The New Media Project wants to help faith leaders become more theologically savvy about social media, which is rapidly changing the landscape of Christian life.

Near Washington, D.C., the Rev. Tony Lee sees on Facebook that a church member's brother has committed suicide -- news he would not otherwise have known -- and is able to reach out to the young man and attend the funeral.

To Lee, it's a vivid example of how social media gives pastors "longer arms," providing new ways to stay connected to church members and "touch people who need hope."

In Seattle, social media is an essential part of the ministry at Quest Church. The congregation's 25 small groups use Facebook to link members, encourage one another and share information.

"New media helps us more deeply engage in community," said the Rev. Eugene Cho. "It's certainly a way for us to build intimacy, ... sharing prayer requests and concerns."

Across the land, in that virtual "place" called the World Wide Web, The Young Clergy Women Project, an online social network of more than 500 clergywomen under 40, is providing young women pastors the support they need to stay in ministry.

Often lacking any nearby female peers, the pastors have found comfort in the online community, which gives them a place to relax and share with others who understand what they are going through.

These three stories are from case studies conducted by the New Media Project at Union Theological Seminary. They are just some of the many places we're looking to find out how the church is responding in this age of constantly changing technologies.

Reprinted by permission. Read the rest of the article in Duke University's Faith & Leadership Newsletter