Technology and the Let’s Pray About It Excuse
When I hear these words, “Let’s pray about it,” especially when it comes to a technological decision, my body starts convulsing internally.
And it’s not that praying is a bad thing at all; in fact, I think if you’re not praying about your web team, your web strategy, and the products you roll out (as well as the impact on your local community and beyond) then you’re doing a disservice to your post, calling, and opportunity.
Period.
But, I have seen that particular answer, when talking with a number of ministries, be a crutch and an excuse resulting in un-action, or apathy, typically birthed out of ignorance and/or fear. This, of course, is sad.
Here’s a typical story:
Me: So how’s your technology strategy coming? Are you guys on target for your launch?
Frustrated Ministry Person: No, we we’re moving ahead really nicely but the Senior Pastor has just said that he’s unsure and wants to pray about it some more. We’ve been praying about it for over a year now, and I’m not sure if we’ll ever launch.
Me: … Oh. Yeah, that ___________________ (I fill in the blank with some nice condolences or pithy statement).
Truly, a sad story. Again, I believe in the power and necessity of prayer and everything we do should be covered and bathed in it. But if it begins to seem like it’s being used as a crutch of some sort (and get some other people’s opinions here) then it’s time to have some tough conversations.
Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is to trust in our staff (and our God) and then go do it (whatever “it” is). That’s my prayer for you today.
Buzz it!
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26 Responses to “Technology and the Let’s Pray About It Excuse”
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Amen. Too often "Let's Pray about it some more" really means, "I am afraid that this may fail so let me spiritualize my fear by suggesting more prayer that way I don't have to take any risks."
Was about to say much the same thing. I believe that any prayer request is also a call to action on at least someone's part, not just God's….
word,
kind of like James 2 vs 20 …onwards "Faith without works is dead" you can pray forever but most of the time – at some point – you need to trust someone, trust yourself, whatever – then just do it.
Life is a Nike commercial. Just Do It!!!
lol,
just so long as people are praying that they can really fly
I feel the same way. Praying is important. But often, "Let's pray about it" is often an excuse for a lack of action ("I won't give that homeless guy some food. I'll pray for him.") or in your example, a way to put off making a decision.
spiritualizing fear or concern over looking bad or not understanding is lame
thanks for writing this post. it certainly affirms many of my experiences integrating technology with ministry.
I have hard this statement so many times in my life.
To me it is the go to for leaders when they have a hard time saying no.
There have been several times where I have asked a question or even asked for a chance to meet and talk and the usual response is, let me pray about that and then i will get back to you. Ya, they never get back to me.
I equate it to asking a girl out and her telling you let me pray about it. No one likes to have the Jesus card played on them.
I agree with the girl analogy.
I remember one time a friend of mine broke up with this girl. His excuse: I wanna get closer to God <smh>
The real excuse: he lost interest in her or so it seemed.
The Jesus card is like the ace in the hole.
There's a difference, and discernment is needed on the part of the person pushing the issue, about whether "let's pray about it" is being used as a crutch or whether it's a legitimate strategy for developing a program.
I think the Holy Spirit likes to whisper "that's bull****" to us when we hear it used as a crutch….we know what the deal is in that case.
Of course, if we've done OUR homework (i.e., prayer-work) before taking the project idea to the whoever, we could start the conversation by saying, "The team has been praying about this for some time and we're convinced this is what we're supposed to do…" However, if you have a pastor who's not afraid to say no, you're still stuck!
I think "let's pray about it" is legitimate in two cases: 1. If the project requires a significant investment of funds and there are other areas that need funding as well and 2. In the early stages when deciding what the project should accomplish, goals, etc.
But if the funds are there and the goals are clear, "let's pray about it" is just an excuse. I guess that's where the praying about it for "over a year" part came in on your post.
I totally agree. If the team has met, the plan laid out, there is no excuse.
I'm praying for Tony & for me so we can comment
Word… completely… word.
I can't stand when people say that!!!
I've been in sales for a number of years: so I've heard my good share of objections. The good thing about that is that you learn what to say to overcome those objections. But I have NOT thought of a way to overcome THAT objection. What I really want to do is grab them by the shirt and start shaking them while screaming, "Stop Lying!!!! Stop using God as a crutch!!!"
But I control myself…or better yet…the Spirit controls me.
But seriously, if anyone has any ideas how to overcome that objection I would love to hear it.
I have a few comments, but I want to pray about it first. I will get back to you
Thankfully, this never happens to me. In my dream world.
puaha. word. how are things going with the book?
Hard.
knock life.
Relevant for me at the moment. Ugh.
specifics…?
I'll tell you over breakfast sometime. Did I ever share with you the reason for us not using Youtube
huh. no…