Church in the 7th Dimension

a reflective post by Antoine RJ Wright of Mobile Ministry Magazine

When I was younger, I used to catch the reruns of the Superman cartoon. And for some reason, I would always seem to catch it when Mr. Mxyzptlk was on talking about being from the 5th dimension. I always thought it strange him speaking of this additional dimension, and at one time tried to figure it out.  But it always made sense that life from a different perspective is a lot like living in a different dimension.  Sure, there are some similarities and even many of the same laws apply, but for the most part, things are different.  Superman's engaging of Mr. Mxyzptlk in that new dimension required him to think innovatively and not lose sight of the sound fundamentals that defined who he was. 

In similar fashion, the church is like Superman. However, instead of the dimension being this magical place where saying a name backwards gets you back home, the dimension at play is technology. The church has had to think differently as to how to respond, use, and engage people with technology, but not lose sight of the mission (Matthew 28:18-20). For the most part though, we can say that the Body has been pretty successful at keeping Christ's calling intact, albeit sometimes a bit behind the secular curve of innovation.  When we [the Body] learn how to use a technology, our niche is usually easily discernable and ultimately beneficial.  The new challenge to the church isn't just mastering technology, specifically computing. While there is something very profitable about websites, graphic design, A/V production, and the like, we have always excelled when the technology got us into interpersonal relationships with people.  In the latest media dimension – mobile (called the 7th mass media) – the Body has a chance to get back to its roots of getting into the lives of people, while also taking some of the best parts of other media types to the engagement and discipleship process. 

What Does This Look Like:

At the intersection of faith and (mobile) technology, the church has to respond to a time and people who get media and engage life on their own terms.  No longer are the social rules of 'this is church time' and 'this is read your Word time' the dominant archetypes.  The social construct of our times says that people have to margin time for those things of God because everything else is engaging them.  How the church responds will say a lot towards how inventive we are towards walking like the early church did.  Mobile technology used in the Body means that mobile media must lead to social interaction. – Yes, it is assumed that mobile technology is a passive medium and that we are merely consumers. 

However, if the Body wants to use mobile technology as a means to engage people before, at, and after the cross, then we must make sure that whatever mobile tools we are using (SMS prayer lists, mobile-enabled chatrooms, micro-blogging, etc.) continue to keep the door open for whatsoever questions or comments that people choose to ask.  Mobile technology used in the Body means that we have to be the leaders of a healthy life/work, online/off-line balance.   Mobile technology is pervasive, and by no means is it something that people are having an easy time establishing the right boundaries. The Body must be innovative in thinking how to use mobile technology, but also how to enable people not to abuse it.  Interpersonal relationships growing in shape with the image of God should be the goal of using mobile technology.  Mobile technology used in the Body means that we have to have a greater awareness of cultural and economic contexts of those we are speaking/living towards.  

One of the hardest lessons of the computer generation is realizing that affluence is at the core of the technology. The assumption that most of your audience has access to this means of communication is faulty.  It would be great if everyone had access to the best mobile devices and services. Assume that mobile services and devices are had by only a small part of those who need to be reached, and by successfully equipping those who are near those who have not, the mobile technology becomes a conduit for greater works.

Conclusion: 

In order to defeat Mr. Mxyzptlk, Superman would have to say his name backwards while not falling prey to the attacks on his character.  In dealing with the 7th Mass Media (mobile technology), its easy to be discouraged that former methods of engaging people and places don't work.  If we are indeed taking this technology as another display of the Holy Spirit enabling us to reach the world, its not just accepting its ability to connect us, but accepting God's ability through us to connect people to His dimension of love and redemption.