If the Lloyd Webber plan ever comes to fruition, the whole concept of Church Wi-Fi will only be of any value if churches actually do something proactive with it. In its own way it will act as a potential catalyst for them to reach out and offer something bigger that can bless their communities. It will only succeed, though, if churches have an understanding of the needs around them, and the vision to put something together that is dynamic and relevant to the 21st-century lives of those who visit.
Traditionally, churches tend to lag behind the prevailing culture and technologies, often playing catch-up when it comes to taking advantage of the opportunities on offer. The gospel has no need at all to be tampered with – God’s truths are eternal ”“ but the method of delivery needs to updated with every generation if the message is to be effectively presented. Andrew Lloyd Webber is no fool with a harebrained scheme: he sees the potential for churches to be vibrant and provide the lifeblood for the communities around them. The more we see the lead of pioneers such as Tubestation being followed, the greater the likelihood that churches ”“ and the Christian faith ”“ will regain local prominence and community approbation. And if free Wi-Fi comes as standard, then that just makes things better still.
If anything, churches should install shielding to keep OUT Wifi and cellular signals.. Come on, folks, you can’t peel away from your devices for ONE HOUR per week? Shall we subject God to the rude behavior exhibited in our own homes and social spaces?
The article suggests that Sir Andrew feels that churches aren’t being used for worship anyway, so why not harness them as the 21st century’s answer to the phone booth. One wonders whether he’d be as supportive if his concert performances were regularly punctuated by multiple ring tones. While I was rector of the Episcopal church in Manila, we installed shielding out of self-defense. The Philippines are even more gaga for this technology that the U.S. and many felt it was their right to conduct business during services. During one wedding, the self-possessed wedding planner took a call at the back of the church and then walked up the aisle to hand the phone to the bride!
I’ve been ordained long enough to remember the very first time that a phone rang during a funeral service. That was shocking. What was yet more shocking was the first time someone took a call during a funeral…