Expanding and Exploring Tech in Church Organizations

A Parish Technology Summit held today by the Villanova University School of Business offered many ideas for expanding the use of technology in church and parish organizations. The use of social media and communications technologies was explored by presenters and attendees. I was glad to hear about this event from our very tech savvy Communications Director, Donna Farrell and our Research and Planning staff.  Both are from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.Shifts of this kind are both challenges and opportunities, whether your organization is a school, business or church.For church organizations,

• The unique sense of community and fellowship at the heart faith life is important.
• Maintaining genuine respect for individuals and tradition is absolutely necessary.
• Embracing modern tools and methods for spreading the Word of God may be challenging but it brings both excitement and hope
• Forging new connections opens dialogue with younger generations and facilitates communications with all generations exponentially

Time for a New Tradition

This video which  I have seen shared in relation to educational technology was shown in an talk entitled  Reaching Youth Through Technology by Scott Miller. He shared excellent resources that are linked to his presentation. Scott encouraged attendees to think about how church can adapt to a changing world, connect to all, remain relevant and yet stay true to it's mission.This was a timely conference. Pope Benedict's recent statement for World Communications Day highlights  the importance of 'new technologies and the digital world'. He recognizes their potential as a 'great resource for humanity as a whole and for every individual' which can 'stimulate encounter and dialogue'.  For many, this was an endorsement that brought new technologies to the forefront.  This statement and endorsement of use was also featured on Mashable.If Pope Benedict 'clearly knows that reaching young believers requires going to the places where they spend their time and converse', then why wait?