Leading in a Digital Age: How Important is Technology in the Church?
By Analiese Rivera
Disciple-making has always been the heartbeat of the church. Every pastor knows the call to lead people closer to Christ; yet, the demands of modern ministry can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, pulling leaders in a dozen different directions at once. A recent Lifeway Research study sheds light on this reality, showing that nearly two-thirds of Protestant pastors (63%) believe they need to strengthen their disciple-making abilities, while half (50%) say they must grow in their use of technology. When asked to name the single most critical skill they need right now, 28% chose disciple-making and 19% chose technology. The study also revealed that pastors of smaller churches with fewer than 50 attendees are more likely to view technology as a critical need (57%) compared to those leading larger congregations of over 250 (42%).
These numbers show two overlapping realities. First, pastors deeply want to be better disciple-makers. Second, many recognize that today’s mission field involves screens and bandwidth as much as pulpits and pews. If disciple-making is the heartbeat of pastoral ministry, then technology is part of the bloodstream. They fuel one another.
Yet with so much focus on developing these vital skills, there is often little time left to strengthen other important areas like compliance, financial management, and governance. These responsibilities matter deeply, but when pastors carry them alone, the weight can quickly become overwhelming.
The Rising Role of Technology in Disciple-Making
Technology is not just a gadget or a trend. It’s a gateway to deeper connections and broader reach. In a world where people scroll through feeds during lunch breaks or join video calls from across the country, the church has an incredible opportunity to disciple right where lives are lived. The Lifeway study highlights that pastors are eager to grow in this area, but the question is how to effectively integrate these tools without compromising the relational heart of ministry.
Here are some exciting strategies you might already be exploring or considering to disciple digitally:
- Streaming services and teaching content to connect with members who cannot attend in person, bringing the Word into homes and hearts at any time.
- Online Bible studies and small groups via video platforms, offering flexibility for busy schedules and bridging distances with real-time interaction.
- Discipleship apps and resources that provide step-by-step guidance in faith journeys, like daily prompts or personalized spiritual growth plans.
- Email devotionals and podcasts for ongoing engagement, delivering bite-sized encouragement that fits into everyday routines.
- Social media discipleship through posts, live Q&A sessions, and short video teachings that meet people on their favorite platforms.
These approaches can amplify your impact, turning one-time encounters into sustained spiritual growth. They allow you to scale relationships, foster cultural relevance, and sustain engagement beyond Sunday mornings. Younger generations, in particular, thrive in these spaces. By embracing them, you are not replacing face-to-face ministry; instead, you are supplementing it. You are enhancing it, making disciple-making more accessible and vibrant.
What’s Getting Left Behind
Today’s pastors are asked to do more than ever before. They are shepherds, teachers, visionaries, and now digital leaders. They pour their energy into disciple-making and learning how to use technology to reach people in new ways. Technology now shapes how people engage with Scripture, how they learn from one another, and how they build community. Yet while pastors work hard to grow in these vital areas, other essential responsibilities don’t disappear.
Compliance with IRS regulations, financial management, governance policies, incorporation filings, bylaws, and organizational health all demand careful attention. These are not distractions from ministry. They are safeguards that protect the church and ensure its long-term health. But they can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already stretched thin with sermons, counseling, outreach, and now digital strategies.
How StartCHURCH Picks Up The Slack
This is where the fun part comes in, because you don’t have to carry it all alone. At StartCHURCH, we are passionate about empowering pastors like you to focus on your God-given calling. We exist to handle the administrative side so you can dive deeper into disciple-making and technology with freedom and joy.
Here is how we come alongside you:
- Compliance Support: We ensure your church is legally protected, from incorporation and bylaws to staying up-to-date with IRS requirements. No more late nights worrying about filings.
- Financial Management and Bookkeeping: Gain clarity and confidence in your resources with our services so that you can steward them wisely without the headache.
- Governance Structures and Policies: We help establish a solid foundation for growth, including procedures that foster peace and productivity within your ministry.
By partnering with StartCHURCH, you free up mental and emotional bandwidth. The Lifeway study shows you are eager to grow in disciple-making and technology. We make sure the foundational pieces are solid, so you can step boldly into that growth without hesitation.
Free to Lead with Confidence and Joy
Friends, the call to make disciples has never changed, but the tools and opportunities have exploded in exciting ways. You do not need to master everything overnight. Start small, raise up tech-savvy leaders in your congregation, and link every digital step back to your vision of following Jesus. As you do, remember that God equips those He calls, and partners like StartCHURCH are here to support you every step of the way.
You are not alone in this adventure. Let us handle the behind-the-scenes work so you can focus on the eternal impact. Together, we will see churches thrive, disciples multiply, and the gospel spread like never before. Ready to take that next step? Reach out to StartCHURCH today and reclaim your time for what matters most.
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