For each of the communities I visited, I will apply Anderson/Drescher’s approach to “LACE,” found in chapter 4, practicing the arts of digital ministry.
Faithful Listening. Each of the communities I visited online had their own way of attending deeply to the concerns, needs and interests of those for whom they exist. For Fabric, relationships and finances are brought together in one whole-conversation. Prince of Peace expresses this by podcasting, FB Live streaming services, providing weekly devotionals and resources for children, youth & family ministry. Faith in Forest Lake is focusing on housing insecurity, ministry to homeless veterans, and creation care. In each case, the community is being empowered to step into ministry with each other in authentic ways.
Offering Hospitality. Creating sacred space and welcoming others into it is something each of the communities do well. Fabric builds pleasant aesthetics in the worship space and have good coffee and treats. Prince of Peace has settled into the realities of their context by welcoming Liberians and Latin-x congregations into shared spaces. Faith in Forest Lake leans into their Scandinavian heritage with “weak coffee and homemade treats” and have redesigned their worship and welcoming spaces to be more conversation-conducive. In all cases, leadership is helping others think about “sacred spaces” being more than the sanctuary or worship center.
Caring for God’s People. Each of the communities I visited had their own way of sharing prayer, encouragement, inspiration and wisdom. Fabric publishes their weekly worship bulletin, which has sermon outlines and other resources geared toward during-the-week engagement. Prince of Peace, posts a weekly devotional, which is used for personal times of devotion and small group discussion. Faith in Forest Lake blogs regularly about felt-needs, prayer lab and other cultural elements they are trying to shape.
Forming Disciples. Enriching spiritual lives through education, small group practices and preaching. Fabric does not do regular adult education because of their value to declutter their calendar; they build this into small group gatherings. Prince of Peace does well on all accounts; they, like Fabric, add an educational piece into small group curriculum. Faith has preaching and adult education and is working on building a small group ministry (that’s part of why I’m there!).
Building Community. In each of these 3 communities, they develop connections across local and digital networks, bringing like-minded people together in meaningful ways. Faith has a FB bible study group which spend time together once a week, and follow-up in the FB group, going over the coming Sunday’s Scripture text. Each church partners with local government, schools and non-profit organizations in various ways.
Making Public Witness is what each of these communities do in various ways every week, online and in worship, advocating for action on behalf of those in need. Stewarding God-Given Resources is something that is undergoing constant revision and redevelopment in each church as new understandings give-way to new strategies for participation in God’s desire for the wellness of both those gathered and the larger, surrounding community context.
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