Digital Equity
Digital Ministry Includes Digital Equity
Digital Ministry is an aspect of our life as the Church that is here to stay. The majority of churches launched a livestream in 2020 and maintain it to this day (and we suggest you should, even if it’s only 2 people who watch). However, digital ministry also includes many other aspects, such as social media, email, e-newsletters, Zoom meetings, and so much more.
Often when we speak of “digital ministry” we think of ministry that happens in digital spaces. But part of a church’s digital ministry should also include digital equity. The reality is that we live in a world where digital access is a requirement for daily life. Forms are filled out, bills are paid online, schooling, meetings, appointments happen virtually, and so on. Digital access is a requirement to function in our world. Yet, there are many in our community who cannot access the internet for a variety of reasons.
We want to encourage your congregation to think about how you could increase digital access in three different ways:
Access
Adoption
Affordability
Access
We live in a state that has a variety of topography and aspects that make it special. Each poses a unique challenge for internet access, from cranberry bogs to granite deposits to large acres of farmland or forests. And sometimes, even if there is an internet line, the speeds are not high enough to actually function. Could your church help address this barrier? We’ve heard of local churches creating coworking spaces with free wifi (and a bonus of community for when so many work alone from home). Could your church partner with a local health provider to provide a space for people to access telehealth and online mental health appointments?
Adoption
The gadgets and apps associated with internet access can be confusing for even the most tech-savvy individuals, and that means that many are left behind. Could your church create space to answer people’s questions? Maybe you have a “bring your tablet/phone/computer to church fellowship hour” and help each other with questions. Maybe your youth or young adult group volunteers to assist people at an event (bonus: building cross-generational relationships and teaching patience and compassion). Maybe you can partner with a local nonprofit to offer community courses on technology, safety, and more.
Affordability
Budgets are being stretched further and further these days. Could your congregation help spread information about Lifeline, a benefit program that helps make internet access more affordable? Download a bulletin insert or host an enrollment event at coffee hour or other time of gathering (do you host a food pantry or other space that would create space for conversation?).
Reach out to us to access these resources.
Let us help you!
We are excited to have these conversations and would love to support you in this work. We’ve partnered with the United Way of WI to continue to lift up digital equity and increase access, adoption, and affordability in our communities. Reach out to us (wcoc@wichurches) for training and/or a 1:1 conversation about how we can support you.