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.

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.

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!

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*

Exciting Times

I am SO excited about how our Church is taking action, and moving forward boldly not only to proclaim the word of the Lord and the salvation of Jesus Christ, but also to raise up a generation of warriors for Jesus who live life the way that the early Church did.

Allison Park Church has partnered with Mission SOS in Sweden not only to open a Ministry School in association with our Multi Church Movement here in the U.S., but we're also going to host the first Harvest Cry Festival in the States.

I am so grateful to be living here in a time when God is moving in such a powerful way, and I will praise him forever for making me a part of it.

Logistically, this kind of action packed weekend at the Church will keep all of the OPS team moving! But every single moment will be well worth it. There is no greater satisfaction than to work for the glory of the Kingdom.

You can also read more about Harvest Cry here on Pastor Jeff's Blog.

Do not get Scammed by an 'Astroturf Movement'

I've heard so many people say that the internet is inherently evil. But it's exactly as evil as the real world that we live in, and conversely just as good. You have to be careful in the real world, so be careful on the internet.

I'm always trying to demystify the internet and educate my friends and family about Internet safety, so when I read a very good post in PC Magazine stating that 'grass roots' looking sites were the next big thing in phishing I knew I had to make a quick post. My friends and the people where I work are just the kind of people who might get scammed by these kinds of sites because they all have hearts for God.

An article in PC Magazine by maven John C. Dvorak introduced me to the notion of 'Astroturf campaigns' that target good hearted people who want to help try and change the world. I urge everyone to read the article here.

I do not advocate Mr. Dvorak's call to be suspicious of everything on the internet, but I do recommend caution in everything you do there.

NOTE: And this next section is for my Parents. My mother has begun to utilize her first internet connection and email account:

"I promise, Dad, no one can steal Mom's identity on the Internet unless she puts her name and credit card out there, honest!!! I love you and am proud of you both!!!"

"For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of sound mind"
2Timothy1:7

Pittsburgh puts a Dent in Cyber Crime!!!

Check out this article in Wired Magazine about how the FBI in Pittsburgh is helping to foil Cyber Crime in a very clever way.

Read the article here!