A recent Barna Research group study, "Social Networking, Online Entertainment and Church Podcasts" has some interesting results. Christians use technology in the following most common ways (in decreasing order of use)
- Searching online (Google, Yahoo!, Live Search, etc.)
- Instant Messaging (including texting on a cell phone)
- Listening to a sermon or church teaching via a podcast. This was more common among Evangelicals and others who consider themselves "born again".
- Viewing a video of some sort online.
The challenge for churches is to better relate its message to the current generation. When Paul said, I am all things to all men" he meant that he couched the message of Christ in terms and in a way that the particular audience could best grasp it.
For churches today, that means seeking ways to better communicate using the web tools available to us. That also means keeping up with newer methods as they become available. At the same time, we must remember to help safeguard the privacy of our members and web site visitors. Until Facebook and similar social networking sites become more secure and users a bit more savvy about not divulging personal data, I'll stay away from using it as an integral part of the church's online presence.
You may want to read the full Barna report.
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