Christian Media 2.0

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 eight reasons leaders should engage online communities to stay on top of emerging technologies.

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When the rain is falling and the roads are slippery you never know when someone may slide, swerve, or slam on the brakes. We need to be alert and constantly on our guard. The same is true in our lives – we need to be on “Constant Watch” for Christ’s return.

These are my sermon notes, live blogged from Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY. “Constant Watch” was the final message in the series “Early Warning System.” Teaching Pastor Kyle Idleman.

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Increasingly, churches are using outsourcing for help with communications. For most industries, certain professional standards are expected by outsourcing organizations.

Called “industry promises,” I’ve listed seven that churches should be able to expect from providers of church communications.

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Churches often lag significantly behind other organizations in their use of technology. The time may have come for some to “catch up.” It could be one of the best investments made this year.

For the purposes of this discussion, “technology” refers to enterprise-level operational solutions and Internet-based outreach and communication technologies.

A lot of folks are talking these days about the role of technology in the church…

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In my last post we looked at the importance of determining how God uniquely wires a church for Digital Missions. Now it’s time to consider developing a vision for the initiative.

As you peer into a future that has the church expanding its use of technology and media, “What do you see?” Here’s some gut-check questions to get the ball rolling.

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In the past, ministries relied primarily on radio and television stations for media outreach. Today, churches are using the latest digital technologies to build their own platforms. Many are turning to technology companies for help.

On a personal crusade to help ministries embrace new media as a communication platform, Chance Mason is igniting a movement to transform faith-based outreach in America. (The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.)

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Technology is making it possible for local churches to spread the gospel and expand in ways never before possible. Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of time studying the issue. It occurred to me, however, that I hadn’t spent time praying for the digital pioneers.

Debate about online church, video teaching and other outreach oriented technologies is increasing among church leaders.

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During a recent study of church consulting leaders, I was introduced to Will Mancini, clarity evangelist and founder of Auxano, a firm that guides churches in the area of vision. I got in touch with Will to learn more about his process and to share my passion for pursuing God’s vision for technology in church.

This year Auxano launched Vision co::Lab, a learning community of pastors and church leaders that meets one day a month over a six month period to focus on the process of defining and communicating vision.  Expressing interest in the Vision Pathway principles and coaching strategy for teaching them, the door opened for me to participate in the Houston co::Lab.

Five reasons I am looking forward to participating in this unique learning environment:

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Digital Missions is the leveraging of technology to spread the gospel. Over the next five years, thousands of churches will consider developing innovative technology initiatives. A hot trend in church consulting is the emergence of specialists that are helping align media and technology with everything the church does.

For insights on this trend, I turned to three experts on the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and consultants in the church. They are…

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Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is exploding in the church. It’s affecting all aspects of church life. Churches are racing to keep up.

Because technology is also impacting how the gospel is communicated, this is a race many pastors and church leaders deeply desire to win.  With the right preparation, they can!

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