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WILKES-BARRE — Restored Church pastors Dan Nichols and Tim Walker are hoping to reach church members in unique ways.
And both are willing to rely on technology to give divine intervention a helping hand.
The church has recently unveiled an app that will allow people to listen to sermons, find directions to church and even give in the weekly offering.
Both pastors say that the app, which has already been downloaded by several hundred people, is simply a tool to continue to grow the church, which has touted “No Perfect People Allowed” since it opened in 2012.
Nichols said the app — as well as Facebook, Twitter and email — allows communication among church leadership and membership that goes well beyond Sunday mornings.
The church also recently introduced a new website, which provides a central location for the disseminating information about ministries, requesting counseling and even familiarizing site viewers with the church’s basic beliefs.
In addition, the website addresses some more pragmatic concerns of attendees. For example, telling site visitors about food that cost under $2.50 that can be used to feed bible study attendees and 20 easy meals to make for 20 people for less then $20 for those hosting fellowship gatherings.
Technology, the pastors say, is heavily used by church members of all ages.
Although the two 20-something pastors say the Christian message has remained the same, avenues of its presentation have changed in some ways.
“The front door to the church is no longer a physical door that people walk through to gain entry to the church,” said Walker. “The front door to our church is our online presence.”
Keith Wagner, who leads a Restored Church Bible study in Hazleton, said he uses the app to encourage Bible study attendees.
“Not all of those who come to Bible study are able to make it to Wilkes-Barre for Sunday services,” he said. “Technology allows them to experience the church even when they can’t physically get there.”
Nichols said an online presence also provides an opportunity for church leadership to be accountable.
“We post to Facebook on a regular basis,” he said. “You can see that I’ve taken my wife out for date night or am spending time with my son.”
Walker said the church exists to give every man, woman and child in the city repeated opportunities to hear, see and respond to the Gospel.
To the pastors at Restored Church, technology goes beyond simply the sharing of information and even beyond attracting people to their church. Instead, its an opportunity to share a spiritual message, to bring people together, to change lives.
Technology, the pastors say, allows a greater sense of community and discipleship, not just on Sunday, but throughout the week.
