teach people the basics, and then build from there. If you use PowerPoint or other media presentation software, teach someone how to move from slide to slide. It may be one person that you teach, even if they may be a little reluctant you can ease them into it. The key is to get others involved.
Develop an instruction manual
As I noted before, write down procedures for how to turn on the technology and run it. Keep it simple and basic including troubleshooting in case of any potential issues. You may always be tweaking this as different scenarios arise and clarify things as others read it and use it but you find it to be a valuable tool.
Think about the future
When you set up technology, do it in a general way, not personalized for you. While you may not have plans to leave, inevitably God calls people to other ministries and the technology should not be tied to you, your personal e-mail, etc. Others should be able to pick it up and use it as seamlessly as possible. As you train others to use the technology, they should not have to log in with your personal credentials.
Final thought
The easy way out is to use your own personal computer. If there are no other options, then use it, but have a contingency plan of what others will do if you are not there. How they can handle the ministry without your personal items. If at all possible, then have the church purchase a laptop, tablet, or whatever, for the ministry so things can continue as normal if you are not able to be there.
Technology is not required, but it is becoming a greater part of children’s ministry. How much technology do you use? What struggles do you have with technology? What questions do you have about technology in the small church?
