The Digital Cathedral: Networked Ministry in a Wireless World
"As the network paradigm becomes central to the way we understand ourselves, it is causing a re-visioning of the nature of the Body of Christ in the twenty-first century. Keith Anderson, in his travels, interviews, and examples gives us an expansive view of how this transition is happening. There is much to think on in his writing, and much to learn from the communities of practice he introduces us to in this lovely book." —The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisley, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
About The Book
Rapid cultural and technological changes through the last two decades have changed the context for ministry. The development of digital social media and advances in affordable, mobile technologies have dramatically changed the way most people interact with others, communicate, organize, and participate in communities.
The Digital Cathedral is a warm embrace of the rich traditions of Christianity, especially the recovery of the premodern sense of cathedral, which encompassed the depth and breadth of daily life within the physical and imaginative landscape of the church. It is for anyone who seeks to effectively minister in a digitally integrated world, and who wishes to embody the networked, relational, and incarnational characteristics of that ministry.
Praise for The Digital Cathedral
"Here’s what we know: the digital revolution has radically changed the way we make meaning, craft our identity, and communicate with each other in today’s world. We also know that most of us congregational leaders have done little to embrace this new world of digital connectivity beyond creating a website and Facebook page. One more thing we know: we have in Keith Anderson a remarkably capable and creative guide into this new world. In The Digital Cathedral, Keith has provided not simply tips on using social media or the internet for ministry, but rather offers us the means by which to participate in the virtual Body of Christ, extending the care and compassion of the Gospel to, quite literally, the ends of the earth via digital means."
The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, former President, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
"Lutheran Pastor Keith Anderson's new book is a penetrating, intelligent, innovative, and inspiring vision of where religious belief might be heading in a networked, relational, digital world. ... the image of 'church' is changing and traditional notions of where one goes to be 'holy' or 'sacred' or 'in communion' is radically transforming. Anderson offers a new view of where one finds sacred space: at a bus stop, in a tavern, in a barber shop—almost anywhere that people gather outside of home or work."
Michael Crosbie, Editor, Faith & Form: The Interfaith Journal on Religion, Art, and Architecture, Vol. XLVIII, No. 3
"Allow me to make a bold prediction. When practical theologians interested in ministry and technology look back on the first few decades of the twenty-first century, they will talk about the time before and the time after Keith Anderson’s The Digital Cathedral: Networked Ministry in a Wireless World."
Kyle Oliver, former digital missioner and learning lab coordinator in the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary
