What is this place?

Betachurch: A guide to the grand experiment of the digital church.

WeÕre going to engage here, take chances, be bold in a Christ-like manner. WeÕre going to talk about that which we find cool, fringe and exciting. WeÕre going to discuss good design and bad design — and what merits each. WeÕre going to talk about good technology and bad technology — and what distinguishes each. We’ll be honest and real.

This will all be done in an effort to learn. This is our cartographic expression as we seek to map out the details of ChristÕs intention for the church in the digital age. What role does technology play? How important is design? Where is all of this going?

The Betachurch website is offered as your white board, your playground, your sketch book. We also want to be your bigger, more experienced brother. Ask us questions, any questions, with no strings attached. We are your confidants, interested in giving you the necessary tools to implement these ideas into your standard practice. If you have suggestions for articles, please email our editor-in-chief, Jason Gallic. HeÕll forward the request to the right person.

Now you have a picture of what we want to do. So, what’s driving all this?

This is a Noah Institute project. And, so, the natural next question: What’s the Noah Institute? Answer: A non-profit seeking to help the church with design and technology. Those of us involved in NI, as we have come to call it, are everyday users of technology. We have become increasingly frustrated with the Church’s attempts to implement technology. In addition, the members and volunteers of NI are saddened by various instances in which the church has been taken advantage of by consultants and experts.

The NI has a lot going on. So much so in fact that the site is not currently up! But it will be soon. Give us a couple of weeks. If you are interested in supporting NI, please see our support page. We are always looking for technologists, writers, designers, prayer partners and, of course, donors.

In the meantime, enjoy BetaChurch. Part blog, part technical manual, part design theory, part seminary and all cool.