Technology within church walls also a topic of debate
By KAREN HEINSELMAN, Courier Staff Writer
July 8, 2007

WAVERLY --- Despite the fact many churches use technology and use it well, nationwide houses of worship are as much as a decade behind the times.

Bill Withers, chairman of the communication arts department at Wartburg College, said most businesses have a presence on the Internet. But only 57 percent of Protestant congregations have a Web site, according to the Barna Group, a research group. Withers notes many churches maintain an online presence with limited information.

Technology, however, isn't limited to the Internet. Technology is also what happens inside church walls --- which is where related tensions sometimes arise.

Should parishioners use hymnals or follow along on screens with pictures and graphics? Should the pastor read announcements about summer camp from the pulpit or play a video of last year's adventures? the rest