Like many, I utilize the YouVersion app for some of my daily quiet time with God. Recently, I was watching two different devotional videos and was struck by something.
- First, I used my smartphone to do a portion of my daily devotions. Sit with this for a minute. The first iPhone (the closest first-generation device to our current smartphones) was not released until 2007. That was only 15 years ago. Now, I can’t imagine not having one.
- Second, the man giving the devotional that morning was sitting in England. He read from his Smartphone. He held it in his hand and waved it around as if it was an appendage of his physical body
Accessibility and Our Phones
Steve Jobs envisioned making technology more accessible and bringing it into our everyday lives. He played a vital role in developing and popularizing personal computers and mobile devices, making computing more user-friendly and portable. I mean, we practically have the world at our fingertips.
With the introduction of these devices, it could be said that his goal was to put the power of technology — or a computer — into the hands of as many people as possible.
Mission Accomplished
In 2021, a report showed that around 7.8 billion smartphones were used worldwide. And since then, the number is expected to grow in the coming years as the demand increases.
And here’s the interesting part. In 2021, a report showed that 7.888 billion people live on Earth. See any correlation?
Facility Stewardship and Our Phones
Therefore, that begs the question: Can smartphones be used as an effective facility stewardship tool? Let’s dive into a few examples.
- Communication: Our iPhones and Androids can be used to send and receive text messages and emails, which can help church staff, volunteers, members, suppliers, and vendors coordinate.
- Scheduling: Smartphones can be used to access and update calendar apps, which can help with scheduling events, meetings, and more.
- Facility Maintenance: Our smartphones can be used to access and update facility management software, which can help track maintenance tasks and monitor the facility's condition.
- Social Media: Smartphones can be used to manage social media accounts, which can help promote church events and connect with members.
- Emergency Management: iPhones and Androids can be used to send out emergency alerts, such as inclement weather notices or security alerts, to members and staff.
- Record Keeping: Smartphones can be used to take photos, videos, and audio recordings, which can help keep records of church events and activities.
- Major System Controls: Smartphones are also a tremendous tool to access your HVAC systems, door access, etc. There is bonus efficiency when those systems are also integrated with the facility management software.
Conclusion: Smartphones Are Our Tools
Overall, smartphones are valuable tools. They help with many aspects of church facility management, including the points above. Are you using this tool to steward your facility?
If you could use the help, contact our team to see how eSPACE and its robust mobile app can add to your facility stewardship toolbox.
