This timely guide provides insight and tools to address the challenges and opportunities in leading ministry in a new hybrid world.
While churches have long since used technology to reach broader audiences, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a huge, sudden shift in the ways in which congregations were able to gather. This book explores the role of digital technology in faith-based communities in the future, serving as a guide for church leaders to expand their digital ministries beyond a broadcast model. The author compiles a variety of useful resources that provide insight on the challenges associated with using technology in faith-formation teaching contexts, as well as the advantages and opportunities that arise in a hybrid environment.
Topics include hybrid leadership, the role of technology during disruptive circumstances, digital technology in faith formation and mission, the metaverse, and steps in integrating digital media in lifelong faith formation, among others. This guide also addresses digitally enabled strategies in faith formation events. Church leaders will find this book to be a valuable resource to learn about the latest topics and address the changing needs of their congregations and gain greater competency in digital ministry.
Marvin Bergman (1934 - 2022) was a professor of Theology at Concordia University for nearly 30 years and was also editor in chief of Issues in Christian Education for nearly twenty years. He was a Church Planter-Pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warren, MI and a Religious Education Consultant for Hong Kong International School. He held an M.Div. at Concordia Seminary, an M.Ed. from Presbyterian School of Christian Education, an Ed.D. from Columbia University, and a PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Keith Anderson is the author of The Digital Cathedral: Networked Ministry in a Wireless World and a recognized thought leader across mainline denominations on the ways congregations and ministries faithfully minister in a digitally-integrated world. He is a highly regarded speaker on new media and Christian life at conferences, convocations, and consultations. He lives in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
