Building Digital Community : Part 3 - Book Group Discussion of Building Your Digital Sanctuary

In late February a group of us met to discuss the book Building Your Digital Sanctuary: An Introductory Guide to Effective Digital Ministry, edited by Brandan J. Robertson. This was part of our month-long focus on non-traditional worship as it exists in the digital space.

The strength of this book is that it has essays by 10 different authors, offering a variety of viewpoints and practical examples. Our discussion was rich, lasting for about an hour. Below are some of the highpoints.

Who are some people who benefit from online worship?

Anybody and everybody

Doubters, seekers, questioners, those who are deconstructing

Those with physical limitations, including chronic fatigue syndrome

The elderly

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community

New people (It's a good way to visit without lots of questions, and the ability to leave if it's uncomfortable.)

What are some advantages of online worship?

An opportunity to grow in diversity

Young people are more likely to engage online

There is the need for and possibility for more variety of ways to engage in the digital space

It is easier to come and go from services (ie - slipping in if you are late or out if you need to leave early), so people who can't stay the whole time are more likely to join

The opportunity to engage at different times

What are some disadvantages?

The concern was raised that some people do not have easy access to internet. While this is true, it was noted that in many places there are programs to help get internet access for free or reduced cost.

This is an acknowledged barrier, just like in person worship has a variety of barriers.

Focusing on "A Full Ministry from an Empty Building" by Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines (Chapter 3)

Our group was especially energized around this chapter. As his church evolves out of some of their physical buildings, they provide a good model for shifting to online as a solution. Buildings require a great deal of time, energy, and money to manage. Lines and his church demonstrate how thought, creative planning can offer solutions.

When moving into the digital space, we most still start with and center on our core values.

While our special focus for February was on digital worship, there will be more opportunities to engage in this discussion with our ongoing classes with Digital Congregations. You are invited to join us on Thursday, April 4 at 2pm ET on Zoom for our next monthly installment of "Digital Innovation for Worshipping Communities.