Many of us know Chris Brogan and his accomplishments as well as the authority that he brings to the social media landscape. His new book Trust Agents (affiliate link) is acclaimed already being named a Top 10 from Amazon.
What’s fascinating is that he could probably build a “church” better than most of us. If we we’re to take out the spiritual-side of things, Chris has got it in the bag. And to a certain degree, he’s even said it himself.
It’s because Chris has managed to discover what his true gifts are and then has also managed to use them effectively to move people strategically. He understand how an effective platform can be wisely executed and how to manage and leverage people’s passions. He’s a genius at rallying people together physically (just Google “Podcamp” to learn more) and making the gathering’s not about him but them.
I’ve never started a church and God knows that I’d be terrible at it. But, if I were to start one, if I felt lead and called to do that, I’d probably borrow just as much (and perhaps a bit more in some areas) from Chris than from a lot of spiritual leaders today.
Just being honest.
[Image from Chris Garrison]
Paul Steinbreuck says
John, I couldn't agree more.
As I've been reading through Trust Agents as a part of the group blog project I've been involved with, it seems like in almost every section the principles advocated are almost straight out of scripture. It's about relationships… do nice things for others without expecting anything in return… put yourself out there (awareness)… etc. All great principles for building a church (or any organization).
Yohan Perera says
Sorry wrong link,
http://www.virtualpreacher.org/sermon-on-1-corint…
Rob says
One of the Amazon comments hit on a point that I'm concerned with.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R8EVWPAFVX8YY/ref=cm…
"The problem is that the book reflects a disturbing philosophical shallowness within our society, as well as a mindless pursuit of celebrity… Trust Agents glorifies the current trend toward acquiring great quantities of snippets of relationships, and assumes that the value of quantity over quality in our relationships is the appropriate focus. Yes, this acquisition probably is the most effective means for business success now, however it ignores a fundamental destruction of the true fabric of our humanity."
As Christians we want deep relationships that speak to individual people's hearts and transform lives. So we need to use these internet technologies realizing that the short snippets of information online are not adequate compared to real life relationships. The body of Christ ultimately needs to prioritize actual face-to-face or at least voice-to-voice interaction.
For example, many people are just not very good at writing, and they are not going to disclose or communicate the details of their current struggles over the internet. We need interaction at a more human level. This is sobering.
Brandon Cox says
I'm not sure I agree with the Amazon assessment of Brogan. In fact, Chris talks a lot about the law of 150 – that's how many true friendships you can manage and no more, so I don't know that he's all numbers and no quality. But he is a marketer, so numbers are kind of important.
Also, I think the church has to be concerned with both – huge numbers and masses as well as individuals. To ignore the masses is to ignore a lost world.
Graham Brenna says
I agree with you and I would bet that Chris does too. I think what John is saying is that many of Chris' principles could be applied to starting a new church. But the fact that a church is being started (in this hypothetical scenario) goes directly to your point that people want face-to-face interaction with each other. Points from 'Trust Agents' should not be ignored completely, and for the record I don't hear you saying that, but we also need to build community with those geographically near to us.
You don't see many new books being written on that last part because for as long as I can remember… the human race has been so darn good at being friends with the people around us.
I see a lot of people posting warning messages like this one. But what we have to remember is that nobody is saying that we shouldn't be friends with the people we actually meet. The reason there are a lot of books being written about social media and how to use it is just because it is such a new concept to a lot of people. Shaking hands and having coffee with someone is not a new concept. Still an important thing to do… but a NEW thing at all. We're good at it, we know what it's value is already.
human3rror says
definitely agree here rob.
Kyle Reed says
I have often said this about a lot of leaders. There are guys that I am willing to follow who have nothing to do with Christ. I often learn more about leadership, life, and how to love others from these guys then the pastor down the street.
There is a guy on the radio that I listen to a lot, his name is Collin Cowherd, and the way he talks and illustrates things is amazing. I have said for a long time now that he would be an awesome preacher.
Like Chris I think another guy that has some valuable stuff to say is Gary Vaynerchuk. Not necessarily him but his idea that the biggest thing needed is to care. Whether you influence 3 or 3000 his number one principle is to care about them. I have learned a lot from that as well.
Good comparison and challenging thoughts on this early morning.
Yohan Perera says
I agree with you John. I even preached on this matter (http://www.virtualpreacher.org/sermon-on-1-corint… Today a lot of Pastors are failing in their ministry, because they are ministering in areas which is totally different from what they are called to do.
Gabe Harris says
John, I appreciate your passion for social media but I think you've drifted off point.
I'm reading "Trust Agents" right now and I follow Brogan on Twitter. I'm a big proponent of leveraging social media to spread the gospel, especially the way your pastor (Andy Stanley) and others like Mark Driscoll have. I learn a lot from you guys.
Here's what you said that bothered me: "What’s fascinating is that he [Brogan] could probably build a 'church' better than most of us. If we were to take out the spiritual-side of things, Chris has got it in the bag."
1. Without "the spiritual side of things," there IS no church. We follow and preach Jesus and him crucified. These are spiritual truths. Without the spiritual things, you have a country club. Not a church. And since when does marketing and business savvy (and not holiness) mean someone has leading a church "in the bag"?
2. When you say that a marketing guru can build a church better than most of us, you're implying that marketing savvy is the difference maker. It's not. You can have a well-marketed "church" and have nothing of the power and presence of God. The Bible teaches us it's possible to "[have] the appearance of godliness, but [deny] its power" (2 Timothy 3:5 ESV).
It's true that we can learn from Chris Brogan. But if you dilute the power of God (at least as it relates to leading a growing church) to simple business principles like "[moving] people strategically" and "[managing] and [leveraging] people's passions" and "rallying people together", then I think you missed the point. These are certainly great talents, but if you elevate them above the desire to press into Jesus to know him intimately, then you fool people into thinking that they need to be business and marketing experts to lead a church. The twelve apostles do not fit into either of these categories.
I don't disagree with you on the whole; I'm just asking for Scriptural balance as you speak to your audience, brother John. That's all. Keep up the good work.
human3rror says
Thanks for your thoughts. I think, again, my point was if we took out the spiritual side he could \”functionally\” build one.
BUT OF COURSE brother, the spirit is required.
i think your reaction is exactly what I hoped would occur. for us to remember what the \”point\” is. I haven't drifted off point, merely bringing up food for thought and conversation. and sure, i could be implying that a lot, but, who knows…? and i abandoned scriptural balance and fairness for conversation here.
😉
appreciate the thoughts.