Churches making the most out of tech; an ethnographic vignette
My ethnographic study was focused on the impact that technology, and media (social media) have had on facilitating the loving atmosphere that churches and other bodies of Christ strive to show. As one would expect, there is no doubt that social media and technology have become huge players in just about everything that we do, and the church is no exception. Many churches have been able to utilize this new platform in spreading both the Gospel and love across their communities. Many of the larger, more tech savvy churches like Elevation Church are prime examples.
Elevation Church, lead by pastor Steven Furtick, is a relatively new church compared to many others being founded in 2006, and has since been recognized for being one of the fastest growing churches in the country, having fifteen different locations, plus four extension locations. The church has excelled in using media and technology to continue to reach its members in a plethora of ways. They have used YouTube and Facebook to post their church services live, so even if a current or potential member of their church is unable to attend physically, they can still be involved. The church also has and hosts its own e-Groups, which are groups where members communicate with one another by either using online mediums or by meeting in person, to grow in Christ together.
As stated of course, this is not the only body of Christ utilizing tech to connect their community. Right here at UMBC, one of the campus Christian organizations do the same. Cru, short for Campus Crusades for Christ, of which I am a current member, also uses Facebook as a medium to stay connected. The group posts upcoming and current events on their page, and additionally, members are able to stay in contact with one another through the messaging features that the social media giant offers.
Delving deeper into research and interviews, I plan on interviewing another member from Cru, and if possible, a member from Elevation Church or another body of Christ utilizing media and tech. I will also look to interview a member of a church that does not use much media and tech for another perspective on the subject.
