Youth Ministry: Stepping into the Virtual Community
posted by Andy Rau on July 22, 2005

Blogs, instant messenger, chat rooms and Internet forums—all are cited as tools for creating “virtual communities.” They point to an internet phenomenon that has been underway for years but is just now starting to be taken seriously by mainstream churches and ministries. Chances are, the kids in your youth group are already connected to an online community. So what does a virtual community look like—and how can it make your ministry more effective? Renee Altson has written an excellent overview of a healthy online community [PDF], with plenty of suggestions and ideas for incorporating the virtual world of blogs and chats with your “offline” ministry. She also lists tips to help even Internet-challenged ministers step into the world of blogging and IM and make an existing youth ministry more meaningful and effective.

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