Building for Eternity in a Technological Age
Church, Technology, and the Temptation of Babel — Blog Series, Part 4
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1
We’ve covered a lot in this series.
We’ve seen that technology is not inherently evil, but it’s never neutral. We’ve walked through Genesis 11 and the story of Babel, a warning against building a future apart from God. We’ve reframed our understanding of innovation through the lens of the gospel: not as ascent to heaven, but the descent of God into our brokenness.
So now we ask the question:
What does it mean to build something that lasts?
Not just something efficient. Not trendy. Not viral.
But eternal.
Because that’s the calling for the church in every generation—whether it’s building temples out of cedar and gold, or building communities through screens and signals.
The Age of Digital Babel
We live in a new kind of Babylon—only this one fits in your pocket.
A world where:
Attention is currency
Content is king
Image is everything
In this world, it’s easy for churches to mistake motion for mission. To think that views equal transformation. To assume that because we’re reaching more people, we’re discipling them.
But Jesus never said, “Go viral and make content.”
He said, “Go therefore and make disciples.”
Discipleship is slow. It’s embodied. It’s relational. And it is terribly inefficient.
But it’s eternal.
In an age of acceleration, that’s hard to grasp.
What Are You Building?
Every church is building something.
A name. A brand. A platform. A movement. A mission.
But if we’re honest, some of what we’re building might be more Babel-oriented than kingdom-oriented.
Whether it’s measuring success by metrics, promoting leaders based on charisma instead of character, or investing in production more than presence.
Don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with lights, cameras, or excellent design. But when the tools become the point, we’ve missed the point.
Jesus didn’t call us to build towers of autonomy. He called us to prepare the earth for His return.
That means building something that won’t fade when the algorithms change.
Markers of Eternal Work in a Digital Age
So what does it look like to build for eternity?
Here are four markers that I think help anchor the work of the church for the 21st Century:
1. Presence over Platform
In a culture obsessed with visibility, the gospel calls us to presence.
Not the kind you post. The kind that sits across the table. That shows up at the hospital. That prays without a camera on.
Jesus calls His people to faithful presence.
Are you more interested in being seen or being faithful? It’s a sobering and necessary question more church leaders need to ask.
2. Formation over Fame
The church’s mission is not to be famous. It’s to form people into the image of Jesus.
That kind of transformation doesn’t come from reels and tweets. It comes from abiding in the Word, walking with the Spirit, and living in community.
Are your digital strategies designed to form disciples or create fans?
3. Community over Content
Content has its place. You’re reading this blog, after all.
But content alone won’t make disciples. People don’t grow through passive consumption—they grow through active participation in a community of faith.
Is your church creating consumers or co-laborers?
4. Mission over Metrics
Yes, it’s helpful to measure your reach, engagement, and attendance. But the true fruit of ministry is people who love God and love others.
It’s the quiet acts of obedience. Spreadsheets cannot capture that.
Are we merely building churches that look good on paper, or churches that shake the gates of hell?
A Different Kind of Builder
Let’s return to Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house…”
The point isn’t to stop building. It’s to build with God. Under His leadership. For His glory.
That means letting Him shape our architecture—digital, physical, and spiritual.
Because the kingdom of God doesn’t need a viral moment. It needs faithful builders.
And if we trust Him with our plans, here’s the good news: nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted.
That sermon you preached to 30 people.
That encouraging word on someone’s Facebook post
That email reply that carried someone through a dark week.
All of it matters.
All of it, when done in love, will outlast the apps and algorithms of this age.
Final Reflection: Whose Name Are You Building?
Let’s bring it full circle.
The people of Babel said, “Let us make a name for ourselves.”
But Scripture says:
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
You weren’t created to make a name for yourself. You were created to bear a name—the name above every name.
Jesus.
So, church leaders, pastors, digital strategists, worship planners, everyday disciples:
Don’t build Babel.
Build the kingdom.
Not for fame. Not for clout. Not for influence.
For the glory of the God who came down, died in your place, and now invites you to build something that will last forever.
Thanks for reading this 4-part series.
If it’s stirred something in you, here’s a simple next step: start a conversation. With your team. Your church. Yourself. Ask: What are we really building?
If you’re looking for someone to come alongside you and help build something that will last, our church consultations can help you clarify vision, align with biblical priorities, and take practical next steps toward health and growth.
Click here to schedule a consultation. I would love to personally connect and share how I can serve you and your church.
May the Spirit of God give you the wisdom, courage, and imagination to build for eternity in an age of distraction.
Grace & Peace
