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Ministry in the Digital Age: The Use of New Media to Promote Fruitful Youth Ministry in the 21st Century

Shell, Caroline Faith
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1555608547689393

Abstract Details

2019, Bachelor of Arts, Walsh University, Honors.
The thesis, Ministry in the Digital Age: The Use of New Media to Promote Fruitful Youth Ministry in the 21st Century, seeks to answer the question: what social media practices used by Catholic youth ministers most effectively promote fruitful youth ministry? It begins by exploring two issues foundational to the question itself: the Church’s relationship with media throughout history and the nature and goals of fruitful youth ministry. Then it investigates the use of social media in Catholic youth ministry today by reviewing recent literature on this topic and by analyzing survey responses of regional youth ministers to determine the social media practices that they perceive most effective for their youth ministry. Finally, through a critical evaluation of these personal and published resources in light of the two foundational issues noted above, this study draws conclusions about the diverse ways that social media is employed by Catholic youth ministers today and especially about the most effective practices for using these new forms of media. Youth ministers from the Diocese of Cleveland were surveyed regarding their use of new media to achieve the goals of youth ministry outlined. After combining the survey results with a review of recent literature surrounding the topics of youth ministry and new media, the following conclusions on best practices with new media and youth ministry were apparent. Over half of youth ministers surveyed see social media as a tool for fulfilling the goal of relational ministry. Through social media the youth ministers are engaging in a ministry of presence, providing a reminder that the Faith is important beyond the walls of the Church. The two most effective new media platforms for reaching teens are Texting and Instagram. While not the only methods, they were shown to be the most effective. With a read rate of 99%, texting provides an immediacy not found in the other platforms. The opportunity to respond to texts also makes it a popular choice. The accessible and easy format of texting makes it a favorite among youth ministers. The other favorite platform, Instagram, is the second most popular social media site among teens today. Instagram gives a perfect opportunity for the youth ministry program to engage in the ministry of presence, sharing positive, faith-filled messages amidst other messages in a teen’s feed. There are concerns when using social media to be sure that safe environment standards are being upheld, such as by keeping all communications with minors public. Caution is especially advised when using private platforms such as Snapchat. The use of new media in youth ministry is of growing importance in today’s world. It is important to remember that the youth ministry program does not revolve around social media, but rather that social media is a vehicle to continue to minister to teens when they are not at Church. Through wise use of social media, youth ministers can work toward fruitful youth ministry. Both media and interpersonal ministry are needed to help bring about a deeper conversion in the teen’s heart.
Chad Gerber, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Ty Hawkins, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
87 p.
Communication; Religion; Theology
ministry, media, youth ministry, new media, social media, theology, communications, catholic

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Shell, C. F. (2019). Ministry in the Digital Age: The Use of New Media to Promote Fruitful Youth Ministry in the 21st Century [Undergraduate thesis, Walsh University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1555608547689393

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Shell, Caroline. Ministry in the Digital Age: The Use of New Media to Promote Fruitful Youth Ministry in the 21st Century. 2019. Walsh University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1555608547689393.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Shell, Caroline. "Ministry in the Digital Age: The Use of New Media to Promote Fruitful Youth Ministry in the 21st Century." Undergraduate thesis, Walsh University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1555608547689393

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Walsh University Honors Theses and OhioLINK.