This week we received a phone book at our home. It went almost directly from the front door to recycling. I have not used a phone book for over a year and am not sure if I will use one again. I have found the internet to be faster and more helpful. My children (maybe one day, not right now) may never know about the difference between the white pages and the yellow pages.
This reminded me of the card catalog at the library. I remember learning how to use the card catalog in elementary school – this is a practice that is already far gone. In both of these cases the need remains – people still need to find phone numbers and business names. People still need to be able to find text that they desire – written or electronic.
I think that this is like our faith. There is still a need for the sharing of good news of Jesus Christ. We are still called to move toward perfect love of God and neighbor. But what that looks like today may be different than it looked 50, 25, 5 and even 2 years ago.
- What current practices of congregations do you think are obsolete?
- What practices have you seen that continue to produce fruit?
- What new practices of faith have you discovered?
Rev. Andrew Conard 
7 replies on “The Phonebook is Obsolete”
We got a phone call shortly after getting the phone book asking us if we’d gotten it and if we needed any additional copies. Laughter was stifled.
Although, a website doesn’t add 2″ of height to a toddler’s chair.. That takes a couple of laptops at least.
I use to think that way too as my children approached their mid-20’s, and then a funny thing happened — they started buying their first homes, having children, all those life events, and presto, they needed a source for equipment rentals, specialty children’s furniture, and a gazillion more things. Surprise, surprise — they are using the print Yellow Pages. And lets not forget all those loving Christians who don’t have the where with all or the financial means to be digital users.
Excellent point. You are absolutely right that the need remains (both for information and spiritual outreach) but the media is and will always be changing. Awesome thought today!
Ian B – Thanks for your comments. There are some things that make sense with a thick book. Can’t say that I can understand on the need for toddler chair adjustments. Maybe some day 😉
KenC – I use Google Maps for the purpose of looking up businesses and have fairly good success. You are right, although some resources are available at the local library – internet, phone book, etc. the yellow pages delivered at home does have some advantages.
Adam – Thanks for the comment. Look for a post soon about more possible uses of technology.
“What current practices of congregations do you think are obsolete?”
I see that the days of “The church is open… y’all come,” are dead and gone, and have been for some time. Perhaps that’s part of my extreme dislike of our denominational advertising slogan. We need marketing of the church, but more importantly, our churches need to get off their rear ends and go outside of the doors and be the church/body of Christ. Once someone sees and understands that “hey, these people do really care about me,” then perhaps they’ll make more of an effort to come join in worship. But the days are long over when we can put a banner out front and hope for the best. Jesus said, “Go”. Not sit and wait.
Sorry, that last post was me… didn’t realize it wouldn’t post my actual name. Just getting started with this stuff. 🙂
Dan – No problem 🙂 I think you are right on target with your comment. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is not most effectively based on attraction. Perhaps more effective through invitation.