Church facilities today, like many other buildings, increasingly have various forms of Technology integrated. Aside from the Worship Center and some of the components already noted there, under audio/video systems, there are multiple areas where computer systems are being used to manage the functions and activities of the church. 

Starting in the entrance to the church, a computer terminal may be located in the information booth, where attendants can look up information on various ministries or access the church calendar. There may also be a computer terminal with touch screen for use by members and visitors to find information on church programs or access the church website allowing them to locate and correspond with church-sponsored missionaries via e-mail. 

The next place that a visitor may encounter computer Technology may be at the check-in of the children’s area. Many churches are gathering information the first time a child is checked into the nursery or children’s classes. This may particularly pertain to security issues by identifying who is allowed to pick up a child or who to contact in the event of an emergency. Another system often used for nurseries is electronic pagers, enabling nursery attendants to notify parents privately if their child has a need. 

Naturally, in the Worship Center itself there are computers that drive the video projection system, displaying the lyrics of the songs and sermon notes. This computer may also be networked to the church Office, with a central server, to carry notes that the pastor wants down-loaded and displayed. The Office is, of course, a location for a computer network, as well. Some systems also tend to be computerized with voice mail, emergency messages and general information about the church. 

Churches should also have a good website allowing for communication with members throughout the week and the ability for visitors to check out the church on-line ahead of time. This web site is often the critical first impression that a visitor will have of your church.  

Another area where Technology can play an effective role is in the area of energy management systems. By connecting the computer controller to the facility’s heating and air conditioning systems, a 24/7 time clock can be created that will be patterned after the normal uses of the church facility. This can enable you to pre-cool worship spaces prior to services, adjusting automatically between heating and cooling and even allowing remote access, so that maintenance personnel or a trustee can access the system and pre-cool spaces prior to the start of unscheduled special Events. The additional cost to install such a system will be well worth the investment in terms of energy savings, as well as increased comfort for the use of the building. 

As time goes on, Technology is sure to find expression in various other roles and functions. The use of Technology should be anticipated and integrated into the design of the facility, prior to the start of construction. Even if the church is unsure of the extent to which Technology will play a role, provision can be made for future installations by running inexpensive conduit in walls, ceilings and floors, so that completed construction need not be disturbed in the future.

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