Turning Barriers Into Bridges: The Inclusive Use of Information and Communication Technology for Churches in America, Britain, and Canada

Updated 2021 - Turning Barriers Into Bridges by Dr. John Jay Frank, explores why and how we can use our computers, sound systems, and the Internet inclusively in church and for outreach. It is a resource for churches and missions seeking to fulfill the Great Commandments and the Great Commission. This book offers Biblical, legal, and cultural reasons for being an accessible church. It presents inexpensive, easy-to-learn ways to use our information and communication technology (ICT) accessibly all the time, not only when we think it is needed. These allow more people to see, hear, and understand the Word of God.

In America, twenty million people do not see well even with glasses or contacts, 48 million do not hear well, and 40 million cannot read well. Worldwide there are 1&1/2 billion who do not see, hear, or read well. Barriers to the Gospel message are created by misuse of information and communication technology (ICT). Computer printing, projection, LCDs, the Internet, and sound systems could instead be initially set-up accessibly. Turning Barriers Into Bridges, updated in 2021, presents scriptures, treaties, laws, definitions, demographics, experiences, and solutions to ICT barriers to the Gospel.

When people evangelize with only small print it excludes many of us. Sharing Bibles labeled large print, but which are not 18 point font or larger gives people the false impression that they are not able to read even a large print Bible. When I show them truly large print Bibles it is a revelation and a joy.

We have health and safety features for vehicles and buildings and to avoid the harm of tobacco smoking in public places. We can also set-up ICT accessibly to begin with, all the time, when we set-up church.

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.

This 2021 update, with 2020 census data, is in 12 point font standard print paperback and a Kindle edition at Amazon.com, .uk, .ca, and worldwide. Also see the book, Large Print Turning Barriers Into Bridges in 18 point paperback Contact the author or publisher at minstrelmissions@gmail.com, or read some at 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.