When we have guest missionaries, in addition to sending a microphone into the congregation to let people ask questions, he’ll tell people to text him questions on his Blackberry to ask the missionary. I think that’s neat, because it allows some screening so questions whose answers could imperil believers overseas can be dropped before they get asked publicly.

Thanks Brian! That’s a great idea.

Thanks for sharing your use of text messaging. We discovered a few years ago that there was/is a need to incorporate mobile communication into the church. With more mobile phones being sold today than PCs, mobile perhaps may be our most dominant communication medium to come.

Our company, Mobile Verses, provides mobile communications services to help church leaders stay in touch with members more effectively.

How are mobile services being used?
1. Church Alerts - is a messaging service that lets church leaders notify members via text.  Suitable for a quote a day, reminders, change of plans, even reverse 911 in cases of emergencies.

2. Mobile Sites - is a simplified version of a churches website that is compatible for internet enabled mobile phones around the world.  Church mobile sites typically provide some of the usual background info, directions, pastor blog, events, mobile donations, and more.

3. Mobile Stores - the ability to reach out and raise money via mobile phones.  By making a collection of wallpapers and ringtones available, mobile provides a unique way to connect while raising funds for needed projects.

Mobile communication is still in its early phases and having some guidance on what is possible and how to provide is in the interest of your church and its members.  If you are still not sure, just ask the youth of your church if they would be interested in connecting via their phones and you will undoubtedly get a resounding yes.

Connecting Churches with their members by phone:  http://www.mobileverses.com

Ken -

Thanks for stopping by and for your contribution! I agree that mobile communication may become the dominant form of communication, and its already there (at least with regard to technological communication) in some third world countries.

Do you know Antoine RJ Wright by any chance? He’s the guy who founded Mobile Ministry Magazine (http://www.mobileministrymagazine.com). His personal site is at http://www.antoinerjwright.com/.

Thanks again!

This whole mobile thing is incredible. We’ve listed other ways that mobiles can be used for evangelism and discipleship at
mobile evangelism page of the Internet Evangelism Day site. Check, for instance, the possibilities that BlueTooth gives.

Blessings

Tony

Frank,
Thanks for letting me know about Antoine’s sites. I came across your site last week and I am so happy to see you and now others talking about the need to use new technologies to connect church and members.

If you know of any other sites/bloggers that are worth a look, please let me know.

Thanks
Ken
http://www.mobileverses.com

The idea behind this is great. We need to utilize technology with kids today. I can forsee this as a possible “pre” alter call to prepare the youth. Text messaging and mobile internet is growing in leaps and bounds so anyway we can adapt is great!