Behind the Ministry: Digital Technologies

Paul Choi grew up building things. When tinkering with toy robots turned into exploring computer science at Temple University, technology scratched the creative itch he always had.

He first became interested in websites after fiddling with his first family PC in fourth grade. After a few years of attending Metro at the loving insistence of his older sister, he began to help Pastor Tim update the Metro website in its earliest days. This soon fanned this casual hobby into a fiery passion.

After officially stepping into the role of Director of the Digital Technologies Ministry in 2019, he was thrown into the pandemic, filling immeasurable gaps with a fresh online platform. Now, the team has tripled, and the website has evolved into a robust resource for both members and visitors of Metro Church.

Since then, Paul has begun to view digital technologies in a new light. When strategies, methods, and processes of editing the website look similar to his professional job, there can be a temptation to manage the ministry in a way that a data-driven boss would at work. Although there are deliverables and deadlines to consider, he is regularly reminded by his community of the true motivation and purpose of this work.

“Over time, I have learned the depth of the word, ‘community,’ and how it ultimately pours from an overflow of love of the gospel,” said Paul.

Through his own team members, he is brought back to a unified vision not only for renewed selves, but also for a renewed city, only made possible through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Colossians 4:5-6 is the team’s theme verse this year: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

“The Greek word for ‘time’ in verse five is kairos, which can be translated to ‘opportunity.’ In an era where tech is so often utilized for personal ambition, pleasure, or vanity, the Digital Tech ministry strives to harness it as a tool used for redemption and renewal,” shared Paul.

In many ways, the Digital Technologies Ministry beckons people to church. Google searches, sermon libraries, Lent and Advent devotions, and blog posts are just some of the modes of invitation that they facilitate. Each page is intentionally created to be outward-facing, available, and discoverable, and the ministry is constantly brainstorming better ways to welcome newcomers before they even set foot in the building.

Additionally, every ministry and fellowship at Metro depends on the team to carry out their announcements, sign-ups, and information pages. The community heavily relies on these channels to hear about, decide to join, and, hence, enjoy the life of the church, with very few people knowing how this is made possible. The team members quietly working behind their computers have both a bird's-eye view and a magnifying glass, charged with a mission of thoughtfully putting the pieces of a puzzle together for the greater unity of the church.

“I think the best part of this team is being able to work creatively with the volunteers to really think for our congregants, both current and potential. It is incredibly invigorating to sit with members who are each so uniquely plugged into different aspects of our church, to pull from their perspectives in identifying care opportunities for our congregation, and to have the creativity and agency to fill that gap. It has been an absolute joy to serve the church and the city through our tech,” said Paul.

We asked some team members a few questions to gain more perspective on the purpose and characteristics of the Digital Technologies Ministry.

Q: Why is the Digital Technologies Ministry important to you?

A: “What I love about the Digital Technologies Ministry is that it opens up a window of opportunity for people to find and get plugged into a church that actively worships and serves the Lord. In today’s world, a person’s first step into the church often happens online, so this ministry serves to break down the physical, social, and geographical barriers for anyone who is seeking to explore their faith,” said Sunny Kwon.

Q: What is your hope for the Digital Technologies Ministry?

A: “My hope for the Digital Technologies Ministry is that we would grow in our love for Jesus, and that this love would shape the way we take ownership of the mission and values of the ministry,” said John Kim.

Q: What is the most exciting thing about the Digital Technologies Ministry?

A: “What excites me the most is hearing how the ministry has helped make real connections with people. From meeting a newcomer who has found Metro through our website or a Google search, to hearing about how an uploaded sermon counseled someone online during a commute, to partnering with other ministries to bring you this article you are reading now, it is encouraging to see how God uses these small tools to reorient our hearts back to him,” said Paul.