Newest Data on Technology Adoption by Protestant Churches
"The incorporation of digital technologies into church-based ministry is an important frontier for churches to master," says George Barna, "and protestant churches across the nation are using various forms of emerging technology to influence people’s lives and enliven their church experience." The new Barna study (4.08.08) explored the presence of eight technologies and applications in Protestant churches. Those tools included technologies like: * Large Screens and Movie Clips * Sending E-Mail Blasts * Maintaining an Internet Presence * Maintaining a Social Media Presence * Podcasting The study concludes large churches are more likely to use more technology and are earlier to adopt than small churches. Conversely, small churches and theologically liberal churches are less likely to use technology and show resistance to adoption. Technology Is Here to Stay "The Internet has become one of the pivotal communications and community-building tools of our lifetime. Churches are well-advised to have an intelligent and foresighted Internet strategy in order to facilitate meaningful ministry," says Barna.
I’m a bit surprised that the theologically liberal churches are less likely users. It seems that it would be the theologically ultra conservative.
Wonder where Barna gets this data from, lately? Perhaps he contracts his polling services out. Last I heard, he had reduced his staff of interviewers from hundreds to just a handful and was branching out into other things.
Ryan – I think the data reflects that theologically liberal churches are less likely users of the kinds of technology surveyed. For example, the house church movement is popular but would likely not utilize podcasts, wide-screen projection devices, flashy web sites, etc. Doesn’t mean they aren’t blogging, twittering, etc.
And Z – I probably should have included that the Barna data is derived from telephone interviews conducted with a random sample of 605 Senior Pastors. Denominational stratification was used to ensure a representative presence of the variety of Protestant denominations found in the U.S.
The problem with this report is that the tech use is very impersonal; its a lot of passive media. When will the church learn to get active with tech engagement? If we can do that, then we can really see how tech serves the mission of the Body.
Just 605 pastors over the tens (???) of thousands of registered churches in the US; that sample size is way too small to draw any logical conclusions. The same data needs to be at least 1.5 to 2x the size of that to even get a solid regional and economically valid sample.
@Antione – I have very carefully & systematically managed to erase all aspects of statistical analysis from my brain, so I can’t comment on the viability of Barna’s random sample, it’s +/- % points, etc.
What I do know is that based on his background, emphasis & archives of work, including 39 books, his research is relied upon by many. That’s not to say it can’t be challenged or disagreed with (which I read about regularly) or improved upon. But as a researcher, he does have a track record. The Barna Group has likely done more research in this area than anyone, with the exception of the American Life & Internet Project from Pew.
Antoine,
re: impersonal tech in church, I agree that technology is not being used fully in regards to the two way communication. But as technology becomes cheaper, more and more people are used to using it, some people try not to hold on to the past and reach for the future this will change.
Even small steps are nice ones, the ministry at my church here in Santa Cruz has plans to use technology more and more each week. The Pastor, Chuckk Gerwig, has used texting as a way for people to ask questions about stuff he is teaching about.
It is definitely an exciting time for people in church who love technology, because we have only just begun to use it in a way to reach and interact with people.