“It’s more on an individual grass-roots level, similar to how it functions on the Internet,” DeLay said. “They are building relationships with people, some of whom never want to go to church, especially a large church where they think they’ll get swallowed up whole.”

It may seem a contradiction to some, but in essence pastors are providing a personal touch through what some consider to be an impersonal medium.

It’s all about increasing interaction and reaching out, Kinnaman said, pointing out how the Barna survey showed more people posting comments on other blogs than on their own. The research also revealed that people over age 40 use no more than four communication technologies, while those in their 20s and 30s use eight. Age 23 and under typically rely on 11.

“What comes to the fore is that Christian young people are more like their peers who are non-Christian than they are like Christians who are older,” said Kinnaman, explaining emerging technology trends. “Technology is a real leveling force with young people because they have more global awareness of connectiveness.”

Mabry thinks social networking is a must for youth pastors.

“Absolutely essential,” he said, explaining that his church’s youth ministry has a name on Facebook where young adults can go to receive messages and ministry information.

At the same time, the current technology is increasingly a dividing wall between age groups, Kinnaman said.

Maybe so, but Mabry shared an example of cross-generational connection that backs the Barna Group conclusion that new technology is here to stay, whether that means churches installing video screens in the sanctuary or using satellite feeds to feature off-site events from two continents away.

“Our e-mail prayer update is sent out by a 90-year-old woman who is more savvy on a computer than most other people in our church,” Mabry said.

More of a drawback than generational issues are staffing issues at smaller churches. Finding highly-trained professionals to fill the roles of sound technician, Web monitor and videographer can prove difficult. That may explain the Barna results showing that technology may be slowing as some churches focus on making the most of what they have.  and Other churches hope to get by without adding technology tools in the first place.

George Barna himself, however, advised churches not to fight against the machine, saying that to do so would be counterproductive.

“The Internet has become one of the pivotal communications and community-building tools of our lifetime,” he said. “Churches are well-advised to have an intelligent and foresighted Internet strategy in order to facilitate meaningful ministry.”