Pastoraltheologische Erkundungen im Netz

Being a Pastor in Public

Pastoral Theological Explorations Online

Funded by the Digitalinnovationsfond (Digital Innovation Fund) of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Württemberg, Prof Dr Birgit Weyel and Lea Stolz study how the self-understanding and outside perception of pastors is changing through social media. In doing so, they research an area that is still largely unexplored in terms of pastoral theology. In interviews with web-savvy pastors, they address questions such as: Which channels do pastors use and what for? What do they reveal about themselves – including private information? Who do they exchange information with? How much of their working time does this take up? The interviews are supplemented by explorations of the respective Instagram accounts. The results are discussed with students of Protestant Theology as well as with pastors. They are intended to inspire a new way of thinking about questions of office and person, publicity and privacy in the pastoral ministry under the changed conditions of digitalisation.

Link to publication