One of the biggest issues that I saw in the marketplace was not paying enough attention to the areas that probably mattered (and we’re the closest to our segment/industry) the most.
I see this in the evangelical sphere big time.
To some degree, I see people constantly comparing each other and to themselves in terms of how they/we are using social media, web technology, and the newest social services. It’s a bit odd, especially since we should be looking to organizations, people, and businesses that are outside our current line of thinking (and culture perhaps) that are doing it simply better.
I think we can learn a thing or two about that.
Take for example the Muslim online community and it’s growing number of internet users. One user cites how she loves to use the services because: “it involves Muslims from the conservative to the very liberal.”
Wow, how open handed have we become from the perspective of different denominations, “biblical” interpretations, and methods of worship? I know more than a few people who would never join a Christian Baptist Social Network… and I know more than a few who would never join a “Christian” Social network in the first place.
Another continues:
“I believe discussions like these are exactly the reason why you should stay online. If we don’t discuss, we won’t learn.”
I wonder, at times, how much true discussion is going on instead of underhanded mudslinging or suggested digital-beatdowns.
Are we far too opinionated when it comes to the “nuances” of our faith to seek the greater good of the advancement of the Kingdom online?
Phillip Gibb says
Amen on that!
We are supposed to be united as followers of Christ, not divided as we are in our multitude of denominations.
And what better was that bringing about that unity than the InterWebs 🙂
There are a couple of places that attempt it but not in a truly non-denominational way.
Ancoti says
I think we tend to focus on self more than Christ. And that highlights our differences rather than our sameness.
human3rror says
Ah. very good. very good.
human3rror says
yeah. i agree.
word. how are you doing?
Jim says
i get punched in the face right now every week by the book of Acts.they were reaching out to the Gentiles for the first time. I love seeing people like Guy K and John Grisham who are evangelicals writing and interacting in the real world w/out the whole need to brand it as "Christian." I'm praying that as the body of Christ blogs we'll see the gifts come out in the web form as the church moves into the online realm. I love to see others released to their giftedness.
Daniel_Berman says
Have you gotten a chance to look over the Issachar Network? (http://issacharnetwork.org) The Issachar Network desires to communicate what the Global Christian Community is thinking, praying, and doing in real time. We are especially looking for opportunities to give Christian leaders a voice, beyond their borders about the issues closest and deepest to their heart. Let me know if you'd like more info….
Phillip Gibb says
🙂
Doing pretty good.
good good goooood.
I keep seeing that Embed Video thing – gotta do it (just can't wake Stephen up now with any of my antics – he he he)
how you doing?
Adam_S says
I understand that John is talking about online issues with the church, but if we aren't making any effort to talk to or work with the church that is next door then what we are doing online is still picking and choosing our body. The picking and choosing is exactly the issue with denominationalism. I am using denominationalism to describe people that want to surround themselves with Chrisitians that are just like them, the think like them, act like them, probably look like them and probably have about the same amount of money and house as them.
I am in favor of denominations (I used to work for one.) Denominations are great for accountability, encouragement and shared missions. What they are not and never will be is a true and complete body of Christ.
When we talk about building online community of Christians often what we are doing is building groups of Christians that are exactly alike except that they live in different parts of the country. In many ways that is inevitable because there is affinity there. It is important that we reach out to Christians that are not like us and learn from and be encouraged by them.