Internet · email · SMS · blogs · podcasts
New communication technologies are changing the way we relate to each other. At the same time, young Christians are creating new kinds of faith communities, new ways of “being church”. As we experiment, what are we learning about ourselves and about God?
This one-day conference is an opportunity to learn how Christians of all denominations are using communication technology, to share our own experiences and to ask challenging questions.
- What is your experience of Christian community?
- How have you used email, internet, and other communication technology to connect with other Christians? How has this shaped your faith?
- What new models of “church” are emerging—with and without the aid of new technologies?
- Are online networks taking the place of traditional face-to-face faith communities? If so, is this a problem?
- How do we make the most of the opportunities opened up by new communication technologies?
- What are the pitfalls, and how can we avoid them?
The conference will include input from key thinkers in these areas, and plenty of opportunity for discussion and interaction among all the participants.
Organised by the Australian Student Christian Movement for all tertiary students and young people with an interest in Christianity. To register your interest and receive further information, contact Claire Vincent.
Programme Schedule
| Time | Session | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 7.30am | Optional breakfast—venue tbc, probably a café in Smith St. | |
| 9am | Conference opening, worship and introductions | |
| 10am | Christian communities | Rev. Alistair Macrae |
| 11am | Morning tea | |
| 11.30am | What do we mean by “virtual church”? | Paul Teusner |
| 12.30pm | Lunch—vegetarian food provided. Let us know if you have other requirements! | |
| 2pm | Virtual communities at the NCCC and signposts.org.au. | Rev. Phil McCreddon |
| 3.15pm | Afternoon tea | |
| 3.45pm | Virtual Worship and Virtual Care | Cheryl Lawrie and Jillian Bull |
| 4.45pm | Discussion | |
| 5.15pm | Close |
We’ll head to an affordable nearby restaurant for dinner.
How to Get There
Catch the number 86 tram. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can pick it up:
- In the City, where it travels along Bourke Street
- In Victoria Parade, near St Vincent’s hospital
- In Smith Street, Fiztroy
Ask the driver to tell you when you get to Dundas Street. Get off the tram, and walk along High Street for about 5 minutes in the direction the tram has been traveling. You’ll come to NCCC on your left. The address is:
81 High StreetPreston VIC 3072
Links
How Far Can Churches Go Online? · Sheila Jacobs
Can a virtual church take the place of a real one?
Media Development 2006/2 · World Association for Christian Communication
This issue of the WACC published magazine focuses on information and communication technologies and their impact on people.
The Northern Community Church of Christ
A church with rather unusual, and perhaps more relevant congregations.
signposts
The personal blog of Danielle and Phil McCredden, leaders in the Northern Community Church of Christ, as they reflect on various issues which arise at the church as well as a dose of politics and culture.
Emerging Church
Wondering what all this is about? This Wikipedia article may help. It has lots links to other sites, blogs and criticisms of emerging church.
fishers, surfers and casters
Paul Teusner's log of his research into religion in cyberspace, with an emphasis on the Australian experience.
hold :: this space
Hold this space tells the story of an alternative worship project in the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
open source theology
A collabarative project for the development of an emerging theology for the emerging church.
Talks
Virtual Church: Emerging
patterns of church
(Talk given by Rev. Alistair MacRae, Executive Director, Centre for Theology and
Ministry) NEW!
pdf (96KB)
| Online
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