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The New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting for Christ

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I just finished reading The New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting for Christ yesterday, and I think this book is a terrific primer for Christians hoping to better understand new media. The breadth of topics covered in the book virtually ensures that just about anyone who reads it will find something relevant to their lives and ministries, while few will find that every chapter is relevant to them. As somewhat of a new media newbie, I found the book to be very helpful. Also, as a pastor, the book helped me understand various ways to integrate new media into my work in ministry.

The book is broken into two sections, and from there into a total of 15 chapters written by several different authors. The first section is called The Landscape of the New Media. It outlines the current state of new media, forecasts about its future, warns of the potential dangers of embracing it uncritically, and then offers some beginners some tips on entering the world(s) of blogging and podcasting.

I began reading this book expecting it to be one big commercial for new media, but was pleasantly surprised by how balanced it was. Several chapters emphasized the importance of embracing the new media world discerningly (particularly Matthew Lee Anderson's chapter on the dangers of uncritically embracing new media), and the overall message of the book seemed to be that Christians must engage the new media world, but that they must do so with caution.

Chapters 4 and 5 of the book basically provide everything that a new media greenhorn needs to gain a basic understanding of blogging and podcasting. Despite the massive popularity of both blogs and podcasts, they remain a mystery to many (especially many in the church world). These chapters did an excellent job of showing how to get started blogging and podcasting. In addition to showing how to set up blogs and podcasts, the chapters also provided some tips on producing high quality content. The authors of these chapters also effectively made the point that Christians should be engaged in blogging and podcasting.

The second section of the book is called Engaging New Media and deals with several different potential implications and applications of new media. The chapter of theological blogging shows how the existence of blogs has provided a new forum for discussing and debating theology. This can have both positive and negative implications for theological discourse, and thus must be used with care. Tod Bolsinger's chapter Blogging as Microwave Community discusses the various ways that blogging can aid Christian community. Bolsinger does a good job of showing how blogs can facilitate Christian community without being a replacement for it.

The two most helpful chapters for pastors were Mark D. Roberts' chapter Pastors and the New Media, and Rhett Smith's chapter Navigating the Evolving World of Youth Ministry in the Facebook-MySpace Generation. Both Roberts and Smith write from their experience with new media and do a good job of showing the pastoral usefulness. Roberts writes from a senior pastor's perspective while Smith writes from a stutdent ministry perspective. If you're a pastor or ministry leader and you've only got time to read a few chapters out of this book, make sure you read these ones. The reality is that as new media becomes more and more mainstream people will be spending more and more of their lives online, thus it will be increasingly important for churches to have a sophisticated online presence that they can utilize to effectively communicate online.

The rest of the book discusses the effect that new media will have on everything from apologetics to politics to bioethics to social justice to academia. Several of these fields are substantially different now than they were five years ago thanks to new media, and the transformation is far from over. New media has and will continue to effect the way we get our news, the way we get our education, and even the way we advocate for causes we believe in. It is fascinating to consider the access to power that exists for ordinary individuals thanks to new media. While big media stalwarts still wield significant influence, ordinary people are more free to express their opinions, question authority, and otherwise assert themselves online than ever before.

As I said, The New Media Frontier is a great primer on new media. While I found some chapters to be more practically helpful than others, I believe this entire book is worth reading because new media is not going away any time soon. The better the church understands new media the better it can use the tools of new mediia for effective proclamation of the gospel. Whether you are a church pastor looking to utilize new media in your ministry or a lay person who is simply interesting on better understanding the state of online communication, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

In October 2005 the first annual GodBlogCon conference (now called the Christian Web Conference) was held at Biola University, a gathering for Christian bloggers and other participants various forms of new media ministry. Out of that conference came this book, which contains chapters contributed by a number of different bloggers.

The topics covered range from how to start a blog, audio podcast or video podcast, to blogging on particular topics such as theology, apologetics, academic subjects, politics, bioethics and social justice. Chapters I found of particular interest included David Wayne's chapter on theological blogging, Fred Sanders's chapter on academics and new media, Jason Baker's chapter on virtual classrooms, and Stephen Shields's chapter on social justice, social relief and new media.

I usually try to avoid books which contain chapters contributed by different authors because I tend to get bogged down by the variability of content and themes within the book. This book was no exception, and it took me a long time to get through it. Although I am very interested in blogging and vlogging, most of the content failed to capture my imagination. I found Brian Bailey's "The Blogging Church" much more helpful.

To blog or not to blog.

That is the question many pastors and laypeople are asking themselves as online media platforms continue to proliferate and rise in prominence. Along with blogging, there are many other ways to communicate across the web. Due to the nature of digital media and the rate of innovation, the online landscape is ever expanding and constantly in flux. As editors of The New Media Frontier, John Mark Reynolds and Roger Overton aim to equip believers with "a process of critical assessment" so they might use new media "in a manner consistent with the character and quality of Christ" (p. 17). The volume is an outgrowth of the annual GodBlogCon meetings at Biola University and consists of essays addressing various elements of "the new media frontier."

The book is divided into two main parts. Part one introduces the concept of new media and explains their basic components. Part two consists of a series of essays geared toward individuals in a variety of fields. Each essay includes a brief introduction to the field and actual examples of what utilizing new media in this area would look like.

The philosophical and theological framework that is provided for believers interacting with new media is a primary strength of this volume. The writers are well aware of the paradox of writing about new media by means of "old media" (a book) and address this phenomenon directly. They undertook this project not for the media savvy, but rather for those who have misunderstood the medium or are simply unaware of how it works. Accordingly, the editors set a tone of urgency that is maintained throughout the book (p. 42).

They emphasize that the window of opportunity for Christians to make an impact in this area will not last indefinitely. Even so, their analysis is neither alarmist nor naively optimistic. Rather, the contributors urge that believers use and engage new media "wisely" (e.g., p. 125, 136, 159). There is a sustained interest in the "habits of the mind" and the "identity shaping" of individuals using these new technologies. This holistic approach strengthens the project and will prolong its influence.

The contributors also provide the vocabulary necessary to articulate a discerning interaction with new media. This feature is especially helpful for those unfamiliar with the newer technologies. Reynolds defines "new media" as "any material presented to a person in digital format that can be cheaply and easily accessed, distributed, stored in a variety of ways, manipulated, and consumed by an average person" (p. 24).

In the first part of the book, basic concepts like blog, podcast, vlog, and video sharing are explained, and the hardware, software, and other tools needed both to create and consume these new communication mediums are addressed. The chapters devoted to these basic mechanical procedures bridge the conceptual framework of part one and the practical applications of part two.

One appropriate feature of the book is the engaging nature of the articles. All of the writers are active participants in the new media culture and have made their web addresses available before each essay. The reader is thus encouraged to visit a contributor's website or blog after reading his chapter. This opportunity extends the scope of interaction with the book and narrows the gap between the old and new media formats.

Another key issue relates to the idea of "community." Any discussion involving new media must address the nature of the community that the online world is capable of producing. Can an online network of individuals provide true Christian "koinonia," or is the very notion of a virtual fellowship simply a result of the individualistic impulses of the prevailing culture? Though they vary in their responses to this issue, the contributors agree overall that new media function best as a complement to rather than a replacement of genuine Christian fellowship (e.g., pp. 115-16). Still, in this volume, the "community" is often spoken of in "universal" rather than "local" terms. An emphasis on local churches might add a needed dimension to this discussion.

Noting these strengths, there are inherent limitations of this project. Any publication treating a "new" phenomenon runs the risk of swiftly becoming obsolete with technological advance. For instance, inevitably some of the links provided in the footnotes and text will at some point no longer work, and the technology discussed in the practical sections will swiftly progress beyond the scope discussed in the essays. However, because the authors speak not only to the specifics of the new media themselves but also to the heart and mind of the user, the overall framework they delineate here will endure long after technological development dates their discussion of particulars. For, as Reynolds asserts, "while technology changes, the essence of men does not" (p. 24).

In sum, this volume makes a sustained argument throughout: The new media have revolutionized the way people communicate and are here to stay. Thus, believers must think critically about these changes and utilize the best of them for the glory of God and the furtherance of his kingdom. Through its timely analysis and stable framework, this book will help believers execute this task as they navigate through the "new media frontier" and beyond.

This is a very BASIC book. If you have experience at all with teh interwebz, you will not learn much new. Nonetheless, there are some insights, both good and poor, that are springboards for discussion. I will be using this book as part of a presentation on Christians and Social Networking and will will those insights of both categories as talking points. What I disliked was the constant assumption that "in person" is inherently better than the electronic medium. Have we ever met the Apostle Paul? Perhaps it is my sensitivity to the self-righteous attitude of some Christians to internet fellowship as second-class, but that tone left a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe I am just used to be being on the bleeding edge, but I find it somewhat hard to believe that the Christian community is so Luddite that such a basic book is necessary. And the Amish don't care about new media.

The New media Frontier serves both as a primer on the use of internet technology for churches and ministry, but also as a collection of thoughts looking to the present and future to discuss ways in which churches, ministries, and missions have been and will be shaped by the use of technology.

The first section of the book focuses on the `primer' element. The contributors offer overview and reflections on `new media' and the church, as well as beginner's guides to using blogs and other web technologies (video, podcasts, etc.) in a ministry setting. Much of this basic information was presented with few assumptions, and for those who aren't tech-savvy it could be a great resource to understand the "hows and whys" of new technology and media.

The discussions in the second half move beyond the basics into discussions of how new media has, can, and will affect churches, pastors, and ministries in the coming years. These chapters range from discussions of `cyber communities' centered around blogs, using new media in teaching situations, seeing Facebook as a tool for pastoral counseling, and how new media will shape the church's forays into issues like bioethics and social justice.

I appreciated the discussion that is represented in The New Media Frontier. It felt odd to read these thoughts on pages, because so many of them seemed like conversations that would be at home on blogs and websites - and many of them probably started out that way. In this sense, the book represents a particular moment in time - a moment when many churches have begun to consider how technology affects their ministry but have not yet fully embrace the opportunities provided by new media. This book can be a great resource for those who have yet to commit to the possibilities presented by new technologies and a launching point for conversations about how they will allow the new media frontier to shape the future of their ministries.

Is it possible to communicate the fullness of the ever changing, ever expansive category of "New Media", using a book? That is just what John Mark Reynalds & Roger Overton attempt to do, as they bring together some of the best voices from the Christian movement in New Media. The results are a fascinating and informative book, that for now is a complete and relevant guide to the things Christian media creators should know and should care about.

The book is written by a team of well-researched writers, who speak from experience. It begins especially well, and explains the history and the relevancy of the New Media from a Judeo-Christian worldview. From there it continues to build the case for Christians to learn to use the new forums of communication now open to us.

The points it raises are fascinating, and to the point. Each question is handled well, and nothing is simply dismissed or glossed over.
It explains why Christians should err on the side of liberty when it comes to the new media, and at the same time explores the pitfalls and weaknesses in the New Media movement.
The communication style of each writer is easy to read, but very well researched and full of information. I found myself highlighting and marking sections of the book to come back to. There possibly couldn't be a better resource available for the Christian interested and/or involved in producing for a new generation highly attuned to the ever changing world of media. The author brings out this quote that; "as long as Liberty prevails, a chance for more entrepreneurial activity in information distribution will exist."
The incredible tools that the New Media bring to the table will need to be defended, for freedoms sake. True Christianity has and will do well under the microscope of free information access.

If you are new to the realm of online media and blogging, this is a great start, but without mentioning up and coming and widely popular twitter and spending so much time on the awful Youtube, rather than the more relevant and high quality sites for video available [...]I wonder how long this book will last before needing to be republished?
Of course that is the point... Technology changes, and the old media can only take the church so far before we are irrelevant.

I work in producing media that falls into both the old media and new media categories, and I found this book to be extremely relevant to the questions I had in trying to navigate the expansive waters of the internet revolutions aftermath. Great discussions will come from reading this book, and I imagine most of them will be communicated, like this review, via the New Media.

Shepherd Ahlers
Intern, City on a Hill Productions

The New Media Frontier is an amazing book for anyone that realizes the millions of people that are far from God that won't be reached by "traditional" methods of sharing the Gospel. As well as those wanting to utilize social media/ blogging / podcasting / twitter to grow people outside the 4 walls of the church. This book not only shares the why we should use online media for reaching out, but also shares alot of the how to aspects as well. I would say that I am an above average techy kinda guy, and I was surprised at how much I gleaned from the writers. It was a great surprise when I was half way though the book and read a chapter by Rhett Smith, a great guy I met at the Echo conference in Dallas last month. All in all I would say this book is a must have for anyone that is wanting to extend their reach !

The New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging and Podcasting for Christ edited by John Mark Reynolds & Roger Overton

The New Media Frontier is written as a collection of essays on various topics related to new media and Christian faith (as the authors view it). Many of the authors seem cautiously optimistic at best regarding the implications of New Media for the Church. Author Matthew Lee Anderson goes so far as to write a chapter entitled, "Three Cautions among the Cheers: The Dangers of Uncritically Embracing New Media." (emphasis mine)

Needless to say, this book is definitely geared towards those who still need some persuading the "the internets" are here to stay and are not just for porn, video games and pedophiles. As is often the case with the Church it seems a couple years behind. No mention of Twitter, several mentions of You Tube without a single reference to Vimeo, no serious discussion of internet campuses, and a very indepth chapter on Right leaning politics (seemed out of place unless you are talking to Pat Robertson and his protoges). For folks looking for good reasons to get into New Media as a Christian with serious reservations or doubts, this is a phenomenal book. For folks who are already pretty well sold on the concept, the practical sections are pretty basic and the rest is just making a case for why we should be using New Media.

The authors opinions were varied from, as previously stated, cautiously optimistic to really fully embracing and utilizing New Media.

Rhett Smith and Mark D. Roberts both gave great arguments for and examples of fully utilizing new media for community, outreach, impact, etc. Stephen Shields had excellent thoughts on the use of New Media for non profits, missions and churches engaged in social justice and advocacy.

David Wayne, Roger Overton, Fred Sanders, Joe Carter, and Jason Baker, Scott Ott and Matthew Eppinette all delve into the benefits of information availability and accessibility, collaboration and sharing across such varied fields as bioethics, journalism, apologetics, theology and education. Many also expressed the potential downside of difficulty in separating the wheat from the chaff with some much availability and accessibility.

Bottom line, depending on your starting point and perspective, this book can come across well balanced and address all of the relevant topics you care about, or it can come across all over the map and a little mixed up.

A great read for that pastor whose church is not growing and the only communication is gossip and complaining, or for the youth pastor who can't figure out why all of his students seem perfect to him but he hears from parents that their going off the deep end. But if you are looking to expand an existing social media strategy at your church I would look to Chris Brogan, Seth Godin and Guy Kawasaki, who spend a lot more time talking about the conversational and community building aspects of New Media.

I became aware of this book well before it's release thanks to the work of Rhett Smith, one of the book's contributing authors. So, I was very excited about getting the chance to take a look at and review this book.

The proper title is The New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting for Christ. It is partly a primer on new media and partly a look at the many diffrent uses of these tools in the context of church and faith.

The first section focuses on media in general. The first two chapters nearly rolled right over me with deep philosophical arguments for the use of new media. It even went so far as to compare the new media revolution with the Russian Revolution, which felt like something of a stretch, but still made sense. The remainder of section one was devoted to explaining the different types of media out there such as blogs, video blogging, and podcasting - as the title implies. For someone who is new to these tools, this section provides a great primer of not only describing what these tools are, but how to get started using them as well.

The second section provides practical application of these tools in specific areas of faith and ministry. These areas include theology, youth ministry, and creating community. Each chapter is written by a different author who is something of an authority on the topic at hand. This has it's ups and downs because the reader is likely to connect with one author's style more than another or with one chapter's topic more than another. The benefit, howeve, is that you are able to hear from someone who is passionate about the topic they are addressing.

In reading a book like this, I have to remember that I'm an early adopter and have been using computers since I was 3 or 4. Keeping that in mind, I think that this book would be extremely valuable to the computer illiterate or the internet fearful. Because of the way the book is laid out, even if you are familiar with these technologies, you should be able to find new ideas or ways of thinking in the areas that most interest you. Finally, it should serve as a good jolt for anyone who is considering the use of new media to get going and give it a try. After all, there's no time like the present.

As my Grandparents became young adults they had the opportunity to witness the dawning of the Space Age. As a teen and young adult myself I have had the opportunity to see the beginning of and explosion of the Information Age. This new era we have been ushered into presents us with many new ways to absorb, present and produce media and information. John Mark Reynolds and Roger Overton has compiled what I would think to call a collection of articles/essays introducing, explaining, and providing advice for how to engage this new age with a Christian conviction.

At the beginning of the book, titled "The Landscape of New Media" Reynolds and others provide a great background and lay a foundation for the place of new media in society. A great read for beginners or those a bit unfamiliar with the internet. Here all the basic are covered including blogging, podcasting, etc... The second part of the book "Engaging New Media" brings in experts to discuss topics such as theological blogging, pastors and new media, facebook and myspace use with youth ministry, evangelism and apologetics in new media, virtual classrooms, and many more. Almost of the articles/essays are thoughtful, well written and very up to date with their references.

As fast as the internet evolves some of this information may be outdated in as little as year, and in five years even more of it will be considered dated, but right now I don't think there is a better book addressing these issues and ideas. I would highly recommend this book for today's pastors and church leaders. Even students who have grow up with access to computers and the internet all their life would benefit from a close read of this title.