[Credit: simonhildrew]
I think everyone understands why many people think that “MySpace is for losers.”
If you don’t then you’ve probably never created a MySpace page or ventured into that “godforsaken wasteland” of 1-click-away-from-barely-clothed-pre-teens and/or been pinged by any type of “predator” or social deviant.
It’s just a mess in there. (But kudos to you if you feel called into that online space to do ministry…! We need you there!)
There’s already a lot of study that’s been done comparing MySpace with the other large social networks as well as analyzing what’s going on with their rise (and apparent freefall) on the technology scene. The recent news of some of their senior executive staff is not a good sign.
But there are two reasons that I’ve zeroed in on in terms of why MySpace is “failing” that apply to the Church and the way we do ministry online:
#1 – Chaos and Control
MySpace is absolute anarchy. You go there and your “experience” is a complete crapshoot; you have really no idea what you’ll experience, what you’ll see and what you’ll hear. The initially-perceived value of customization at the user profile level ended up opening the door chaos and an inconsistent user experience.
All in the name and for the sake of user experience…!
Strange, isn’t it. The point is that in our efforts to be “social” on the web we must maintain a level of control, not just in the style and experience but also the message. It’s like the Gospel: There is only one of them. It doesn’t change. It’s always the same.
Now, I know that example is a “hot” one because application and interpretation obviously differ, but generally speaking one must maintain a level of control over their social media assets and online equity. Without it you’ve got less than you started with.
#2 – Change
MySpace, honestly, hasn’t really changed that much since it first went live. Competition’s ability, resolve, and determination to innovate has put it second-rate and falling down the ladder fast. It’s move to be acquired by the bureaucratic mess that is Fox and the monster-parent News Corp was a smart financial move (at the time perhaps) but put it into a system that annihilated software flexibility, rapid change-management, and agility.
The Church, and the way we do ministry online, could learn a thing or two from that.
The Tension
Obviously you’ve now figured out that there’s a tension here between Control and Change. You must be able to manage it adeptly to survive and thrive. Be courageous to stick your neck out and also be courageous to stand firm.
How will you respond? Are your ministries responding at all?
JenniClayville says
awesome post! great comparisons!!! 🙂
Graham Brenna says
I'm with Jenni above. Great post. Clearly we shouldn't stay "stuck" in a rut as churches. We need to change with the times. But we also need to have some uniformity to the way we do things.
For example… at my church… we're in the process of installing new database software. This is going to really change our DNA as an organization. Event sign-up and payments will be done the same way across the board! Currently each event or ministry has a person in charge of it that does things (their way). When we make everything uniform… it only helps us!
Doug says
The "church" as a business will always have crash and burn/ tension and control times, the "Church" as the body of Christ will be till He calls it Home. I was in the "business" business world for 20 years, when I go to church seminars, the "trade" show appearance is so similar it's spooky. Some people just don't know yet where their rut is. Go, do some venture out capital! It's good for the soul.
Ben Cotten says
I think this relates to the command from Jesus to be IN the world and not OF the world. There will always be a tension between "be ye separate" and "go into all the world". Between reaching out and reaching in. Between doing things to reach the lost and doing things to build the church.
Often decisions about initiatives in the church (related to tech or not) are decided based on philosophy of ministry that only includes one side of the coin. We all tend to think in terms of "being in the world" only or "not being of the world" only. We forget that the tension is necessary. It's part of God's plan.
It's the tension that keeps us in check. It keeps us from being stagnant, trying to keep the natives happy, and ignoring the lost. It also keeps us from creating churches that are nothing more than reflections of culture and constantly changing to meet the "felt needs" of religious consumers.
What I fear the most is waking up one day and not feeling the tension anymore.