Usage of Digital Platforms in Promoting Pastoral Communication in Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri

Abstract

The article presents the findings of a study on the use of digital platforms in promoting pastoral communication within the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model as the theoretical framework for this research, the researchers gathered both qualitative and quantitative data from clergy and church members of the Anglican com-munity residing in the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The sample size was calculated using Cochran's formula and comprised 384 individuals at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error for the sample. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling. Eighteen (18) participants were purposively select-ed from the clergy of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri for the study. The researchers made the following key findings: clergy in the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri utilize digital platforms to some extent for pastoral communication; however, they rely more heavily on television and radio for this purpose. Consequently, the adoption of digital media platforms is very minimal. The reasons for this situation were identified as: 1) insufficient security of digital platforms against fraudulent messages, 2) inadequate technological capabilities for broad-casting pastoral services (preference for WhatsApp, Facebook, and email newsletters among platform users), 3) clergy's apprehension that electronic communication will reduce the physi-cal presence of parishioners in church.Recommendations for the clergy in the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri and pastors in Imo State regarding the use of digital platforms include: 1) transitioning to more secure and capacious platforms for electronic communication, such as Telegram and YouTube for live streaming; 2) more actively utilizing the potential of digital platforms for convenient communication, without limiting it to church members only; 3) training technical personnel to effectively use digital platforms for a wider audience and to counter cyber threats; 4) expanding the formats of personal meetings with church members.