The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication

The underlying power in social media is not the technology. It’s the power that comes from human beings connecting from all around the globe.

Increasingly, relational connections are starting to form primarily online.

this is where the value of social media lies—in its ability to use technology to facilitate connection and relationships between real people. Emerging generations see little to no difference between an “online” and “offline” world.

God’s word to us—the Holy Scriptures—provides an experience unlike any other written piece of history. It is, by nature, interactive, “alive and powerful” as described by the writer of Hebrews.

Even if leaders don’t understand it, the tide has turned and social media is here to stay. (If that’s news to you, or you’re having a hard time believing what I just said, Google “Gary’s social media count.” Yeah. Those numbers will only keep increasing faster, by the way.)

Jesus says, “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!”3

Technology is all around us, and the pace is quickening. Will the church keep pace?

What if the church rises up and takes her rightful place in culture as an early adopter of technology?

The history books remain unwritten for the digital era. The pages are blank. What will your contribution be? Quoting from Joshua, in both words and sentiment, “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord!”19