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Digital Religion scholar @heidiacampbell just released a summary of her 25 years of sociology research into #OnlineChurch. Some great takeaways for churches everywhere today.
See thread/
See thread/
"Churches need to develop digital literacy and theological reflection on technology." @heidiacampbell
If your church needs an easy place to start, @ridgewaychris and I host the @DeviceVirtue podcast. Dip your toe in the water. We'll give you some thoughts to start with.
If your church needs an easy place to start, @ridgewaychris and I host the @DeviceVirtue podcast. Dip your toe in the water. We'll give you some thoughts to start with.
"Churches use technology because of opportunities it offers, but tech use also shapes churches’ identity." @heidiacampbell
What you do with technology will also do something to you. The change is mutual.
What you do with technology will also do something to you. The change is mutual.
"Church media use informs how its mission is understood both internally and externally." @heidiacampbell
What is your church's mission? Tech doesn't just serve that mission. It shapes that mission.
What is your church's mission? Tech doesn't just serve that mission. It shapes that mission.
"An online religious presence & involvement can solidify members’ investment in their offline faith community" @heidiacampbell
"the Internet is part of people's daily lives," so if your church isn't online it feels less a part of their daily lives.
Not being online has a cost.
"the Internet is part of people's daily lives," so if your church isn't online it feels less a part of their daily lives.
Not being online has a cost.
"Religious worship online requires negotiation between traditional religious symbols & rituals & new understandings of spirituality facilitated by digital technology." @heidiacampbell
Just like we translate the Bible, the Internet is a language that churches must learn to speak.
Just like we translate the Bible, the Internet is a language that churches must learn to speak.
"The type of online community that is most desired is that which creates and encourages relationships where Internet users feel valued." @heidiacampbell
What are pastors doing to help their church members feels valued online?
What are pastors doing to help their church members feels valued online?
"People in online communities seek out others of shared faith, rather than simply sources of information" @heidiacampbell
Connection > Information
Online isn't any different from offline, it would seem. People want the same things.
Connection > Information
Online isn't any different from offline, it would seem. People want the same things.
"traditional understandings of community ... no longer reflect the way people actually live." @heidiacampbell
"Community" apart from the Internet is increasingly rare. "Religious community" will naturally include digital dimensions in the future.
"Community" apart from the Internet is increasingly rare. "Religious community" will naturally include digital dimensions in the future.
"Online religious communities should be seen as a new sphere of connection, where the spirit or presented identity of a person may trump their embodied presence" @heidiacampbell
Whoa.
Whoa.
Dig in deeper to @heidiacampbell's top-notch research here. Lots of good stuff for churches to be thinking about right now and going forward.
https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/187806
https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/187806
