It is not enough for churches to simply send their newsletter as an e-mail or to post it on a web site. The Internet will eventually transform learning as the cyber-seminary continues to emerge. The time has come that new ministry leaders can be raised up from within a church, and receive first-quality theological education and ministry preparation without moving to another location. Church leaders must recognize that people in their congregation born after February 1964 have a digital focus to communications. If people born before February 1964 are primarily setting the rules of communication in churches, then churches are losing many opportunities to connect with the 35 and under crowd.
Digital communications cuts across denominational lines.
It will be increasingly less important to people whether or not their church is Presbyterian or Baptist. In a few churches, the role of minister of electronic ministries is beginning to be implemented. In digitally focused congregations, over the next decade a ministerial role that focuses on electronic communications may be the fastest growing type of local church ministry position. A lay minister who is discovered and raised up from within the congregation will often fill this type of position. Implications for Church Champions 1.