- Serving Through Tech: Using Technology to Serve Others and Spread Faith
- How to Build Accessible Websites with WCAG Standards
- Introduction to SQL: Managing Data with Confidence
- Serving God Through Your Technical Skills
- How the Church Can Use Technology to Reach Communities
- Building a Church Website with WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Using Open Source Tools to Build a Non-Profit Website
- How to Create a Secure Volunteer Database System
- Ethics of Tech Volunteering: How to Serve with Integrity
When we offer our technical skills to serve churches, charities, or community groups, we’re not just writing code or fixing Wi-Fi—we’re building trust. Tech volunteers often handle sensitive data, make decisions that affect accessibility, and shape the digital presence of faith communities. That’s why it’s essential to serve with integrity, humility, and care.
This isn’t just about following rules—it’s about aligning our service with our values.
1. Serve People, Not Projects
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building systems or launching websites. But tech ministry is always about people first. Before you build anything, ask:
- Who does this help?
- Who might this exclude?
- What problem are we actually solving?
Let love guide the design.
2. Respect Privacy and Data
Whether managing email lists, building a database, or troubleshooting someone’s device:
- Get informed consent before collecting data
- Encrypt sensitive info
- Never share details without permission
- Destroy records securely when no longer needed
Confidentiality is a ministry in itself. Missteps here can hurt reputations—and people.
3. Keep Accessibility Central
Tech should never be a barrier. As volunteers, we must ensure:
- Websites and apps meet WCAG standards
- Videos include captions
- Fonts and colours work for all users
- Assistive tech (screen readers, keyboard navigation) is supported
Serving with integrity means welcoming everyone, including those often overlooked.
4. Don’t Work Beyond Your Limits
It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” Whether it’s security, legal compliance, or advanced development—refer to experts when needed. It’s better to do a small thing well than to build something brittle.
Stay teachable. Get help when needed. Take responsibility for the work you offer.
5. Guard Against Burnout
Serving others through tech can become overwhelming, especially when expectations are high and appreciation is low. Set boundaries. Rest. Work in teams. Delegate.
You’re not just a resource. You’re a human being with gifts to give—and limits to respect.
6. Be Transparent
Keep leadership informed. Document changes. Share passwords securely (or better: use a password manager). Build systems that others can understand and maintain.
Tech shouldn’t be a mystery—it should be a shared resource. Leave things better than you found them.
Called to Code (and Care)
Technology is powerful. But so is trust. When we bring our skills into ministry settings, we’re not just helping—we’re representing Christ. That means working ethically, listening deeply, and remembering that every line of code, every security patch, every accessibility fix, can be an act of love.
The best tech volunteer isn’t just clever—they’re faithful.
