Worship Leader magazine just emailed me announcing that DJ Chuang will join the company as Network Developer.   Although I forgot to blog it, I got the privilege of writing for Worship Leader last summer  (Cynthia Ware – Worship Leader’s Toolbox) and have been so impressed with their persistent and ongoing focus on the use of technology and it’s overlap with worship.  Hiring a specific Network Developer just seems so right.

DJ, who has been an amazing support to me over the years, has been at the forefront of spearheading network communications, software development, Web strategies, and multi-site church growth and administration with Christian nonprofits such as Leadership Network and the American Bible Society.  He will contribute to Worship Leader’s efforts to inform their leadership community of over 35,000 subscribers—reaching well over 150,000 congregations in North America —regarding new media resources and their use in the service of worship.

“I am excited to welcome DJ,” say’s Chuck Fromm, publisher of Worship Leader magazine. “We have been dedicating significant editorial space to the discussion of the digital revolution, Christian networks, and the lead-worshiper’s role in participatory culture—the major trend set off by new media. Whether singing a hymn in the sanctuary or engaging in community prayer via the Internet, participation is a core practice and value of the worship community,” relays Fromm. “Through the digital production and distribution of music, worship leaders have been at the forefront as early adopters of new media. They have discovered through Facebook, MySpace, Ning sites, Twitter, and a variety of blogs how these technologies can be managed to engage with God and each other. Because of his deep theoretical and practical knowledge, DJ is an important contributor to that mix.”

Daniele Kimes, Worship Leader’s VP of Sales & Marketing weighs in saying, “New and mobile media are changing Church communications by the micro-second (digital minute). We are using every tool possible to serve our advertisers and those who are part of our training network.”

DJ brings an impressive history in the Christian nonprofit world to his role at Worship Leader and says, “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to bring my work and life experiences together to serve a growing and thriving media ministry. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the team and anticipate a great working relationship.”

Chuang worked at L2 Foundation (developing next generation Asian American leaders), at Leadership Network (as Director of Digital Initiatives) and The American Bible Society (in software development and Internet donor development). In addition to his work with Worship Leader Media, he currently serves as Leadership Community Director for Multi-Site Churches at Leadership Network. Having served as a pastor for five years and with both a degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, he is a perfect fit for Worship Leader Media, merging media savvy and theological practice and application.