The Wayne E. Oates Institute is a Connected Learning Community exploring spirituality and health as a way to advance integrative care for the whole person. The Oates Institute is a non-profit educational organization made up of caregivers from the medical, spiritual and counseling communities providing a forum for joining together as an interdisciplinary dialogue toward understanding the relationship between spirituality and the healing process.

Ministry with the Digital Generation

May 10-28, 2010

Presenters: A. Christopher Hammon, D.Min. and Marie McCanless, M.Div.

12 contact hours

And who are the NetGens, you ask. Also known as the Millennials, Generation Y, and BabyBoom2, the Net Generation refers to the first generation to grow up native to computers and digital networks. This group, born between 1977-1997, is beginning to move into the workplace and into community, organizational, and congregational leadership. NetGens are ready to engage collaboratively, openly, energetically, and creatively; but they are coming with their own defining values, a new pedagogy, new ideas about leadership, and new ways to create and contribute value.As they move into these roles, they are changing our world and the way we do things.

This seminar is an introduction to working and ministering with NetGens. During this seminar we will engage in conversation around the eight defining norms and the new leadership ideas identified by Don Tapscott in his research (Growing Up Digital, Wikinomics, and Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World) along with looking at various other examples of what is emerging. We particularly will look at what all of this means for our relationships with NetGens as we work and minister alongside them.

The presenters for this seminar are Dr. Chris Hammon and Marie McCanless. Chris is the Oates Institute's resident digital pioneer. Introduced to ARPNet and the potential of what was to come by Buckminster Fuller in 1970, Chris has been working in the online environment since 1980. Chris is also part of the Global Online faculty with the Doctor of Ministry Program at Drew University's Theological School in New Jersey, a member of the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education for Ministry, a member of the Society for Organizational Learning, and a member of the College of Pastoral Leaders.

Marie McCanless is a recent graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, currently completing a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, and a member of the Net Generation. She is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is anticipating starting a Ph.D. program soon and working with young adults in the future.

The seminar is limited to 12 participants -- come with hard hats, life jackets, and imagination. Registration for members of the Oates Institute is free and only $60 for non-members.