An Introduction to Spiritual Formation Among Digitial Natives

Abstract

<p>A curious demographic shift is underway in North American evangelical churches. While the percentage of teens and young adults who regularly attend worship services has remained basically the same for the past thirty years the number of casual attenders is plummeting. In 2008, forty-seven percent of teens reported never attending a worship service, up from twenty-eight percent in 1980. What is causing such a radical shift in worship attendance? This thesis will investigate an increasingly distinct cultural group, called Digital Natives, who were born since 1990 and have never known a world without the Internet and constant connection to digital media.</p> <p>Through the development of a biblical theology of technology, and the investigation of recent research into the psychological and social effects of social media and other computer mediated communication, this thesis will develop a clearer picture of the cultural gap that many Mainline and Evangelical churches are facing. Through theological reflection this thesis will identify new boundaries and new behaviours that will assist in the discipling and spiritual formation of Digital Natives in today's churches.</p>