Innovation with Intent

Did you know that FBC Beaumont has a TV app available in all smart TV app stores? If not, it might surprise you to know that, in any given week, more than 700 individuals engage with our worship services digitally. Many within this digital audience are homebound, hospitalized, or living in assisted living homes.

It may also surprise you to learn that FBC Beaumont was among the first congregations in Texas to broadcast worship services, stepping out in faith shortly after the launch of KFDM-TV (Channel 6) on April 24, 1955. What began as an innovative effort in the mid-1950s soon became a staple of local broadcasting, bringing Sunday morning worship into homes across Southeast Texas for decades. As technology and resources shifted, FBC Beaumont chose to transition from traditional broadcasting to a more modern web platform. Although these early processes struggled with mechanical issues, a few dedicated volunteers persevered.

Today, this ministry holds deep personal meaning for many of us. When I was growing up, my grandfather was unable to attend worship services because of illness. He relied on weekly VHS recordings of messages and the occasional church choir cantata to stay connected. I look back on sitting with my grandfather as he watched those tapes as one of my motivations to continue improving and innovating. As Marshall Swift has continued to make sustainable improvements to the technology and systems of our worship services, we have often discussed ecclesiology (the study of the church). The purpose of any system or process within the local church should be to fulfill Jesus’ commands. After all, Jesus did command His first disciples to “teach them to observe all that I commanded you.”

I respect that some may consider putting the words "technology" and "the Great Commission" in the same sentence to be overly spiritualizing the topic. However, I would argue that the Holy Spirit is at work in every aspect of every ministry, in every moment. If you have ever watched our services from home, opened The Loop, clicked a link on our website, or used our mobile app, I can assure you that a small army of volunteers and a select few staff members have put a great deal of prayer and study into the construction and operation of these processes.

Just as those before us embraced new technologies and new ways to share the good news of Jesus, we are continually learning and evaluating how best to serve our faith family and surrounding communities. What began as a series of phased technology projects has not only expanded our ability to engage beyond our walls but has also greatly enhanced the quality of our Sunday morning worship services. At the same time, we want to gently remind everyone that, if you are physically able to attend corporate worship, we encourage you to do so.

We also warmly invite anyone joining us online who needs prayer, a pastoral visit, or simple encouragement to complete our digital connection form or contact the church office this week. After all, the Church is far more than a Sunday service. The Church, as Jesus designed it, is the people of God carrying out the mission of God.