Avoiding the Trap of Bad Tech in Church Ministry

Technology has become an integral part of modern church life—from Bible apps to livestreamed services—but it also comes with risks. As churches adopt increasingly sophisticated tech tools, they must guard against what some call “bad tech”: the use of technology that distracts from or distorts the Gospel. When screens, metrics, and stage production begin to shape the message more than serve it, the church may inadvertently prioritize entertainment over transformation.

The danger of bad tech is subtle. It’s not about rejecting technology outright, but rather recognizing when its use undermines spiritual depth. Sermons styled like TED Talks, worship experiences focused on lighting and camera angles, and social media algorithms dictating what’s “shareable” can all lead the church away from its core purpose. As metrics like views and likes become measures of ministry success, churches must pause to ask whether they are making disciples or just creating content.

Convenience is another double-edged sword. Livestreams and digital resources make church accessible, especially for the homebound or those without a local congregation. But that same convenience can lead to consumer-style faith. When attending church becomes a passive experience—something we “tune into” while multitasking—we risk turning worship into performance and community into content. The Gospel calls for embodied faith: presence, service, and transformation in real-life relationships.

Moreover, the pursuit of digital relevance can erode sacred reverence. Worship becomes performance-driven, sermons are clipped into soundbites, and prayer becomes content. The result? A curated faith that plays well on social media but lacks substance and spiritual depth.

To avoid falling into the trap of bad tech, churches must realign their digital strategy with their spiritual mission. Technology should support discipleship, not distract from it. Churches are encouraged to ask: Are we using tech to glorify Christ, or just to grow platforms?

Reclaiming the purpose of technology means being intentional, discerning, and Christ-centered in its use. Let it be a tool for authentic connection, spiritual growth, and Gospel proclamation—not a substitute for the presence and power of God.

For more details, refer to the original article on ChurchLeaders.