Digital technology has spread throughout every sector of society. It has created a tsunami of change. And there’s no end in sight. Church leaders are still finding it difficult to stay on top of it. Engaging through online communities is one way of getting some help.

Who has the time, right? By building an online community and interacting with other leaders for just thirty minutes a day, it is possible to learn what you need to know to move forward. You’ll be better equipped for making informed decisions regarding technology and New Media.

Here are six reasons leaders should engage online communities to stay on top of emerging technologies.

At the end of each section, I’ve provided a partial list of subject matter experts for you to check out. Bookmark their blogs and websites. Follow them on Twitter. Get acquainted with them. They help me keep up with New Media and technology. I believe they will add value to your learning experience as well.

Leaders should engage with online communities:

1. To monitor new developments

When it comes to technology, we’re living in a unique time. Rapid change will continue into the future.

The dust hasn’t even settled on the discussion of tools making it possible to do Church Online, multi-site or to Tweet during the sermon. Last week a debate started up over the holographic projection of pastors. Leading media channels covering church communication stay abreast of developments like this. These thought leaders start and moderate conversations. All you have to do is tune in.

Recommended leaders to follow: Tony Morgan, John Saddington, Drew Goodmanson

2. To consider theological implications

Supporters of online evangelism are seeing millions come to Christ and be discipled in the Word. Some ask questions about the feasibility for using online communication to help the newly saved experience spiritual growth or get into local churches. Questions abound. Are there biblical reasons for using or not using particular technologies? How does a technology change people? Change a church? What are the positives and negatives of a new technology?

A multiplicity of voices gather online to exchange theological positions, ideas and views. Listen in. Consider the implications for your ministry. For the global Church. Better yet, add your voice to the conversation.

Recommended leaders to follow: John Dyer, Tyler Braun, DJ Chuang

3. To take advantage of free resources

Sharing resources is an idea whose time has come. God is moving in the hearts of church leaders to develop new models of ministry that includes freely sharing the resources entrusted to them. Leaders with an Acts 4:32 mindset are giving churches and ministries access to their creative assets, work processes, tools, technology applications and even their people. These opportunities aren’t being advertised.  But they are being talked about online.

Even if you don’t use them, reviewing the resources of these ministries may spark ideas. Perhaps you will be the next to share.

Recommended leaders to follow: LifeChurch.tv Open, Inside Northpoint, United Methodist Church Knowledge Center

4. To gain knowledge and learn from the experiences of others

You may not personally manage the technology in your organization, but you are dealing with it every day. Church management systems, content management systems, IT infrastructure, hardware/software, website, Social Media. It surrounds you, your staff, your constituents or congregation. Leaders must stay current on these tools to be effective in ministry today.

The good news is, there are some excellent leaders that have traveled these roads before you. They want to help. These before and after graphics depicting the growth of a communication team for a large church illustrates the level of detail being shared today.

There is an expert talking online about nearly every conceivable subject related to the use of communication technology. They discuss what works and what doesn’t. They share their innovations too. Learning from the best practices of others can save you time and money down the road.

Recommended leaders to follow: Tim Schraeder, Kem Meyer, Michael Buckingham

5. To build relationships

Participating in online communities enables connections around the world, or in your own backyard, not previously possible. Over time, you can get to know key members of your online network. New working and ministry relationships can form. Opportunities for collaborating surface. In time, you can even meet members of your community in person. See God at work through these appointments.

Conferences are a good platform for turning online relationships into face to face meetings. The night before attending a convention, I was interacting online with a member of one of my communities on a subject of mutual interest. He mentioned that he was also attending the convention. We had lunch and a great conversation about kingdom work the next day.

Recommended leaders to follow: Ministry Internet & Technology Summit, National Outreach Convention, The AND Conference (formerly Innovate), The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences & Festivals.

6. To encourage other leaders

I’ve learned that people involved with media and technology in the church see it as a calling. These men and women are very likely to be engaged in an online community. If you have hiring authority, your participation in their network will encourage them. Leave a comment on their blog or send a tweet to let them know how much you appreciate their kingdom service.

Who knows? You may even find your next media, technology or communications team member online.

Recommended leaders to follow: Church Marketing Directory, Church IT RoundTable, Wired Churches

A year ago, I started blogging primarily to join the conversation about how God was working through technology in the church. Along the way, I began to participate in several communities that shared my interests. I made some new friends. Formed several partnerships.

An unexpected benefit of engaging through online communities was the discovery of digital technologies being used to spread the gospel. I’ve found that there’s no better way to learn about some of these tools than by using them. I’ve also learned that if I’m not keeping up through regular engagement, I’m falling behind.

See you online.

Question: What other ways do you recommend for keeping up with technology?