Many of you who are Christians and are associated with a congregation are probably familiar with the idea of the prayer chain. It's this series of links that, when someone has need of prayers, the request is sent out, and makes its way through the whole series of links, so that everyone can be praying for the individual in need of prayers.
In a former day and age, this prayer chain was often accomplished by means of the telephone. One person would call three others, each of those three would call three others, and in a few short calls, the prayer request would be in the hands of everyone. The only problem came when people weren't home to answer their phones. Then, those further down the chain might have to wait a while to hear.
Now, enter the world of social media and instant messaging that we live in today. Sure, there is still a place for the phone chain, as there are many people who still prefer to be contacted via their home phone. However, the means of sharing those same requests have multiplied. How does your congregation do in terms of making use of these different forms of media to communicate things like prayer requests?
Currently, I'm looking at developing a three pronged approach at our local congregation. One aspect of it will be the traditional telephone tree. Another part of it will be utilizing the congregation email address in order to send out a message via email. The third part of it would consist of a text message burst to those who choose to receive their messages and alerts in such a fashion.
When God allows such impactful technology to be created, often the church is the last place to make use of it. However, in this instance, it truly seems like we could greatly benefit from utilizing such resources in the sharing and aid of the kingdom of God. Imaging getting a text message requesting prayers, and at that moment, you are able to take a few moments of silence to pray for that individual. Imagine that a family has had a catastrophe happen, and you get the message, and within a short time, you are able to provide for their needs in some form, along with many others of your brothers and sisters. That's when technology truly benefits God's people.
In a former day and age, this prayer chain was often accomplished by means of the telephone. One person would call three others, each of those three would call three others, and in a few short calls, the prayer request would be in the hands of everyone. The only problem came when people weren't home to answer their phones. Then, those further down the chain might have to wait a while to hear.
Now, enter the world of social media and instant messaging that we live in today. Sure, there is still a place for the phone chain, as there are many people who still prefer to be contacted via their home phone. However, the means of sharing those same requests have multiplied. How does your congregation do in terms of making use of these different forms of media to communicate things like prayer requests?
Currently, I'm looking at developing a three pronged approach at our local congregation. One aspect of it will be the traditional telephone tree. Another part of it will be utilizing the congregation email address in order to send out a message via email. The third part of it would consist of a text message burst to those who choose to receive their messages and alerts in such a fashion.
When God allows such impactful technology to be created, often the church is the last place to make use of it. However, in this instance, it truly seems like we could greatly benefit from utilizing such resources in the sharing and aid of the kingdom of God. Imaging getting a text message requesting prayers, and at that moment, you are able to take a few moments of silence to pray for that individual. Imagine that a family has had a catastrophe happen, and you get the message, and within a short time, you are able to provide for their needs in some form, along with many others of your brothers and sisters. That's when technology truly benefits God's people.
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