Technology: The Accelerating Innovation We Discern and Steward

Today’s reading concludes Section VII: Technology – The Accelerating Innovation We Discern and Steward. Read here.

Christians are called to faithfully steward technology.

We call all Christians to pursue technological innovation and use with love, justice, and faithfulness, both before God and toward others. We recognise that technology shapes the environments in which humans live, play, relate, and work, as well as how Christians fellowship with one another, pray, read Scripture, grow in faith and character, worship God, and share the gospel. Therefore, Christian development and use of technology must seek the welfare of our neighbours and enemies, promote human flourishing and dignity, having fixed our eyes more fully on the future that awaits us in the new heavens and the new earth. (Mic 6:8; Luke 10:25-37; Gen 9:6; Jas 3:9; Gen 1:31; Rev 21:1-8)

As digital technology is negotiated and adapted within church communities today, we see existing church life practices shaped by it along with new church practices emerging from it. Recognizing that digital technology is not monolithic, the church must use its discernment to judge when, how, and where different technologies should be adopted with the focus always on how the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed and honoured in their use. We therefore call Christians and churches to explore and adapt digital technologies for the worship of God, the bridging of divides, the shaping of Christ-honouring culture, and the work of Christian discipleship.

Finally, we applaud the church’s evangelistic drive that has led to increasing technological adaptation and unprecedented opportunities for sharing the gospel. We delight that technology has extended the reach of the gospel into many regions of the world that have previously been inaccessible, hastened the work of Bible translation, and facilitated the movement and ministry of God’s people around the world. We pray that gospel-motivated, faithful stewardship of technology will help a new generation to follow and bear witness to Christ in our increasingly technological world.