CLCM 510 Constructing a Theology of Networks for the Digital Age

The Digital Age has created an interconnected network of overlapping communities that is blurring the historic distinction between physical and digital. Given the evidence for the existence of these networked realities and their counterparts in the natural world, what is our theological and biblical response? This course provides students an opportunity to formulate an emerging theology of networks through which the Spirit of God works to minister to his people.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

This course prepares the student to think biblically and theologically about digital ministry in a variety of contexts and settings. It is needed in order to prepare the student for ministry in any context including increasingly digital and online church ministry settings.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the instructor provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge and exposure to the webinar. The thread must include a minimum of 3 sources. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. Turabian format is required for citations.

The Discussion Threads and Replies for this course are based upon the content of the “Online Church in the Time of Coronavirus” webinars presented by the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity. The Discussion Thread and Replies Grading Rubric stipulates the criteria used to evaluate student work. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Research Paper Assignments (5)

The student will prepare a major scaffolded paper outlining a practical and emerging theology of digital church ministry that can be used to support and supplement the embodied, synchronous local church. The student must explore possible best practices found in the unique environment of digital media that could practically assist the local church.

The student will research and write this scaffolded paper in 5 installments (chapters) across eight modules: weeks of the course integrated with course readings and other required course materials. Each week the previous section must be revised and attached to the new section for submission. A table of contents is required and must include the exact name of the paper assignment.

The final version of the scaffolded paper should run between 8-12 double-spaced pages in 12-point font conforming perfectly to Turabian style utilizing at least 10 relevant scholarly sources including the Bible. The final version must include each section of the paper. The student will write each chapter in conversation with all required readings, videos and other course materials provided for each module: week. Use of these required resources should be evident in the body of the paper through comments, footnotes, and bibliographic citations. Each chapter submitted will be part of the larger paper and should be clearly identified with its own separate heading centered on the page. (CLO: A, B, D)

Pew Research Center Project Assignment

The student will go to the Pew Research Center Internet and Technology website and click on the Religion tab across the top of the web page. The student will then identify 3 research articles among all those provided that are of special interest to him/her. The student will read each of the 3 articles, reflect on their significance, and write up a report that integrates all 3 articles presenting: insights gained, new knowledge retained, and practical ideas obtained for carrying out digital ministry online. The final report should be between 3-4 pages double-spaced in 12-point font applying Turabian style formatting throughout and be free from spelling and stylistic mistakes. Bibliographic information for the 3 articles must be included. (CLO: A, C)