Area Church Map
Categories: Digital Ministries
Churches in Cleir Eilean I
While many churches within the presbytery have already embraced online engagement, we recognise the importance of actively developing more digital ministries as part of our digital strategy.
This map aims to connect churches in the highlands and Hebrides digitally, spreading light across our remote and rural landscape and making access to the Word of God easier. It also supports Cleir Eilean I's digital strategy, embracing the opportunities of the digital age.
To view the Digital Map Click Here
What exactly is a 'Digital Ministry'?
In a church setting, digital ministries encompass various online activities and initiatives aimed at fostering spiritual growth, community engagement, and outreach in the digital realm. Examples might include creating and developing content for YouTube, podcasts, TikTok, Instagram, X (Twitter), VR, apps, and games.
Why Digital Ministries?
This imperative stems from two key reasons:
- The Radical Action Plan, which prompted the current reorganisation, highlighted the critical need to engage adults under 40 to avert a leadership crisis in the church.
- Under 40’s demographic comprises Generations Y, Z, and Alpha.
Generation Y, born 1981 - 1996, grew up during the digital revolution and are considered tech-savvy, valuing work-life balance.
Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age. They are highly connected, tech-dependent, and comfortable with technology.
Generation Alpha, born from mid-2010s onwards are growing up in a world immersed in advanced technology and interconnected networks from their early years.
Traditionally, incorporating social media, online presence, and technology in the church has been seen as complementary to more traditional mission and evangelism, and emphasis has not largely been on embracing it as a primary method.
It's time for a significant shift in perspective. We must acknowledge that younger generations see digital platforms as a primary form of engagement. To bridge the gap, we need to foster an environment that supports this new approach and empathise with the needs and preferences of the younger demographic.
Our first step towards this as a presbytery is to create an interactive digital map. This map serves to illustrate the locations of our churches across the presbytery and establish connections to various social media and online platforms that congregations have.
Our second step is to invite Christians from diverse backgrounds across the presbytery who wish to participate and have a voice in this process to join our digital strategy group, where together, we can envision the exciting potential of a more accessible church.
