Conversation on Technology and Faith at The Alban Institute

I spent the day as an invited guest of the Alban Institute taking part in a conversation about the ongoing development of interactive web technology (Web 2.0) and its use in congregations today.  What pulled me into the conversation was the diversity of the 20 or so people involved and the gracious invitation of Ann Van Dusen of the Alban Institute who facilitated this event. There were a few congregational leaders present, but also technology consultants, editors, a professor who teaches in the field of human communications and technology, several well known bloggers and web managers and members of the Alban Institute staff.

The day began with presentations from Heidi Campbell (Ph. D. University of Edinburgh) who now teaches a course in human communication and technology as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University (see her blog here).  She gave an excellent overview of her research in religion and the use the internet.  Contrary to those who worry that the use of social networking technology will lead to impoverished relationships and lack of "real time community," Heidi's research indicates that interactive web media most often serves as a "supplement and not a substitute for social involvement."

Brian Brunius, a freelance technology consultant formerly of WNET Channel 13, spoke of the possibilities for congregations who want to reach out and help people connect beyond the traditional boundaries of the Sunday morning gathering.  He shared his own story as a Catholic in Manhattan who upon joining the social networking platform, Facebook, was immediately "friended" by members of his own congregation who were living in the same city block (imagine 17,000 people in one city block and you can begin to see the significance of making those kinds of connections).

The conversations that followed the presentations were informative with good questions being raised about how interactive media can potentially reach people who have no formal connection with the mainline church.  If we are committed to the notion of unconditional welcome, particularly of younger generations, we cannot afford to look the other way when it comes to the use of networking media that has become a central part of their social lives today.  How to do that in a way that preserves the integrity and values of a congregation's life and mission is the challenge congregational leaders will continue to face in the days ahead.  The Alban Institute plans a guide for faith communities on the use of new media as a result of today's conversation. For other excellent resources visit Alban's  Congregation Resource Guide website.

It was a pleasure to meet a few talented bloggers today and I hope you will have a look at their sites:

Helen Mildenhall, the webmaster of "Off The Map" has a blog here.

Helen Mosher, an editor at Episcopal Cafe who has wide experience in the web 2.0 world blogs here.

Jan Edmiston, Pastor of Fairlington Presbyterian Church, Alexandria, VA blogs here.

I plan to "friend" them all.

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Comments

[Mike Croghan]

Awesome, Rick! I don't know Helen Mildenhall (yet), but the fact that you've met (the other) Helen and Jan E. makes me very happy indeed. As you no doubt discerned, they both rock. :-) And I think you have a lot in common with each of them, in somewhat different ways. Really glad to know you made those connections!

[Helen]

Mike, I'd be happy to meet you.

Rick, wow, you got this up quickly! It's an excellent summary of the day - thanks for posting it.

I looked for you on facebook but wasn't sure if I found you - are you the Rick Lord standing by the awesome ruin? Anyway, feel free to 'friend me' and I'll accept (as long as you were kidding about banning me from commenting on your blog)

I just posted my comments about yesterday here on my blog

(By the way I am website manager of Off The Map)