One of the most difficult challenges facing modern-day churches is finding ways to engage and connect with the younger members of the congregation. Having been a practicing Christian all of my life, I have seen firsthand the challenges associated with connecting to and keeping this audience. So, how do we go about delivering the message while keeping it relevant and, at the same time, improving individual and group participation?

One of the most effective tools today's church has at its disposal is software and technology. Working out how to use it effectively, though, is probably the biggest challenge.

Today's kids have grown up all of their lives with technology. They are comfortable using it, they rely on it daily for entertainment and education, and, most importantly, they use it to communicate.

Using technology effectively has to go much further than static uses, such as visual presentations and Web sites. There has to be "buy in" and participation. The kids have to be part of the process. They need to be able to contribute, collaborate and interact with the technology, not just observe it. Technology is integrated into their lives, giving them tools that help them to extend and communicate their thoughts, feelings, skills and abilities.

So, how do we take advantage of this environment? Just look around and see what kids are doing with technology and look for ways to integrate these activities into your church environment.

One idea is to consider producing a digital yearbook. There are software packages available to facilitate this process that are simple to use and cost effective. Digital yearbooks are the new method of capturing and recording memories. The concept is similar to the printed yearbooks that we had in school, but now, thanks to technology, it's highly interactive and extremely affordable, and anyone can do it. You could even think of it as a digital scrapbook on CD.

Furthermore, it can be undertaken at many different levels, ranging from a Sunday school class right through to an entire church. The great thing about digital yearbooks is that they need content. This is the "buy in." Kids can be building presentations, taking photos and making movies all year long based on topics being covered in the Sunday school classes or other church-based activities, such as camps and social events. Plus, think of the fundraising potential. You can even use these software applications to build promotional CDs. The possibilities are endless.

The true benefits are realized in the production process. This is where the lessons are learned and the messages are retained. One of the reasons why this exercise is so powerful is "ownership." It is the youth who are producing the resources. It gives them an outlet to display to the greater congregation "what we can do" and, in doing so, they become an active, contributing part of the congregation.

The key is participation and relevance. The digital yearbook example is one that encompasses these principles while maintaining the core objective of spreading the message.

Peter Maynard is founder and CEO of Yeardisk International & Yeardisk USA Canada, www.yeardisk.com, which develops and markets the Yeardisk Creator Software Suite.