Global Trends Analysis
Technology Moves Power to the “Edges”
The Web is the great equalizer, allowing power to move from the center to the edges, which will lead to a melting down of centralized institutions and traditional bonds. Communication and social networking tools that are progressively less costly, more mobile, and constantly enhanced will allow people movements to emerge that can threaten centralized authority. Lack of accessibility to technology remains an issue in some places.
Implications for the Global Church: God created us as relational beings and technology notwithstanding, fostering meaningful and supportive relationships in community has never been more important. The Church has unprecedented opportunities to enhance social connectivity, influence right social action, and extend its evangelism and discipleship efforts by utilizing these rapidly emerging technologies. New possibilities will exist to employ aggressive strategies to reach people broadly or in a pinpointed way through technology. This will allow continued and expanded communication into difficult to access countries or people groups. It will be important that new models are researched, vetted for effectiveness, and best practices are shared broadly. More than ever, Global South partners can and should participate in these wide-reaching conversations as equals.
on Fri March 12, 2010, 9:34 AM