There is a difference between using something and leveraging something. You can use money to buy things you may or may not need. But that does not equate to leveraging it. Leveraging money as an investment could double or triple the initial investment. Using takes something at face value. Leveraging seeks to maximize potential. The difference between using and leveraging is one of strategic vision.
There is a difference between using something and leveraging something. You can use money to buy things you may or may not need. But that does not equate to leveraging it. Leveraging money as an investment could double or triple the initial investment. Using takes something at face value. Leveraging seeks to maximize potential. The difference between using and leveraging is one of strategic vision.
As 2020 nears its end, and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hover over us like a slow moving tropical storm, “Time” magazine reports that people continue to be online more than ever.
As the church continues to consider what this new data and new environment means, it can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to. There’s an old saying that helps gain a starting place when considering leveraging digital space for the mission of God: “Methods are many, principles are few. Methods often change, but principles never do.”
I recently sat down with two pastors from Crosspoint Church in Nashville, Tenn. and asked them how they think about leveraging online platforms for digital engagement. As someone who is probably a bit more cynical toward online activity, the conversation was an oasis of hopeful possibility in a seeming desert of consumeristic clamoring.
The difference between using and leveraging is one of strategic vision.
Themes from the conversation included principles and practical applications like:
- Developing a vision and strategy.
- Finding a champion who is pastoral first, and digitally savvy second.
- Understanding that people check out your church online before they ever set foot in the door.
- Thinking of who is on the other side of the screen before you post or stream anything online.
- Seeing the importance of developing an online/offline strategy that is cohesive.
- Working within limits so you can do things with excellence.
There is much more wisdom and practical tips that can be gleaned from this interview, which is available here. Watch it and consider how to implement a strategic vision for digital engagement.
Instead of just using the digital space, ask the Lord to give you wisdom, creativity and the appropriate resources to leverage it with excellence.
If you have any questions regarding anything in this conversation, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
