Writing for the Naples Florida Weekly, Ella Nayor explores how many congregations in Southwest Florida are using technology to connect people to one another and to the life of the faith community. Clergy from multiple religions see value in leveraging technology for connectivity in a variety of use cases. While some congregations have just a few dozen followers on Facebook, many have more robust offerings. North Naples United Methodist Church’s staff includes a cyber pastor (the Rev. Nicholas Patterson, pictured at right) and attracts “more than 1,000 people live each week in its iChurch.”
So What?
Southwest Florida is known as a retirement community. The average of the year round population is well above the national average. In many communities the average age climbs far higher during the winter months thanks to an influx of seasonal residents and visitors. While technological innovation is typically associated with younger adults, the need to connect with congregants (both seasonal and annual participants) alongside higher technology adoption and usage rates by retirees combine to create conditions ideal for the expanding technology to facilitate virtual connectivity.
- What that happens on your church campus can people participate in without being physically present (worship services, educational classes, meetings, etc.)? How are these options made available virtually? How will this type of ministry be expanding in your congregation over the next year? next few years?
- How does understanding your current congregational demographics help your congregation’s leadership determine a strategic means of investing in new technologies, including social media? What metrics are used to evaluate new initiatives? Does the current level of funding suggest that virtual connectivity is a priority?