Information, Communication Technology in Christian Ministry
-Laldanmawia
Introduction:
The
importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) could not be hidden
even in the Christian Ministry while it has many terrible circumstances. It is
the situation where we are living with a technological convergence. We do, we
act and we receive things through Information Technology and its devices. Our
life is simplified by ICT in every field of life. That is the reason why
individuals, groups, firms and organizations are interjecting into this
technology in order to meet the development of the world. Christian Ministry is
therefore very much meaningful and powerful when it is done with the
advancement in technologies. Running out of global development would leads
somehow into failure in these days. If so why do we need ICT for Christian
ministry? What are its roles and functions? How do these two subjects interact
to each other? All these entire questions have to be analyzed in this paper by
doing a little research.
1. Definition of Information Communication
Technology:
Information
Communication Technology (ICT) is the term in which the Information Technology
and its devices are being used in order to perform Communication. It includes
the devices or applications like radio, television, cell-phones, computer and
network, hardware and software, satellite system, etc.[1]
It is the organization and management of software and hardware by human ware. ICT
deals with the digital data and the ways of storing, retrieval,
transmission and receipt of how these concepts work when put together.
Communication of distance in ICT is mainly done by electronic means, which is
the use of networks connection or internet.[2]
Information
communication Technology today usually means computer based management of data
or information or ideas which is emphasis more on real-time communication using
technologies like instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing,
etc.[3]
2. What is Christian Ministry?
When we say Christian,
it is clear enough that they are the followers of Jesus Christ. In the First
Century, at Antioch the disciples of Jesus were called first as Christians.
From that moment the followers of Jesus Christ, those who believe in Jesus and
his teaching, and those who believe Jesus is the only way and truth to reach to
the father’s are said to be Christians.
And
the word ‘ministry’ is taken from the Greek word ‘diakoneo’ which means ‘to
serve’.[4] In
Matthew 20: 28 and Mark 10:45, we are taught to give service to other people in
the name of God, but not to receive service. So, Christian Ministry can be
defined as the serving of God’s will by Christian or in other word Christians’
movements for the welfare of other people which is acceptable to God’s side.
3.
Why ICT for Christian Ministry?
As
it is said before, the situation of today’s world demands Information
Technology almost in every field of life. As well as, Christian ministry is to
serve other people in the name of God; how can we serve people’s need without
using ICT and its devices in this technological age? Unless we develop our
means of ministry, we may not meet the need of the people of today. Therefore
Christian Ministry has to be done along with all new technologies, so that the
results may spread over and the consequences may widen in a broader way.
Therefore we can say that why we need ICT for Christian ministry.
4.
Role and function of ICT in Christian ministry:
In this technological
world, almost everything is exercised and done by new media or new technology
like computer and its other devices including internet. That is the reason why
today’s Christians or churches are making use of such technologies in doing
their ministry and mission. Role and functions of ICT in the Christian ministry
are looked up in the followings with ICT devices like print media, radio,
television, cell phone, video conferencing/seminar, internet, cyber church:
4.1. Print Media: Print media is the
oldest mass media and is one of the most useful instruments for Christian
ministry of today. Some believe that literature is the most effective and far
reaching, and is used by all churches or missions to spread the news.[5]
In print media we can include devices like newsletters, newspapers, booklets, tracts,
magazines, books, and other information letters, which are very commonly used
by today’s church organizations. Some of them work like a channel for
information and inspiration, some like a signal which are delivered by the
people of other places, some printed media act as missionary that spread the
sermons, articles, songs and other writings about the word of God. People can
be imparted and informed through these writings by which they could see the
reality of life and words of Jesus Christ.
In the context of
Mizoram, newsletter, newspaper and magazines are used commonly by the churches
to spread the words of God and churches’ information. Books are often published
which could be delivered by the people. Distributing Bible tracts are also very
much helpful for the people who needs. So the role played by Print Media and
the function functioned by Print Media for Christian Ministry are very much
useful and effective.
4.2. Radio: Radio
is not so useful now a day since internet and other new technologies came up.
But still then the usage is not dead at all. The broadcasting of sermons, music
and other discussions enriches the Christian’s works. The role of Radio is seems
more meaningful in the village and remote areas from where signals of radio
could catch easily. There are Christian owned radio stations which broadcast
only Christian’s programs from the earlier time till today like Far East
Broadcasting Company, Trans World Radio in Southern Europe, HCJB and many other
local stations.[6]
In the context of
Mizoram, through Radio, people especially villagers used to listen gospel songs
and sermons; those could inspire their spiritual life.
4.3. Television: There is no
doubt that television is one of the active devices for Christian ministry. Like
radio sermons, discussions, video and other programs are broadcasted. People
can hear and see what is going on through live telecasts and highlighted
programs. Television plays a vital role to the people those who do not really
access internet. It could reach a large group of people at the same time.
Because of this, Christian minister/communicator could have opportunity to
speak or to spread the message of God to large number at one time.[7] So,
the main role and function of television lies on the broadcasting of music
videos, dramas, skits, sermons, Christian films, worship services telecast,
etc.
In the context of
Mizoram, sermon telecast is very common on Sunday morning and night. People
could listen and watch while doing another works and eating food as well. As
well as music video and films are also watched by the people often, that in
turn imparts knowledge about God. There is saying that many particular people
get new inspiration from the hearing and watching of Music videos.
4.4. Telephone and Cell
Phone: Telephone ministry is also useful
nowadays. There is online telephone ministry where people submit their problems
and the end users answer through telephone. It is very save that they cannot
see each other. After developing Cell phone ministry is easier that SMS
Ministry come up, where the needy people send their problems to the expert group
and the latter send their response as well as pray for the former. Cell Phone
is a very new, fast and vast spread technology. Younger in large numbers brings
it. So it is good opportunity to spread Bible verses, good good words through
sms in order to lead them into better way.
In the context of
Mizoram, more than half of the people have their own cell phones. Some
organizations take this opportunity to do ministry especially, prayer and
counseling ministry. Group is formed where people send their problems and
prayer points, so that the group would be response and pray for.
4.5. Computer and
Internet: The main role and function of computer in
Christian Ministry is producing hard and soft copy of materials, data,
information and others. All the printed media are the outcome of computers.
Without this it is difficult do ministry successfully because all the churches
and missions are using it to type out the documents and other necessary, edit
and printed out. Meanwhile internet is done using computer and it gadgets.
Internet is network which links to other people, country, place, etc. The whole
world is made one village through internet. The linking of the people in the network
thus provides the field for ministry. Internet facilities like websites, social
network sites, blogs, e-mails, media services, discussion sites and other
electronic means play specific and essential roles and functions in doing
Christian Ministry.
In Mizoram Context,
Computer and internet are very much useful. Most of the churches develop their
own computer system through which local church newspaper, newsletter etc are
produced. Many churches especially the city/town churches set their own website
and blog, so that their ministry is broaden into technological world. Internet
accessing is very easy and fast, the information could reach the destination in
a second. Because of internet facilities, Christian Ministry is strengthened
and enlarged into the worldwide.
4.6. Cyber church: Cyber
church is a technological word, which means the church’s relation and
connection to internet. Christian are using and involving in all kinds of
internet usage as we said before like websites, blogs, social networks, chat
rooms, etc. The usage is then widening into the field of Christian Ministry in
order to promote the faith. So, the connection of the church with internet
facilities is called Cyber church. The role and function of Cyber Church are to
promote Christian education, enrich and promote Christian faith, etc through
internet and modern technological means.
In
Mizoram, many churches of city are very much connected with internet. We can
then call them Cyber Church.
5.
ICT in the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM):
The Baptist Church of
Mizoram (BCM) is the second largest populated denomination in Mizoram having
its headquarters at Serkawn, Lunglei. We can claim that BCM was established in
the year 1903 when F.W. Savidge and J.H. Lorrain reached the Southern part of Mizoram
as missionaries under Baptist Missionary Society (BMS).[8]
According to 2011 records, there are 1, 46,331 members, 530 local churches, 13
Area Baptist Council (ABC), 72 pastorates, around 146 ministers (including
pro-pastors).[9]
BCM has its separate department
for doing various ministries. Each department has made use of ICT in every
possible way. Under Service Department there are three departments which more
connect with ICT like Baptist Literature Service, Baptist Printing Press and Communication
department. Even though, other works are connected by computers and the
involvement of ICT could be seen. Still then these departments are more
connected with ICT and its devices. So the followings indicate how ICT plays
role and function in three departments of BCM.
5.1. Baptist Literature
Service (BLS): The department is established to
promote and spread literary works to the people in order to extend the Kingdom
of God.[10] The
main intention is to produce books and other written forms. So the need of promotion
of printed media like books, magazines, newspapers, tracts, calendars, etc.
provide a situation for the establishment of this department. And they are the
functioning bodies of the department. Without ICT, BLS will not come up.
5.2. Baptist Printing
Press (BPP): In order to publish books and other
printed media, BCM need the printing press from where materials are to be
printed out. BPP was developed from 1930’s and the name was put in the year
1995.[11]
BPP of its offsets are computerized and controlled and maintained through
computer system. Computer sets, Internet, and other printing tools of ICT are
extremely needed to run BPP.
5.3. Communication
Department: The previous two departments were put
under this Communication Department before. But due to the conveniences they
separate them and work as separate department in 2001 BCM Assembly.[12]
Communication Department is to promote the gospel through written forms, audio
visual and music. The process of establishing was going from the year of
Missionaries coming. In The BCM Assembly of 1995, the name Communication
department was given.[13]
Three kinds of ICT
developed the Department into three groups or committee or sub-departments.
5.3.1. The need of promotion
of Printed Media like “Kohhran Beng” magazine, “Baptist Today”-newspaper,
calendar, other booklets, prayer guide book, publishing books, etc. formed Editorial Board and Publishing Board.[14]
5.3.2.
Audio-Visual is then promoted for
ministry through modern technology. Christian films, and music video are
produced in large number, those play essential role in the mission works and
ministry in various places.[15]
5.3.3.
To do ministry, to extend God’s Kingdom and to strengthen the Kingdom though
audio music led to the establishment of Christian
Music Committee. Their main role are to look after local church choir,
pastorate choir, Area choir and BCM choir and their ministry and giving training of music and solfa to church
members.[16]
So
we can conclude that the Audio music, Video music, films, printed materials,
computer systems, internet and other electronic systems of ICT play very
important role and function in the ministry of Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM).
Conclusion:
Thus from the above
discussion, it is obvious that Information Communication Technology (ICT) is
very much necessary for today’s Christian Ministry. Unless, the ministry may be
out dated and it may lead to the failure. Therefore, looking technological
situation of the world and analyzing people’s condition, it is the most
influential way to persuade the people’s heart. To meet all technological
situation of the world, we have to adjust and develop our ways of ministry into
the technological apparatus that is Information Communication Technology (ICT).
BIBLIOGRAPHY & WEBLIGRAPHY:
Dawngliana, K.M.S. BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu chitin Chuanna. Aizawl:
Baptist Publication Board, Communication department, 2009.
Soraard, Viggo. Media in the Church and Mission: Communicating the Gospel.
Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1998.
http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-ministry.html
(2/9/2011).
http://www.techterms.com/definition/ict (8/9/2011).
[4]
http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-ministry.html (2/9/2011).
[5]
Viggo Soraard, Media in the Church and
Mission: Communicating the Gospel (Bangalore: Theological Book Trust,
1998), 180.
[6]
Viggo Soraard, Media in the Church and
Mission: Communicating the Gospel (Bangalore: Theological Book Trust,
1998), 136.
[7] Viggo Soraard, Media in the Church…, 114.
[8] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu
chitin Chuanna (Aizawl: Baptist Publication Board, Communication
department, 2009), 1.
[9] 2011 census of BCM.
[10] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu
chitin Chuanna (Aizawl: Baptist Publication Board, Communication
department, 2009), 57.
[11] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 59.
[12] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 65.
[13] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook….
[14] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 66-67
[15] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 66.
[16] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu
chitin Chuanna (Aizawl: Baptist Publication Board, Communication
department, 2009), 66.
Wow! This is quite informative. Great post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletenice post. every educative
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