PM 542: Creating Digital Christian Community

• 3.00 Credit Hours

Online communities have arisen across a diverse array of arenas, and ministry is no different. Tools for creating community have exploded; social media, mobile technology, communication apps and much more. These resources only hint at the potential for creative use of the Internet and mobile technology for networking people and building culture. This course will examine the ministry application of creating digital community, starting with the question, “Should we even do it?” Jesus Christ built His church on Matthew 16:18 and the Great Commission, but while there are numerous verses in the New Testament about doing church, there is little specificity as to how. But one thing is clear, God mandated the local church as His instrument for evangelism, edification and worship. Any digital community must be congruent with that overall mission. As a result of completing this course, students will 1. Clarify the theology of digital communities in the context of the local church. 2. Evaluate the social, cultural, and missional phenomenon of online communication and communities. 3. Appraise the dynamics of online communities and possible ways they impact existing church ministries. 4. Describe the relationship between new technologies, new media, and online community. 5. Present a strategy for building digital community.