Introduction

Editor's Overview: In the Introduction, Andrea Useem explains the aim of this booklet, which is "to take a reasoned, thoughtful look at congregational life in the digital age and ask how congregations can best navigate this new terrain." She further explains that the booklet seeks to provide both practical advice and philosophical support for congregations learning to make the most of the networked world.

You'll learn about the Alban Institute's one-day gathering that launched this booklet—a gathering that included communications scholar Heidi Campbell, public television editors and designers, campus ministry coordinators, and pastors from around the country. All of these participants raised hopes, concerns, and questions similar to those you may have.

The Introduction also offers a broad map to the rest of the booklet, particularly the sections "Religion from Web 0.0 to 2.0 and Beyond," "The World of Web 2.0—Challenge and Promise," and "Technology in Action."

You may read straight through the Introduction by clicking on the "Next" button at the bottom of each page. Or you may click on any of these subsection titles:

Experimenting in a New World
The World of Web 2.0
The Good News and the Bad News
Burning Questions
The Horse, the Cart, and the Road Ahead