Smartphones have changed not only the way we communicate but also the social culture in which we live. We can simply click with our fingers and become neighbors with anyone in the world and build new communities with them. The spread of the gospel using new media is the mission of the church.
In particular, the church needs to reach young people through this pastoral ministry of the media. For the elderly, smartphones may be new technology and difficult to access, but smartphones are a reality of life for young people who have been using them since they were born. Young people want to learn about the church and communicate with the church through the media they use in their daily life. The church must respond to the demands of these young people.
In line with the media age, the Korean Church has provided the believers with a variety of media content. The Seoul Diocesan Public Relation Bureau recently launched the 'Seoul Bible Online Bible Channel' and the youth section is preparing 'Youth News' to inform youth activities through YouTube. (https://www.facebook.com/cpbctv/)
The pastoral ministry of the church should not be a matter of concern only to some organizations and pastoral caregivers. The whole church should be concerned with proclaiming the gospel with all the means available in the new media age. The gospel, the Word of God, has not changed. However, the church must adapt to the ever-evolving media environment.
Changes in the media do not stop with changes in the tools. Changes in the way of communication bring about changes in lifestyle, a way of thinking, and faith consciousness. Therefore, the media should not be recognized only as a means and tools. It is important to pay attention to the changes in the spirit of the times called Web 2.0, which refers to the spirit of sharing, participation, and openness with which we are familiar but we are headed for Web 3.0—artificial intelligence assisting us by understanding the user and personalizing everything.
On the other hand, not only elements of new media and communication methods but also communication using analog media such as face-to-face communication, writing, books, and magazines should not be neglected. Though new media and communication methods are spreading widely, elderly believers are familiar with analog communication. In some ways, most believers tend to be more attached to analog communication, which emphasizes the personal dimension rather than cold digital media.
Therefore, the church should pay attention to adapting to new media and advanced communication methods, while at the same time making appropriate use of the existing communication methods with which we are now familiar.
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