First Monday, an online, peer-reviewed journal, published the article - The Augmented Social Network: building identity and trust into the next-generation Internet by Ken Jordan, Jan Hauser, and Steven Foster.

The authors describe the future of the internet as an evolution from online experimentation and fads to stabilizing trends creating reliability, trust, even dependence.  They view social linkages as far more than a passing phenomenon.  They predict the ability of citizens to form relationships and self-organize around shared interests in communities of practice in order to better engage in online citizenship.

They propose an Augmented Social Network (ASN) model that facilitates connections between online communities and even builds into Internet architecture the role identity brokers could play. The authors note several elements of an ASN including:

Persistent Identity. Enabling individuals online to maintain a persistent identity as they move between different Internet communities, and to have personal control over that identity. This identity should be capable of reflecting an endless variety of interests, needs, desires, and relationships.

Interoperability Between Online Communities. People should be able to cross easily between online communities under narrowly defined circumstances, just as in life we can move from one social network to another. 

Brokered Relationships. Using databased information, online brokers (both automated and "live") should be able to facilitate the introduction between people who share affinities and/or complementary capabilities and are seeking to make connections. Such a system of brokered relationships should also enable people to find other individuals, information or media that is of interest to them, through the recommendations of trusted third parties.

The surprising thing is that this abstract was published back in July, 2003.  Only 5 years later, and here we are. 

My Facebook tells me I should add you as a friend.  Why?  It knows who we share in common.  Let me search you and verify your established online presence.  Now I can add you to my Plaxo, LinkedIn and twitter contacts.  This means I get to find out who you're connected to, see your work history, and probably hear what you ate for breakfast today via tweet.

Because building community is essential for the Church, we can capitalize on social networking.  In fact, isn't one of our primary goals to seek out those in need of spiritual hope and initiate relationship with them?  Since we know the Good News is most commonly transmitted person-to-person, it's not hard to see how the social web provides a unique new forum for sharing our faith. 

The relational trust individuals share paves the way for those with spiritual hope, healing and health to link with those they find in their circle of trusted others.  Equally importantly, it allows buildable bridges / connections with those a degree or more away. Quite obviously, we can not try to impose our beliefs on a whole society, but individually we can be witnesses of Jesus Christ, communicating with people of other faiths (or no faith) via the linkages we have online.

While some criticize the masks people wear online (persistent pseuds), view online communications as "not real" or reflect on the fragilty of social networking (all important considerations by the way) many Christians are engaging in conversations, networking and even collaborating with individuals they might never get a chance to communicate with face-to-face.   I say it's an opportunity.  What's your take on online social networking?

Although very few churches can afford to have a digerati team support their internet presence, most all can put up and maintain a web site online.  With some direction, every church can develop an internet strategy for beginning web-based ministry.  Here's a book for newbies.

Web-Empower Your Church: Unleashing the Power of the Internet for Ministry

Author: Mark M. Stephenson, Director of The Web-Empowered Church

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Summary: Harness the power of the internet for Jesus.  The internet is opening up new possibilities for all aspects of church ministry, from daily administrative tasks to worldwide evangelism and discipleship.

This book is about web-empowering your church ministries.  Learn the practical steps, techniques, and ideas needed to develop an excellent and effective web ministry that increases your efficiency and effectiveness.

Mark Stephenson, Director of CyberMinistry and Technology at Ginghamsburg Church, shares his experiences with starting and now leading a large and active church web ministry.  Ginghamsburg's website is now over 4000 pages in size, and averages over one new visit every half minute, 24/7.

Whether your church has a website or not, this book will help you grow you internet ministry and take the next step to fully web-empower your church ministries.

In a couple of recent posts, I've mentioned the video content iStockphoto is now providing.  At the Church 2.0 Forum last week in Los Angeles, I asked a rep from iStockphoto if video on their site was a positive thing.  She said absolutely.

But video streaming, although popular overall, is experiencing some noticeable backlash these days.  As embeds grow in ubiquity, those who value photo-sharing are complaining about video content taking over.

NewTeeVee reports flickr members are in full-on digital revolt with more than 30,000 members joining anti-video groups.

Too bad the complaining is for naught. The company has made up its mind. Here’s what flickr staffer Heather had to say about the situation in the forums:

I’m not sure what to say to those who don’t want peanut butter in their chocolate (so to speak). Video is now part of the Flickr DNA and while we will definitely be addressing some of the great feedback for ways that the implementation can be massaged towards better things, we’re not pulling up stakes and rolling back.

Similarly, video teleconferencing is increasing in popularity, as is vodcasting (vidcasting).  My guess is that video content will be ubiquitous. Video on every web site & on every blog, probably streamed from phones, (phonecast).  I don't see video as a threat to photo. 

And there are some excellent pioneers using video for the gospel.  Here are some links of others in attendance at the Church 2.0 Forum who are producing / distributing great video content: Worship House Media, Sermon Spice, Highway Video, Eight20Eight.  

Newest Data on Technology Adoption by Protestant Churches 

"The incorporation of digital technologies into church-based ministry is an important frontier for churches to master," says George Barna, "and protestant churches across the nation are using various forms of emerging technology to influence people’s lives and enliven their church experience."

The new Barna study (4.08.08) explored the presence of eight technologies and applications in Protestant churches. Those tools included technologies like:

        *  Large Screens and Movie Clips

        *  Sending E-Mail Blasts

        *  Maintaining an Internet Presence

        *  Maintaining a Social Media Presence

        *  Podcasting

The study concludes large churches are more likely to use more technology and are earlier to adopt than small churches.  Conversely, small churches and theologically liberal churches are less likely to use technology and show resistance to adoption.

Technology Is Here to Stay 

"The Internet has become one of the pivotal communications and community-building tools of our lifetime.  Churches are well-advised to have an intelligent and foresighted Internet strategy in order to facilitate meaningful ministry," says Barna.

I finally finished the outline for my breakout session at the Dynamic Church Conference in Dallas which is now just a little over 3 weeks away.  In another week, I'll give it some final updating.  My session is Ten New Media Values Impacting Ministry. 

Because digital media operate differently than traditional media, they change what we value.  For example, the first characteristic I've listed in my outline is Interactivity.  We now value that which we can actively participate in, that which we can interact with.

I wonder if you can identify some of the other values that digital media embody?   What would be on your list?  

Facebook for Pastors by Chris Forbes is available now online. Thanks to all of you who spread the word and participated by submitting testimonials.

Facebook for Pastors was written to help Pastors and other ministry leaders make the most of the popular social bookmarking tool, Facebook.  It includes endorsements from Kent Shaffer, Greg Atkinson, Mark Driscoll, and many other Pastors and church leaders about the value of social networking.  These are some of the topics covered:

• * How to make the most of your profile information
• * Tips for Networking with People in Facebook
• * All about groups, messages, poking, etc
• * Brand Your Ministry
• * Meet prospects for your church
• * Learn more about the members in your church
• * Fine tune your communication skills
• * Testimonies from Pastors who use Facebook
• * and much more!

Get the e-book here free using this link: Facebook for Pastors
(PC users, right click and select “Save As” for best results) 

http://ministrymarketingcoach.com/free-e-books/

The upcoming Biola Media Conference (May 3) provides a great opportunity for all Southern California tech / media / ministry professionals to converge, converse and collaborate in our own backyard.  In fact, a conference is a perfect excuse for a get together.

To capitalize on our opportunity, Greg Atkinson of Church Video Ideas has organized an informal and FREE pre-gathering.  Called the Church 2.0 Local Forum, it's open to those as far south as San Diego.  Billed as an event for church leaders in the Southern California area involved in ministry who would like to meet, network and share with others in ministry, that means you.

Join us Friday, May 2nd from 11:30am to 3:30pm in Grant Hall at Hollywood UMC.  You must sign up so the sponsors know how much lunch to provide.  To RSVP go HERE.

And by the way, the sponsors are: eight20eight, iStockphoto, RevoStock and SermonSpice.  I'm looking forward to talking to the iStockphoto people about all the video they now offer.

Following the LA Forum there will be another in Chicago and then others throughout the year in other locations.

You've likely already heard about this event on Facebook, twitter or elsewhere in the blogosphere.  Don't miss this chance to connect with other leaders who have a passion for ministry in the digital age.

image attribution: TFWM 

More and more established churches are refurbishing and redesigning their existing facilities.  The creation of state-of-the-art worship sanctuaries with media/sound production in mind is booming.  Audio acoustics, projection screen placement and lighting considerations are now all part of church design.  In fact, digital technology considerations are now in the forefront of design.

For example, Technologies for Worship Magazine currently features an article on the continuing multi-site expansion of The Church on the Way, originating in Van Nuys, Ca.  With three campuses, this multi-lingual congregation is still growing.  Having attended The Church on the Way in the early 1980's, and having received such life-changing and dynamic ministry there, I was excited to think about how many individuals these new facilities might serve.  

But, in contrast, LifeWay Research has just released a newsletter with this article in it:  The unchurched prefer cathedrals to contemporary designs.  (You've got to subscribe to read the whole newsletter.)  According to the study, by a nearly 2-to-1 ratio over any other option, unchurched Americans prefer churches that look more like a medieval cathedral than what most think of as a more contemporary church building.  The assumption is that there is a desire to link to the past.

As Christians, we obviously have a strong desire to share our faith with others, but should we design our buildings with them in mind?  Or, are our temples primarily for those who name themselves as believers?

Always on, always available and everywhere - mobile technology provides the unique ability to connect like never before.  Mobile Verses develops and manages mobile marketing services and can reach people in a variety of languages using text messaging, mobile Internet and other mobile formats.

In fact, Mobile Verses is the leading provider of Faith-based Mobile Marketing Solutions. Their services provide the latest in church communications by integrating your church congregation's mobile phones into the church's communication portfolio.  Check their services out here:

Since the New Media alters traditional models of mass communication, we must radically review the ways we interact and communicate with others.  The Church, as a primary vehicle for communicating the Good News, stands to amplify it's voice by using the interactive attributes found in the new media.

The image below represents a New Media mindset rather than a string of specific apps.  Whether you blog or podcast, whether you facebook or MySpace, whether you Twitter  or Jaiku, the significance of your web presence (whether individual or corporate) is greatly diminished if you are not providing ways for your users to easily hear and access you.

Let's remember, the congregation is not just listening.  They're also talking.

Image attribution: Wayne Sutton