Technology Has Always Been Part of Ministry
When we think of the apostle Paul, we often focus on his theology, his courage, and his missionary journeys. But there's another crucial aspect of Paul's ministry that's easy to overlook: his masterful use of the technology available in his day.
Paul: The Technology Adopter
Consider what Paul had at his disposal:
- Roman Roads: An unprecedented network of paved roads that enabled faster travel than ever before
- Professional Scribes: Skilled writers like Tertius (Romans 16:22) who helped craft and copy letters
- Courier Systems: Networks of messengers who could carry letters across vast distances
- Greek Language: A common tongue that allowed communication across diverse cultures
- Papyrus and Ink: Writing materials that were relatively affordable and portable
Paul didn't view these as optional conveniences—he saw them as essential tools for fulfilling the Great Commission. Without Roman roads, his missionary journeys would have taken twice as long. Without scribes, his theological masterpieces might never have been written. Without couriers, churches hundreds of miles apart couldn't have stayed connected.
The Principle: Use Available Technology
Here's the key insight: Paul used the best technology available to him to spread the gospel and build up disciples. He didn't limit himself to face-to-face conversations when he could write letters. He didn't walk when he could sail. He didn't work alone when he could multiply his impact through co-laborers and communication networks.
"I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." - 1 Corinthians 9:22
Our Responsibility Today
If Paul leveraged first-century technology for ministry, shouldn't we leverage twenty-first-century technology? The question isn't whether to use technology—it's how to use it faithfully and effectively.
Just as Roman roads enabled Paul to reach more cities, mobile apps enable us to reach more people. Just as his letters provided ongoing discipleship when he couldn't be physically present, digital platforms keep disciples connected and growing between meetings.
Disciply: Modern Tools for Timeless Mission
Disciply embodies this principle. It's not about replacing personal relationships or the work of the Holy Spirit—it's about using available tools to:
- Connect disciples across distances
- Track spiritual growth and progress
- Equip leaders more effectively
- Multiply discipleship relationships
- Make resources accessible to everyone
The Call Forward
Paul's roads are now our apps. His scribes are our digital tools. His couriers are our instant messaging systems. The technology has changed, but the mission remains the same: make disciples of all nations.
The question isn't whether Paul would use technology like Disciply—the question is, can we afford not to use every tool God has given us to fulfill the Great Commission?