CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 21 faith High-Tech Church Much like God, innovative technology never sleeps By Kelly Twedell of the church's message. Simply put, the Internet is being wielded as one of the greatest evangelistic tools of our time. "We use technology to leverage the message," said Christopher Fletcher, Executive Pastor/Creative Director at Manna Church. "Without a good mes- sage, you cannot just add in social media to your arsenal and succeed." While the virtual world is overflow- ing with resources, pastors have more than one tool at their fingertips. His Word (meaning all the red letters in the Bible) has the power that can transform our hearts through multi-denomina- tional messages, whether it's across the screen or piped through your earbuds. "We were able to give our whole se- ries away to other churches and we have thousands of people that watch online from all over the world each week," said Michael Fletcher, Senior Pastor at Man- na Church. Technological advancements have always been catalysts for social change and Manna Church is leveraging social media well to engage with its members, deployed soldiers and viewers from oth- er countries. With three strong viable multi-sites running on video technology T his is not your mother's church – with lights, smoke machines and band members - male and female - all shopping at the same place for skinny jeans. To- day's church services are draw- ing in the masses, not just with the message, but also with the experience as a whole. We went behind the scenes to see how technology is changing the way the message is delivered. Given the uptick in social and tech- nological advances, the church is not standing idly by. As technology forges ahead, the innovative changes we see to- day are increasing exponentially. Stay- ing relevant in the Information Age is imperative during a time when the on- line uncensored environment devours a population, while online truth-seekers remain steady. Photography by Brandon Noel Join us for a day of fun with an emphasis on home missions. Saturday, October 18th • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. EVERYONE WELCOME From stage lights, live stream feeds and soundboards, to user operated touch screens for nursery check-in, many larger Fayetteville churches are efficiently using technology to their ad- vantage. Ever have sick kids or travel? e web based sermon series is a real win. Digital technology has not only in- creased efficiency, but it's been a proven model to engage and increase the reach

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