Sunday, November 23, 2008

TwitScoop.com


I recently found a site that has fascinates me: TwitScoop.com

It's part of the TwitCloud.com phenomena. TwitScoop is an application that creates word 'clouds' based on the words used most frequently in public 'twits'. And the best part is that you can mouse over the words and see the actual tweets.

I like TwitScoop because it feels like you're putting your finger on the pulse of the world - at least the part of the world that twits.

And this morning I was /very/ pleased to see the words Church, Prayer, Worship included in the mix. Those who Tweet also pray. That's good news.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Internet Ministry VS Real Life


I have in the past been against the idea of an Internet Church Campus, but a recent experience changed my mind with one POWERFUL caveat:

The Internet can not and should never replace RL.

(Real Life for those non geeks amongst us)

I had the very good fortune of attending a webinar hosted by DJ Chung of the Multi Site Director Leadership Network which featured Internet Campus Pastors Brandon Donaldson from LifeChurch.tv and Brian Vasil from Flamingo Road Church. The testimony of these two anointed men showed me that the Internet can be an incredibly powerful tool for reaching the lost. Many people who are lost and disconnected from God and society turn to the Internet for solace. I was one of them.

Because I was one of 'those people' I understand how important it is to encourage those who find salvation through their Internet Church Experience to connect face to face with those of like mind in their location if possible. Accepting Jesus into your life is just the beginning. Living life as a brand new creature in Christ becomes a powerful adventure that can only be realized by and through interaction with real live human beings face to face.

Mr. Donaldson and Mr. Vasil - who both maintain a vibrant, worthwhile online ministry - expressed that while they celebrated when their members and Internet friends chose to seek out a Face to Face relationship with a group or church nearby, they did not encourage their Internet Campus Members to do so. I do not agree with this decision based on my own personal experience. Our Church is exploring the idea of an Internet Campus, but I can only endorse an Internet Campus ministry that always encouraged a Real Life component to those who are seeking.

I became an Internet addict because I wanted to hide from a world in which I found no hope. I wanted to hide away from the pain of every day life, and the atrocities that happen in the world. During that last decade of my dark depression, the Internet became my /only/ source of socialization, my /only/ way to interact with others. I was literally afraid to leave my own home. I was searching online for a Truth that I had not found in 'RL' and an Internet Ministry would have been a welcome haven for me. But quite frankly it would have been just one more place to hide.

Salvation r0x0rs! But that's where the adventure should begin.

I know now that the Internet is ripe for the harvest! There are millions, perhaps billions more people who just like me are hiding there. So now I fully advocate Internet Ministry - if and only if a real life component is highly encouraged.

I needed arms to hug me. I needed to see a real life smile. The Internet can not and should never replace RL.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Wisdom from my Network Cable Tester


These words of wisdom were found on the cardboard backing of my new Network Cable Tester. I knew I just had to share them with the world:

ATTENTION:

Do not use it beyond usage
Do not change it on your mind

Okay!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Jeff Deyo


Jeff Deyo - one of the pioneers of modern worship music is going to perform a concert at Allison Park Church tomorrow night: Thursday November 6, 2008, and everyone is invited! The as if this weren't enough to get everyone excited, the concert is also FREE.

I am thrilled for the chance to see Jeff Deyo live and in concert in our own Sanctuary! Jeff was formerly the singer/songwriter for SONICFLOOd on their first two albums. But I didn't know very much about this blessed and talented man until I heard that he was coming to our Church. I would encourage everyone to read this interview with Jeff, as it clearly shows his heart for worship. His music is God-centric, and that's what makes it so powerful and intense.

He speaks about how being a part of a worship band changed his life. How he began to go to work, close the door and sing songs to the Lord - something I can very clearly identify with. Singing to the Lord helps me to remember - as I apply surgery to the days computer - that I do it for God. This gentleman has a heart for the worship of our Lord and Savior, and he gladly shares that with all who will listen! I can't wait to share that with him tomorrow night.

And you're all invite to the concert to help us kick off Harvest Cry!!!

Oh, and please pronounce it DEEyo. *grin*