Church Technology Usage and Growth
A few years ago, I discussed The Barna Group’s 2005 Protestant church technology report. This week, they released the 2007 Protestant church technology report. Here are some highlights:
65% used a large-screen projection system in 2007.
>> 62% in 2005
>> 39% in 2000
62% had a website in 2007.
>> 57% in 2005
>> 34% in 2000
Other interesting church technology statistics:
- 56% are using email blasts
>> 56% in 2005
>> N/A in 2000 - 26% are using social networking
- 16% are podcasting
- 13% are blogging
- 8% are using a satellite dish to receive broadcasts and training
>> 8% in 2005
>> 7% in 2000
Smaller churches with attendance of less than 100 use technology significantly less than larger churches. This is not surprising, but it is interesting to see how churches that are twice as large are substantially more likely to use technology.
For Discussion:
- How large is your church?
- What technology do you find essential for ministering to that size?
Greg Simmons Said,
April 28, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
Hi Kent~
Church size? We run 250+ on a Sunday morning.
As to the technology we use, I’ll try to keep it brief. I’m responsible for our media ministry and also volunteer my services for our website. I continue to push to make use of new resources where possible. Currently, we’re using:
1. Website - We need to make some significant updates, but that’s because we’re between major “seasons” in our church year. BUT, it has to be relevant and contain information that people are looking for. Calendars must be up to date. As should the different ministry pages.
2. Projection screens - All the same basic stuff. Message notes, scripture, lyrics, promo videos, illustrations, announcements, etc
3. Podcasting - We’re new to this, but even as small as we are, we have a number of regular users. This is best when syndicated and made available for easy integration into iTunes or other aggregators.
4. Email notifications - prayer requests, action items, news events, etc
5. Phone tree - Still hits a lot of older adults and others that aren’t web centric like younger generations. Announcements, etc.
6. Live streaming! - Just used it and I plan on using it for sermons each week. UstreamTV makes it way too easy - even for volunteers (like me!)
Although I’ve been volunteering in media ministries for over 20 years, I believe it is key for volunteers to constantly look for new methods to reach their congregations / communities. Not every church has a dedicated Media Director, so it may be harder for a smaller church to fully exploit new technologies - but it is doable if your volunteers are open to learning. And sometimes learning by trial and error.
Patrick Sievert Said,
April 28, 2008 @ 9:50 pm
Interesting correlation. I wonder how the cause-effect relationship works. I’m guessing it kind of goes both ways.
Troy Maxwell Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 10:21 am
We run over a 1000 and we use it all. It is challenging in a rented facility, with set up and breakdown but we find it necessary to connect with those in the back row. The web has become a primary way that people find out about the church. It is definitely in the top three of ways to find the church.
Glenn Scott Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
My Church Crossroads Baptist http://www.crossroadsbcfamily.org runs right about 180 to 200 on a Sunday Morning:
We use 3 large screen projectors during worship: 2 for the Congregation and 1 on the Back wall for the Choir:
We have a website that currently only has Newsletter content and the information some volunteers have scraped together for it:
We have a Facebook group that is a little out of date but has a few of our College Members, and a My Church profile, but only a handful of members have found that and have joined.
We have an email blast for Prayer Requests, currently using Google Groups, but don’t take advantage of Podcasts, Online Streaming Media or Blogging currently.
There is a Phone Tree, but I have no idea what to do to join it or be added to the list: Most things are still passed word of mouth, if you ask someone, they can usually direct you to the right person.
There is lots more we could be doing . . .
but all a matter of time and resources. . .
Glenn
Kirby Andersen Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
Great question, Kent. Got me thinking - before I knew it, I was blogging about it. Rather than recreate it here, check out my post at http://tinyurl.com/3tkewe. Reading some of the above comments reminds me of some others I could have included. Made me grateful, however, for what we have available today for ministry.
Carey Said,
May 2, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
This post made me smile, because of my church’s situation. We’re a house church with email blasts, website, several of us blog and we’ve got a projector. (Works great for putting up scripture verses, lesson notes, song lyrics and the occasional YouTube videos and Wii bowling tournament.)
And oh, you want the other church in my life? I work in communications at a megachurch running 3,000 at 3 campuses. We do website, email blasts, podcast, large screen projectors (critical with 3 video multi-sites venues), and the preaching pastor blogs (along with other staff, but those aren’t published).