Social media and other connective technologies have radically changed the social formation process, particularly for adolescents and young adults. There is strong evidence that these technologies also are leading to deepening impairment in relationships and emotional wellbeing. This is a point of hurt for many in the Church, but this also presents new missional opportunities for the church to speak to a hurting culture. The Church is uniquely positioned, through the transcendent power of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of long-practiced formational traditions, to proactively engage in cultural and personal development in ways that are both counter-cultural and winsome. 

This Workshop Covers

  • Contextual information on how digital culture has shaped current youth thoughts and attitudes.

  • A highlight of assessts that the Church has in speaking to the maladaptive aspects of this digital formation.

  • Access to further resources for both lay and clergy to consider how to serve both their parishes and wider communities in the felt needs of youth development in the context of social media

This workshop was presented and recorded at the Anglican Diocese of the South (ACNA) Conference & Synod- November 5, 2022 

Holy Cross Cathedral - Loganville, Georgia

Workshop Presenter

S. David Hall, PsyD

Dr. Stephen "David" Hall (PsyD, LMFT, LPC-MHSP-AS, CST) is an applied psychologist, teacher, and counselor/psychotherapist, who serves as the Dean of Negev Institute. 

Dr. Hall is licensed as both a marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor, and works as the clinic director of Haven Counseling Center (Knoxville, TN) and teaches as one of the primary instructors for the behavioral health professional development collaborative, PsychMaven 

Dr. Hall has engaged significantly in research and clinical practice around areas of youth development and the dynamics of social media technology; and has led trainings on the subject throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom. Dr. Hall as deep passion to help equip the Church in addressing this topic well. 

David has been married to fellow therapist, Brandy, since 2008. They make their home in Knoxville, Tennessee where David was raised; and they enjoy spending their time with family and friends. They have worshiped and served as a part of the community of Apostles Anglican Church (ACNA) in Knoxville since 2008.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Course Content

    • Introduction & Further Resources

    • Workshop Handout

    • Workshop Lecture Video

    • Workshop Lecture (Audio Only)

    • Bonus Guide- "7 Tips to Understanding Adolescent Identity in the Digital Age"