The Digital Era provides unique, if sometimes terrifying, opportunities for the church. Much of the time, discourse around social and digital media begins from a pessimistic stance. Rather than starting from a place of fear, we can understand our purpose and place in the digital landscape by leaning into historic and biblical principles that equip us to proceed with wisdom and confidence into a constantly changing environment.

Heather R. Sparkman (M.Div, 2008; MA, Lindenwood University, 2021) will present learnings from her recent MA thesis exploring biblical principles that help church staff, non-professional volunteers, and members engage with and use social media in positive, constructive ways.

Heather is a Covenant Seminary graduate and is presently the Communications and Marketing Director for Webster Arts, a nonprofit community arts organization in Webster Groves, MO, where she spends much of her time creating digital marketing and promoting the arts in St. Louis.