swathdiver

I was saddened to learn of Pastor Clarence Sexton's passing yesterday. He was a beloved figure in the Knoxville community and beyond, serving as the pastor of Temple Baptist Church, and president of Crown College.
The family has put out the following statement:
Our beloved Pastor’s faith has now become sight. He is in heaven in the arms of his Saviour. Our church family has been wonderful over the last several months by showing your concern for us, praying for us, encouraging us, and expressing your love to us. We respectfully ask that you would give Mrs. Sexton and the family the time they need to process and grieve their loss before you reach out with compassion and understanding. Pastor Sexton loved the families of the church, college, and academy. He could not wait to get back to see everyone, and though we prayed for his healing on earth, God has chosen to provide his healing in heaven. God’s ways are above our ways, and though our hearts are hurting, we choose to believe that God is still good. The family is grateful that he is in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ where there is no sickness or sorrow. Funeral arrangements will be made in the coming days and we will keep you updated. There is no way that we can adequately express our thanks for your love and prayers at this time. God is with us, and we trust Him to help us in the days to come. -The Sexton Family

Dr. Charles Stanley, Founder of "In Touch Ministries," and long-time pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, has passed away at the age of 90.  He also had served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention many years ago. 
https://www.christianpost.com/news/charles-stanley-dies-at-90.html

Ron, "Patch" Hamilton, aka "Patch the Pirate" has passed away and is with the Lord....He will be missed. 
https://paulchappell.com/2023/04/19/when-faith-becomes-sight-ron-hamilton-patch-the-pirate-in-heaven/

The technological revolution we’ve seen in our Baptist churches over the past 20 or so years is astounding. What’s even more remarkable is the speed at which technology in the church continues to improve and change the way some worship. 
A few years back having one projector screen was a revolutionary way to change worship. Now many worship services include multiple screens, concert-style stage lighting, websites, apps, live streaming, Computerized Child Check-In, Video Announcements, video-based curriculum, podcasts, and more.  Of course, many churches do not use some (or any) of these technologies in their worship service.  And, honestly, neither your church nor mine really need any of them to function as a church. There are countless churches all over the world with little to no technology that are fulfilling the great commission in ways that would put to shame some of the most technologically-driven Baptist churches.
The shift that has taken place with technology is that it has been placed ahead of everything else. Technology should enhance worship, not replace it. Gone seems the days when Bibles are carried into church, the Bible is being replaced by phones and computers. However, technology can be useful and serve a function in our churches. Here are a few ways that technology can be used in our Baptist churches without compromising to the world. Of course, the use of technology and which ones we use,  is dependent on the area that we are located in.
Church Website: Long are the days when people look at the Yellow Pages for church. Before anyone steps into a church, there is a high probability that they looked you up online. Projectors & TV's:  Video announcements, Bible Verses, Hymnal lyrics are a few ways where projectors/tv's can be used.  Live Streaming: It's often been said that if you live stream people will stay home instead of coming to church. I've found the opposite to happen. Folks in the community seems to watch a service online before attending. With wachy churches out there it is a way of folks to screen the church. Social Media: The use of facebook and/or Instagram is a great way to get your community engaged. Proper use of Hashtags can help get folks in your community to learn about your church that never would have drove by or looked you up online. Getting your church on Google maps is another way where your church will show up on their phones as they use their gps to head to a location.  The important thing is that the use of technology does not take priority over worship. The Word of God is the main focus. It seems that technology may be hindering spiritual growth in our Baptist churches.
Whenever there is change there always is opposition. I've often wondered how much opposition was there when the piano was first brought into the church, or electricity. Probably the only modern thing that did not receive opposition was indoor plumbing. 
Please comment below what ways your church uses technology without compromise worship.