Changing Technology
It is mind blowing how much technology has changed just in my lifetime. When I was a freshman in high school I learned to type using an electric typewriter. My junior year of high school we moved to McAlester where I took a computer class in a computer lab where we learned how to write a paper using Word Perfect 5.0. We had to memorize all the commands to know how to format all the different aspects of writing. It was not until I went to college that I had the opportunity to get on the internet for the first time. I remember sitting down at the computer, excited to try out this new technology. I turned on the computer and listened to the modem connect. I then sat motionless wondering what I was supposed to do with it. I searched a few things and left thinking surely there was more to it than that.
Obviously, the internet has revolutionized the world in which we live. For most of us we cannot imagine our life without it. We carry continual access in our pocket. It is how we connect with family and friends. It is how we get directions and decide where to shop. Our culture has so learned to rely on it we would be lost if it was to disappear. Encyclopedias, maps, phone books, mailing letters and so much more has disappeared from our culture because of the use of the internet.
Because of the internet’s dominance in our society we must understand the implications it has on the church. We have been able to use the internet to live stream our worship service, communicate with volunteers, advertise to prospects, promote events, make announcements and numerous other services in an inexpensive, effective way that would not have been possible a few years ago. We continue to learn new ways to use it to help us engage Bartlesville and the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.
One of the ways we have been working to stay up to date in our use of the internet is through our website. Research shows that seven out of ten guests view the website before they attend the church for the first time. Thanks to the hard work of Lucas, we are excited to introduce our new, updated website. We want it to be the best first impression of our church it can be. Soon our current web address will be connected to our new site but until then check it out at www.ehbc.net. I believe this is a great way for us to continue to use new technology to communicate about our church and what makes us unique right here in Bartlesville.
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