Why You Should Come to My Next Speaking Gig

June 2, 2010 in Social Media with 8 Comments

I’m presenting at Faith Lift in the Twin Cities next Monday on the digital pastorate. Officially my workshop is called “The Digital Pastor: Everything You Need to Know About Pastoring in the Digital World”.

Just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?

This conference will largely be made up of people who are in active ministry positions, so I’ve tailored a lot of the info to help people bring this to their congregations immediately.

I want people to walk away with a better understanding of what digital communication is (and is not), who is taking part in it, and examples of how they leverage digital communication within their ministry context. I want people to walk away with not only the “how-to’s” of digital communication (Twitter, Facebook, websites, online campuses, etc.), but the “why’s” and (more importantly) the “why not’s.”

We’ll address three specific areas:

  1. What is the digital communication revolution?
  2. Who’s taking part in it and why is it important?
  3. How can I implement digital communication into my ministry?

One of my favorite pieces of the presentation is one of the most liberating for those who feel crushed under the weight of digital demands. The thought is this:

If you’re a senior pastor/leader, you don’t need to be responsible for maintaining your church’s digital presence. You just need to find someone who is capable and empower them to be in charge.

Isn’t that great? I borrowed it from something I heard Cynthia Ware say once. If I were a senior pastor in my 40′s or 50′s and had no interest in social media, this permission would be a cool drink of water on a hot day. I can already here the collective sighs of relief.

“You mean I don’t have to be on TweetFaceMyBook?”

Nope. You sure don’t. Just find someone who is and let them rock it.

If you’re in the Twin Cities June 7th around 3 pm, I’d love to see you at Hosanna! Lutheran Church. I’ll be there. Some other friends will be there. Lots of Lutherans will be there, which probably means there will be coffee and some sort of Jell-O mold. Consider yourself invited.

Do you know anyone in your ministry context who could benefit from learning about the digital communication revolution?

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8 Responses to “Why You Should Come to My Next Speaking Gig”

  1. TrailTeachings June 2, 2010 at 2:28 pm #

    Looking forward to learning how I can bridge my personal social media into a broader ministry focus. Since social media is relatively new, there's always something to learn. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

  2. Erik Carlson June 2, 2010 at 3:06 pm #

    I'll be there 2 days later for a Twins game, otherwise I'd be there to show you some support JW!

  3. youraveragepastor June 2, 2010 at 6:07 pm #

    I LOVE the comment about being a senior pastor in my 40's and 50's (just became one 5 weeks ago). I fall somewhere in the middle of a continuum of digital/new media engagement, but indeed I would rather empower others. I would love to have a digital pastor on my staff–but that path doesn't seem all that clear now. Sorry I can't attend your speaking engagement–would love to be there. Your writing and a personal epiphany today got me thinking: http://tinyurl.com/25cgn8m Have a great time in the Twin Cities–let me know if you make it to The Good Earth for a meal. Or wherever you go eat.

  4. Justin Wise June 9, 2010 at 9:21 am #

    It went great … Although it would have been nice to have you there!

  5. Justin Wise June 9, 2010 at 9:22 am #

    Epiphanies are always good :) Thanks for reading this site and staying up-to-date … Shows a ton of humility.

  6. Justin Wise June 9, 2010 at 2:21 pm #

    It went great … Although it would have been nice to have you there!

  7. Justin Wise June 9, 2010 at 2:22 pm #

    Epiphanies are always good :) Thanks for reading this site and staying up-to-date … Shows a ton of humility.

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