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    The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication
    Unavailable
    The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication
    Unavailable
    The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication
    Ebook211 pages3 hours

    The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication

    By Justin Wise

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Did you know you can read online reviews of your church?

    How often have you talked about “reaching people where they are”—and realized that much of the time, they are on the Internet?

    We’ve been living in a digital world for quite a while now. Justin Wise speaks about social media as this generation's printing press—a revolutionary technology that can spread the gospel farther and faster than we can imagine.

    It’s time to take what we know (and admit what we don’t know) and learn together how to move forward as the church. Are you ready to think theologically about this digital age and reach people in a new way?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMoody Publishers
    Release dateJan 29, 2014
    ISBN9780802487469
    Unavailable
    The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication

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    Reviews for The Social Church

    3.5/5

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    • 2/5
      In The Social Church, Justin Wise attempts to think theologically about social media in this new era of digital communication. He is uniquely qualified to write this as both a digital communications professional and a seminary graduate. I haven't seen many other books tackle this topic head-on and appreciate that Wise took the time to start what will hopefully be an ongoing discussion among church leaders.

      While I believe this book often overstates the importance of social media, I do think it does a good job of explaining to churches why it is important to engage your congregation and community on new media platforms. One concept that really stuck with me is that social networks can be used to "rub-elbows" with the unchurched in ways that we may not be able to otherwise. It gave me a new perspective that by sharing life updates on facebook doesn't necessarily have to mean you are prideful and trying to get people to like you. You are letting people glimpse into your life which allows greater opportunity for further relationship building.

      Much of the latter sections in the book deal with practical steps for churches to build a cohesive web strategy and presence. These are helpful steps that would be most helpful for those who have little/no online presence or frustrated that their strategy (or lack thereof) is not working. One of the last chapters seeks to help leaders on either side of the digital divide understand each other. It deals with this topic graciously and respectfully and I appreciate the approach.

      With all these positives, I do have some qualms with The Social Church.
      Wise errs on the side of pragmatism. While I think its great that he's thinking through these issues theologically, his theme seems to be to run as fast as you can with a new idea and try it without thinking about whether or not its a good idea.
      Early in the book he advocates young leaders in the church to go against the wishes of older senior pastors and implement a social strategy without permission and ask for forgiveness later after you can show results. I believe this is a dangerous position to take and disrespectful of those in authority over you. Find a different way to communicate your vision to the leadership, but don't go rogue.
      A large section of the book is devoted to addressing the embedded values of the social media culture. It agree that it is helpful to be aware of these values so that you know what you are working with. However, Wise indicates that he believes that the embedded values of the culture are neutral and we just need to redeem them. I believe values such as "It's all about me" are less than neutral and need to be redefined. As Christians with influence in the social media culture we can help shape new values.

      Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I was under no obligation to offer a review, positive or otherwise.