Date

8-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Alfonse Javed

Keywords

Technology

Disciplines

Religion

Abstract

The contemporary local church faces a critical crossroads, challenged by a widening gap between traditional ministry approaches and today's digital-native world, resulting in decreased engagement and relevance. This research tackles the urgent issue of ecclesiastical stagnation in a highly connected society. When the local church and technology strategically unite, they can dramatically shift the church’s path from static tradition toward active, missional innovation. Embracing digital tools will transform preaching from a localized, one-dimensional event into a rich, multi-layered homiletic experience that enhances message impact and clarity. By intentionally using these tools, the church can reach a wider, more diverse audience across geographical, socioeconomic, and physical boundaries. This study argues that the church’s survival heavily depends on these technological benefits, which offer vital infrastructure for ministry amid cultural shifts. Rather than seeing technology as a secular threat, it is viewed as a divine means of stewardship, helping the church remain present in believers’ lives. Combining ecclesiology with digital media ensures the gospel’s transformative power remains accessible to a generation that primarily navigates the world through screens. Ultimately, these technological integrations serve as a catalyst for strengthening the church’s health and enabling it to fulfill the Great Commission in the twenty-first century. Historically, local churches have driven major societal and moral reforms, actively challenging corruption and contributing to the abolition of slavery and combating racial segregation in the United States. However, around the turn of the millennium, amid rapid societal change, many churches retreated from the public sphere, lagging behind the swift technological shifts that were transforming human interaction. This stagnation made it harder for local churches to stay socially relevant in an increasingly digital world without social media tools.

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