The Digital Pastor
God is seriously blowing my mind.
I’ve recently come across the term, “Digital Pastor” and I really like it. I really like it.
There was an event that happened earlier today, something called #churchtechcamp. Basically the conversation consisted of asking the question, “What does God want to do through the new digital media?” Things like Twitter, Facebook, Mogulus, Second Life, the iPhone, and more.
Rhett Smith points out that the times are a-changin’ for those who call themselves pastors:
“I love ministry…I was and am a pastor, so I love pastoring. But I also think that technology is allowing us to do things differently in a very easy way…communicate, organize, etc, etc. And hopefully the congregation can do this without having to go through all the traditional, hierarchical church structures that have for too long consolidated “power†in the hands of a pastor, exec. team, elder board, etc.
Instead, I think it will put the “power†back in the hands of the congregation…and the pastor will act more as a facilitator, shepherd for the community. But I think that is a great thing.
And maybe we need to rethink the whole role of pastoral leadership in this country anyways.”
Amen, bro. Amen.
Technology is allowing us to approach life in an entirely new way, the church included. Luther had the printing press. We, as the 21st century church, have the Internet. The question becomes will we allow God to breathe through these new mediums and bring his life-changing reality to people in new and creative ways?
#churchtechcamp made the Twitter blog today (and for the record, that’s a big deal.)
Chris Brogan, a faith blogger (amongst other things), is listed in the Top 100 blogs on Technorati.
LifeShare, a recent web ministry event co-opted by Lifechurch.tv and Carlos Whitaker, blew everyone’s expectations away by linking countless numbers of believers over the internet in an effort to “become the church” online.
If you’re in ministry, are you prepared to engage a culture in a completely new way? Are you prepared (or willing to be prepared and/or prepare others) to translate the message of Christ using a fully digital language? If “digital” is not your native tongue, will your accent betray you to a generation that is desperate to know that God is real?
In the meantime, hit me up on Twitter and we can talk about it. In 140 characters or less, of course.
Thanks for this post about #churchtechcamp. It was truly amazing.
You are so right… technology is changing the way we do life and I can’t wait to see what amazing things God brings about.
So glad to meet you!
Dawn Carter
Dawn:
I wasn’t able to be there (or “un” be there, as it were), but am feeling the ramifications of it even now.
What an exciting new world in which to minister! Here’s to Web 3.0 and Jesus!
Justin
Justin,
Thanks for the link. Really appreciate it. I love your blog….glad to be on it and looking forward to reading it daily.
rhett
Rhett: Really enjoy your blog as well! You know a blog has some good content when you can find “quotable quotes” in the comments section!
Bless you and yours.
Justin
Justin, I really appreciate your thoughts on the Digital Pastor.
I was wondering if you have come across any reports or profile tools that show the demographics or numbers of digital pastors in america???
email me to chat more about this idea!!!! LTaleric@worldvision.org