Super excited about the conference

By Verity A. Jones

The one-day conference, Digital Church: Theology and New Media, at Union Theological Seminary is just 10 days away. On February 8, 141 folks (so far) will be gathering in the Social Hall to share findings from the New Media Project’s first two years of research and writing. This is free, by the way, because it’s supported by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. We do ask you to register, however, so that we can plan appropriately.

Some presenters were featured in our case studies. Nadia Bolz-Weber, Tony Lee, Eugene Cho, Susie Shaefer, and Eric Elnes will be on hand to share their ongoing good work in ministry and media. Are we lucky or what! Research fellows will share their best theological reflection. Monica A. Coleman, Lerone Martin, Jim Rice, Kathryn Reklis, and Jason Byassee have been amazing partners in this work. And Serene Jones and Daisy Machado from Union Theological Seminary will offer their responses to all these new ideas.

Have I said how honored I am that Union has hosted this project for two years?

We will video-record the event. Sorry we couldn’t get live streaming on the web to work out. But SALT Project director Liz Myer Boulton and her crew will be there to capture all the great moments. So video will be available on the New Media Project website after some editing time has elapsed.

And of course, social media! Meredith Gould, author, blogger, and digital strategist will be helping us coordinate Twitter and Facebook. You can get started anytime with #digchurch13. Shoot your thoughts and comments to the New Media Project Facebook page before, during, and after the conference as well.

Verity A. Jones is the executive director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, and project director of the New Media Project which is now part of this new Center.

The New Media Project is a research project helping religious leaders become theologically savvy about technology. To request permission to repost this content, please contact newmediaproject@cts.edu.