This is more than just the guy who makes the internet work. Though it’s likely not less than that either. We need a competent professional dealing with the complicated process of connecting our devices and part of that will always be a recognition that this is not a role for the interested but the competent. Which will eventually boil down to a paid role or a different kind of ministry. For a ministry to want to do anything online in any effectual capacity, means having an IT guy on staff. Not only for staff devices but also for congregational connection. This is not the realm for an enthusiastic or passionate amateur. Though it can be where they get directed to pursue actual work skills and certifications by the pastorate for ministry purposes. But the ships in the Bible were piloted by sailors, the same way the tables were equally served by godly and trustworthy men. We need to be good on the internet but also have to be actually on the internet.
Next we need to be safe on the internet which means being of one accord and mind. The hand cannot say to the eye I do not need sites blocked on my router. But when we look into the most effective means of keeping people safe online, website blocking, we encounter a test of our wisdom in practice. You see there are several services, even devices now, that will do this blocking for you. Even for free. Use them and you never need to worry about losing a battle to temptation because they will not let you get close to the battle. Which is exactly where you want your children and weak men. Because they would only be casualties of that battle. But if you ever want those children and men to become useful on any battle field, or mission field. Then you can’t let them stay next to those devices and subscribe to those services.
A key role of a deacon of the internet might be participating in the judgement of who needs the internet and who doesn’t. Like with the widows, judging who is hungry and who like eating. There will be season where congregants would benefit from the services of a church sponsored IT guy making sure no one in the their house can get to Pornhub by blocking those sites at the router, but the end goal isn’t not being able to sin. It’s not sinning. And that kind of wisdom is a lot harder to come by than a mid 20’s guy with some network certifications.
A fool would just block all porn all the time and find out just how weak we can make the church to temptation once any sheep is outside the geofence. But an even bigger fool would do the opposite. This isn’t a call for a third way, but a wisdom that herds the sheep between and away from both dangers. And does so, most likely at the router.
Finally, that deacon should be deciding what’s on the menu, and what isn’t. Because as sweet as it is, the dish is not good for us. There are some social media sites and online practices that no one should have, ever. Things done between the touch screen and the keyboard that should always be repented of not reasoned with. And those things will be on a list that is ever changing. A well informed deacon could parse a list like that, but it’s more important that he participate in the writing of such a list. The same way a nurturing cook looks at a deep fried twinkie with disgust. They know it tastes good, that's the problem. He should have theologically sound and readable statements on new tech as it emerges, and old tech as it becomes second nature. That’s where the two lines about avoiding dishonest gain and being dignified come in. He’ll do both by being the kind of guy who can speak and write honestly about tech and in a manner that is plain for all to see.
We’ve tried online pastors for a while now. And while promising I think it misses the point that the internet, is a thing not a place. A thing that revolves around what it does a service not a place the functions for a people. In that Pastors who are tied to their people shouldn’t be the ones making online decisions for their churches. But rather, should be empowered by the freedom to do ministry by deacons serving on and with the internet on their behalf.
A deacon of the internet could rein in the rampant bad theology by means of responsive good stewardship of the service nature of internet connections.
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