
Lynne M. Baab
A congregation communicates its heart and soul through words, photos, actions, programs, architecture, decor, the arts, and countless other aspects of congregational life. In Reaching Out in a Networked World, communications expert and pastor Lynne Baab examines technologies such as websites, blogs, online communities, and desktop publishing. She demonstrates how a congregation can evaluate these tools and appropriately use them to communicate its heart and soul, to convey its identity and values both within and outside the congregation.
Baab urges congregation leaders to reflect on the way they communicate. The recent explosion in communication technologies offers many new ways to present values and identity, but no one has much experience thinking about how best to use these tools. Baab seeks to help leaders use these new technologies with more precision, flair, and consistency. When congregations are intentional about communicating who they are and what they value, people in the wider community can get a clear and coherent picture of the congregation and its mission. Newcomers and visitors are more likely to see why faith commitments matter and why and how they might become involved in this congregation, while current members and leaders will greatly benefit from having a unified vision of the congregation’s heart and soul.
View the On Demand Webinar: Websites that Work: Identity and Mission Online
“This timely and accessible resource offers an insightful overview of the manifold ways this technology can convey the values, identity and mission of congregations to the wider world.” (link)—Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
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“Though it certainly stands on its own merits, Reaching Out is an excellent companion to Merritt's book (Tribal Church). Baab tackles the subject of how congregations communicate their story and identity in the postmodern world of Web sites, blogs, and projection screens. ” —Anthony Robinson, Christian Century
“Reaching Out in a Networked World is a true eye opener about how we should be thinking about the use of new media technology in our churches from someone who knows exactly what questions to ask—and how to think about the answers” —Dr. Stephen Hayer, Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, Columbia Theological Seminary
“Our world and culture are changing rapidly and the ways that we as churches communicate our values and identity need to change too in order to be relevant. The use of technology in particular has revolutionized the ways that we form community and network. In her book Reaching Out in a Networked World, Lynne Baab gives us very practical suggestions as to how we can continue to be relevant in this rapidly changing world. It is full of rich examples and information that make it essential reading for anyone seeking to lead a church today.” —Christine Sine, CEO, Mustard Seed Associates, Seattle
“This is the book pastors and lay leaders need to read if they care about the face their congregation presents to the community. In a thoughtful yet accesible way, Lynne Baab discusses the ways congregations communicate (or fail to communicate) their heart and, especially, how the new communication technologies can be used faithfully and effectively.” —William Dyrness, Professor of Theology and Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary
“If you're looking for Church Communication 2.0, you've found it. Lynne Baab leaves no technology unturned in this marvelously practical, thoughtful guide. From the latest trends in marketing, websites, e-mails, blogs, mission statements, projection screens, and PowerPoint to online communities, this book will help your congregation express its unique identity with authenticity, style, and coherence.” —Sally Morgenthaler, Author, Worship Evangelism
Lynne M. Baab is a Presbyterian minister and author of six books and a Bible study guide. She recently completed a Ph.D. in communication at the University of Washington. She lives with her husband in Dunedin, New Zealand, where she is a lecturer in pastoral theology at the University of Otago. She is the author of three other Alban Institute books: Personality Type in Congregations, Embracing Midlife, and Beating Burnout in Congregations.
ISBN# 978-1-56699-368-5
Alban No. AL368
paper, 190 pages
2008
In stock
$18.00
($14.40 for members)
