The Church of Facebook: How the Hyperconnected Are Redefining Community

A revolution is taking place, one profile at a time. Online social networks are connecting people like never before. And with millions of users, they’re creating a virtual world that erases all boundaries. It’s a movement that’s changing how we form relationships, perceive others, and shape our identity.
Yet at their core, these sites reflect our need for community. Our need for intimacy, connection, and a place to simply belong. Are we seeing the future of the church? Do these networks help or hurt relationships? And what can these sites teach us about God and each other?
The Church of Facebook explores these ideas and much more. Author Jesse Rice offers a revealing look at the wildly popular world of online social groups. From profiles, to The Wall, to status updates, to “poking,” Jesse shares what Facebook reveals about us, and what it may mean for the church.

A revolution is underway. A Wi-Fi, worldwide movement that is changing how we interact with others. It’s a seismic shift that is redefining the idea of community. Every day millions of people connect through online social networks, sites that allow us to follow our friends, and shape how they view us.

But while personal profiles are revealing, they hint at even larger truths. They uncover our desire for identity, our craving to be known, and our need to belong.

Jesse Rice believes that Facebook offers a profound look at our deepest needs. Join Jesse as he explores social networking and its impact on culture and the church. Filled with fresh perspectives and provocative questions, The Church of Facebook encourages us to pursue authentic relationships with God and those around us.

Jesse Rice is a writer and musician and served for eight years as the Contemporary Worship Arts Director at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, a large and thriving congregation in the heart of Silicon Valley. Jesse has a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and is an authority on the search for meaning in a fast-paced, hyper-connected world. He is a sought-after worship leader and speaker with more than fifteen years of experience working with college students and young adults. Jesse and his wife, Katie, live in Palo Alto, California.