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June 3, 2005
Cardiff, U.K. Church Offers WiFi
(Filed under: First Impressions & Beyond)When St. John's Church in Cardiff, Wales realized the city-wide wireless wasn't getting through the church's thick walls, they went the extra step to install an extra node and bring the wireless Internet connection inside the church.
"The church is a sanctuary for everyone, including business people with laptops and mobiles who may want to find a quiet area without lots of noise and loud music to sit in peace and do some work or just send an e-mail," said Rev. Keith Kimber.
I was a bit skeptical at congregations surfing on wireless laptops during the sermon, but that doesn't seem to be the point. It's more about making the church a welcoming place, and that's always a good idea.
"All we ask is that they respect the church environment and do not to use loud mobile ring tones or play music on their computers, especially when a service is in progress," said Kimber.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at June 3, 2005 8:33 AM
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Comments
I think it's a great idea. If I can take my laptop down to Krystal (literally...Krystal--can you believe it?) and surf the net, why would we NOT do that in the buildings that our communities of faith meet in?
Posted by: Jeffrey at June 3, 2005 6:52 AM
Hmmm... when I read that article I had a completely different view of the offering. My thoughts were probably more like what my parents think when they see me at church in shorts and flip flops. "Where's the respect?"
I think your thought about making church a more welcoming place is a good one. Still, the thought of seeing someone in the seat in front of me at church Chatting with a buddy or loading pictures to flickr makes me want to vomit. I'm all for wifi at church though... just not really DURING a service.
Posted by: Scott at June 3, 2005 9:26 AM
There is a enough distractions in this world to keep people away from the truth of the gospel.
Posted by: Gavin at June 3, 2005 11:16 AM
This is more than just useful for congregation members - it's also useful for committees and meetings. If your members are bringing computers to church, why not give everyone access to the church's internet, printers, etc.? Honestly, how many people are actually going to bring their laptop and check their email IN services? Not many - but what about before and after? A great idea.
Posted by: Ted Carnahan at June 3, 2005 2:42 PM
Great idea! This would be great for something like an Alpha course, where non-Christians could feel connected.
Yes it could be misused, and should be turned off during service to keep kids etc. from playing games.
On a marketing standpoint, it's good to be seen as a "modern" church with modern sensibilities. It helps your "brand name", so to speak, as a church.
Posted by: cjb at June 8, 2005 6:57 PM
I would rather you create opportunities for people to meet real people. The more that happens the higher the chances people will come to the Lord. If the technology achieves it then praise the Lord. If it is to raise the image only of the church then I am not sure what that will achieve.
Posted by: Jona at January 17, 2007 5:24 PM
GREAT IDEA!!! It makes the church seem more like a community that is wanting to reach out and minister.
Yes it could be abused but I think the positive far outweighs the negative.
Posted by: Sarah at March 1, 2007 10:02 AM
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