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September 2004 Table of Contents
Tech Talk
Five Technical Truths
By Brad Herring
This month I'm going to use a slightly different format than what you are accustomed to. I will use this article to encourage and hopefully challenge you.
I was recently hired to act as a production manager for a large evangelism crusade here in the U.S. It was an exciting task - the chance to work with a group of people that were dedicated to reaching as many as possible with the Word of God. However, during this week God showed me many things regarding technology and the spread of His Word. God has revealed to me five critical truths as it relates to technology and production, and in this article I want to share those teachings with you.
First, the fact that we often are called to a very spiritual task, but often hand this task over to the enemy for execution. In this example, the local production company was incompetent. If I only had the time and space to tell you of the errors and lack of professionalism portrayed you would be amazed. But suffice it to say that the show was poorly executed. This was the first thing that God taught me. My client had taken a spiritual event (the crusade of sharing the Gospel of Christ) and literally turned it over to Satan for the execution. Now I know this sounds strong, but realize - these people were not believers. Where they stood, who knows? What we saw was error upon error that tended to happen during the most critical decision-making times of the crusade. Either way, I had to pose the question - why do we trust such events to non-believers? I recognize that it is difficult to find a strong Faith-based production company that is competent in their work, but how critical is our message? In this example God had prepared for much of the forthcoming problems by allowing me to work with the crusade, a believer who understood the message and had a heart for sharing God's truth. I was able to be the link between the crusade and the technical staff but it was an uphill battle. We were fighting the most basic of production problems, each with enough power to possibly wreck the event. Now, there is no glory given to me. I am simply a man that God granted talents to, and then allowed the privilege of doing His work. But my task was made difficult because of who I had to work with. How much easier this would have been if the production company had been comprised of believers who knew their craft and wanted to honor God. But that was not the case.
The question for you: Who runs your services? How much thought is put into who you entrust with your message? It's a balance. There must be knowledge, and often times that doesn't come from within our churches. Often times there are few if any believers that have the capacity to do what is needed. I encourage you to ponder this greatly as you prepare services and special events designed to spread the Gospel of Christ. Make sure you know the people you use on Sunday are the ordained and chosen people – not just a warm body to "get by with."
Second, God showed me how it can all be derailed (or kept on course) by one person. An individual can make all the difference in the world. In this example, one of the sub-contractors for the production company walked off of the job 2 hours before our show began. This person took all of his equipment with him. We had a major production, contractual obligations, and a well-known A-line band preparing to perform! In a split second everything hung in jeopardy as we pulled together to decide how to get the job done. Many of the problems associated with this production had also stemmed from this one contractor. Just like in our day-to-day ministry, one person can make a huge difference - either good or bad. A misplaced person can create a huge moral problem or even derail your ministry.
The question: Who do you have supporting your message? Are they the ordained person chosen by God for that task?
Third, I was reminded again that God is in control. We knew (from calls the previous day) that the equipment needed was not in town. All of our contacts had been exhausted, so we gathered everyone together and prayed. We asked God to provide. And provide He did. Within 2 hours the show was back on track: every position filled, every piece of equipment accounted for. We got rave reviews from the crowd about how awesome everything looked. Not only had God provided for our needs, but He did so in such an abundance that He received all the glory from it!
The question: Are you frustrated in the effort to do His work? Do you find yourself overwhelmed or not able to complete your calling? Rely on God, who gives to all men liberally (when praying in His perfect will). He wants you to succeed. He promises to provide for us. He will deliver the answers.
The fourth lesson I walked away with is this: When I teach about using technology I often talk about it being a supportive role in ministry. Obviously God's Word is enough, technology is not needed, but the use of technology can reach wider audiences as well as offer us new methods to teach a lost world. God corrected me during this week with a very simple lesson. I will relate the story to you as it was given to me. After the final night of the event I was sitting at dinner with a close friend and minister when his high-school aged daughter came to the dinner table busting with joy. She said, "Daddy, daddy, a friend came into Chemistry this morning and told me SHE HAD BEEN SAVED!" She had accepted Christ at the crusade the night before. When asked the details she related seeing the video on the screen, listening to the story the video told. In that moment, God spoke to her, and she knew He was real. It wasn't the music. It wasn't the speaker. In this case it wasn't the lighting, or even the guests who shared their testimonies - oh that might have all contributed, but God chose to speak to this little girl, to call her to follow Him, by the video on the screens. Suddenly technology wasn't a supporting aspect - it was the primary message of Faith. God is huge. He could have chosen any method He wanted, but the method ordained for this little girl was that video screen. One of the very components we had fought all week to maintain. Fighting each day (and not even knowing it) for this little girl's salvation. And who knows how many more? But God chose to reveal to us this one little girl. In a moment, my world was upside down. Silence. Then I realized it. God chose to use my gifts, and the gifts of the others who were working so hard with me to ensure a quality event, to reach people for Christ.
So my question to you: Are you using every possible tool available to reach your community?
Finally, the remaining lesson: Rest. I tend to be a workaholic. My mind is constantly racing, but in this environment several of the ministers put a lot of time into relaxation and time off. This is easily overlooked when you get into the press of production. The time off allowed me to clear my head and greatly reduce any stress that might be building.
My challenge: Are you taking the time of rest needed? We all need to refuel, refresh, and spend time with our families.
In the end, I encourage you to be of sound faith, regard the issues of stewardship and spend the money of God wisely. Don't rush to find a warm body to fill a position, but seek out the person through prayer and provision of God. Use the resources to the fullest potential. Seek out training if needed. Learn from the ministries around you. Make it a priority to find a qualified person or group of people to run your spiritual meetings. Rest. Take time with your family and loved ones. Cherish the life God has given us and share His love with everyone you see. Have balance. Technology should be used to reach people - there is no doubt. But God's Word is strong and can stand on it's own. Don't get caught in the trap of glitz, glamour, and flash. Remember the basics: there was a cross, there was a resurrection there is salvation for all who believe.
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