It Went Over My Head

Have you ever been to a meeting, had a web conference, watched a TED talk, or listened to a podcast and the entire time they spoke over your head? Not necessarily in your ability to understand … but in your ability to implement.

Yesterday, I participated in a Zoomified Web Conference on Technology in the church. There were virtual breakout rooms and multiple topics discussed. It was informational and a few ideas were gleaned I hope to integrate. And overall, I was blessed and hope to go back to watch the archived breakout sessions once they post them online.

But one session gave me a challenge I didn’t expect. It was on creating a better streaming online-worship president-service. And while informational, it went way over my head. It assumed a media team, multiple volunteers to run the cameras, the computer, the backside of the backside production before it streams (to monitor syncing and quality). He talked cameras that were not on the cheap side, designated broadband with 20mb upload, lighting to help, and many people involved.

He talked mechanics and hardware but very little on software. Also he talked too much for me … too much budget needed, too many volunteers required, and too specific in a set location.

Yeah. Right. This would be nice if I had a team (besides my wife who controls the stream software), the budget, or the size. And what about if I’m trying to stream from multiple locations (like an off-site Bible study.)

I felt like I was at a retirement planning seminar for people that have 7 figures to invest while my bank account wouldn’t buy a used truck.

Now, this isn’t to bash the seminar. He had 50 minutes and he picked his topic. He couldn’t cover everything and appreciate his wisdom. It was good, just not what I was expecting, nor needed at the moment.

Here’s the lesson I really learned (not from him, but from the process) … how often do I preach or teach, and I don’t think about the entire group of people listening? I talk about joy of the Lord and they just lost a loved one so they can’t think joy. I talk the disciplines of the faith and they are new believers that don’t even grasp what prayer is. We deal with the importance of fellowship, yet they are quarantined in a retirement village.

Does a talk on the rapture and life during the eschaton help someone living paycheck to paycheck? It does, obviously, but they just don’t see it. And giving dynamics of tithing to those who can’t pay bills just creates cricket sounds.

I can’t be all things to all people. Speakers can’t hit every person in their listening range. But are efforts even being made to try? Are options given to those that need more, something else, or a different approach?

How does this impact each of us? Always try to be considerate of those with whom you are talking. You can’t be everything to everyone, but everyone should know you care. And if you can’t offer what they need, maybe we can go out of our way to help them find something or somewhere they can find the resources they do need.

It’s about investment and engagement in people’s lives. Are you willing to go that second mile? Not because you have to, but so you can have that second mile to talk and share you care for them.

Do that today.