How does this virtual community technology change how a congregational leader might do youth ministry?
Paul: Logistically, the internet can really help. If you are in the suburbs like most of the kids in our diocese then you can assume that all of your kids are online. Kids today dont give out phone numbers any more, they give out screen names. You can develop a Web site with a lot of great functionality. It can be a great tool. On the diocesan site, virtually every schedule, every registration form, and every news bulletin is online. We dont bother giving out a lot of handouts anymore. We dont even bother to email; we just send everyone straight to the Web site. That can be a very effective gathering place. Many churches have embraced technology. They plan to have message boards or they decide to let students blog. But when they do that, they arent sure what they are going to get. Some have moderated message boards that can be edited, but these backfire as some teenagers will react negatively to being edited. CRG: Are there other aspects of technology that influence youth ministry? Pau
