Updated 2017 - Turning Barriers Into Bridges: The Inclusive Use of Information and Communication Technology for Churches in America, Britain, and Canada, written by Dr. John Jay Frank, explores why and how we can use our computers, the Internet, and sound systems inclusively in church and for Christian outreach. It is a resource for churches and missions seeking to fulfill the Great Commandments and the Great Commission. Taming technology can be a challenge. Inclusive use of information and communication technology (ICT) has been required for more than twenty-five years, but is often not practiced. This book offers Biblical, legal, and cultural reasons for being an accessible church. It presents inexpensive, easy-to-learn ways to use our ICT accessibly all the time. These allow more people to see, hear, and understand the Word of God so souls may be saved and nurtured for eternity. Our technology may seem new, but this issue is not new. Seventy-five years ago, in The Screwtape Letters, #2, C. S. Lewis revealed the Senior Tempter's glee that "One of our great allies at present is the Church itself." It greets those who enter with a liturgy they cannot understand and religious lyrics in very small print. We have the opportunity today to use our technology for clarifying instead of obstructing our messages. Fifty years ago we learned, "the medium is the message." Inclusive use of technology in churches sends the message that God is accessible to those of us who are able to see, hear, and read well and is also accessible to our neighbors who are less able. Marshall McLuhan also noted, "we shape our tools and then our tools shape us." If we allow the Bible to shape us first, we will be trustworthy stewards and living examples of the Gospel we believe and share. We would not celebrate Christmas or Easter without mentioning the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Nor should we view the inclusive use of computers, the Internet, and sound systems as if it were only about laws, attitudes, or actions. Both how and why we use technology reflect the Gospel because the Word was made flesh-God became accessible to us. Christ was crucified for us-God was disabled, then died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. There Is no resurrection without the cross and no crucifixion without disability. Accessibility and disability are central to the Gospel. Turning Barriers Into Bridges contains more than 70 references, and more than 140 scriptures, and offers more than 80 ways to accessibly use our information and communication technology. It is now Updated for 2017 and available in both a 12 point font paperback and an 18 point font large print edition paperback and a Kindle format at Amazon.com, .uk, .ca, and worldwide. Contact the publisher at minstrelmissions@gmail.com, or www.minstrelmissions.com
John Jay Frank, an Ordained Minister of the Gospel and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor for many years, has had training and experience in Reading Education, Biblical Studies, Information and Communication Technology, and Music. He earned a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling at Syracuse University in New York (2003). Beyond experience with his own vision impairment, his professional and volunteer work includes the direct care of people with various severe impairments, as well as pastorate, chaplaincy, research, and teaching positions, and missionary and evangelistic activities.
