So much happens in a year’s time. As I reflect back over the last year of life I think mostly about several shifts alongside considerable continuity. While my complete list of changes during the past 365 days is rather lengthy, a few examples adequately address the impact these have on how I spend my time. Professionally, I moved from having a single employer to multiple employers. Personally, my wife and I became landlords after purchasing a rental property. So What? Life is Read More …
Considerable Complexity – Social Marketing (#0761)
Many congregations are rethinking how they spend their limited marketing/advertising dollars. In most cases less and less money is allocated for print (phone book, direct mail, etc.) in order to free up additional funds for new media. While this shift seems logical, the next steps are far less clear. One of the troublesome aspects of entering this new arena is the considerable complexity of social marketing. The graphic below, from Buddy Media, illustrates this quite Read More …
Stop Doing That! (#0760)
Many ministries that are highly effective and growing during a given season of a congregation's life eventually wane significantly. LeeAnne Watkins, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church (St. Paul, MN), considers how best to respond to these difficult situations in her article in the June 13, 2012 edition of the Christian Century (p.10-11). In her parish, the once popular adult education offerings and midweek services stopped drawing significant crowds. Along with a Read More …
Most Seniors Now Online (#0759)
It's official: most American adults age 65 or older are now online. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project those age 65 and older are online more now than ever before: 53% use the internet or email (April 2012) 34% use social networking & 18% do so on a typical day (February 2012) So What? While usage rates are higher among the younger the population, the percentage of those in older age cohorts using the internet has continued to increase. Another Pew Read More …
Texters, Talkers, or ??? (#0758)
Martha Irvine's recent AP article considers how the rising popularity of texting is changing what it means to "talk to" others by phone. The percentage of cell phone users who prefer to communicate by text rather than voice is highest among the young, but continuing to rise for all age groups. So What? The art of communication is evolving as a result of the always connected world in which we now live. Regardless of age, one should aspire to be able to communicate well in both Read More …
Review of Kneeling with Giants (#0757)
Meet the Author Gary Neal Hansen is an ordained Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister who earned a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1998. He joined the faculty of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 1999, and currently serves as assistant professor of church history and the chair of the history and theology division. Hansen has published articles in several journals including the Princeton Seminary Bulletin, Teaching Theology & Religion, and Presbyterian Read More …
Beatitudes v2012 (#0756)
Richard Beck, Professor and Department Chair of Psychology at Abilene Christian University, recently posted his "study guide" on the Sermon on the Mount on his blog. Beck's notes on the Beatitudes showcase his approach: Do not be egoistical or self-absorbed. (5.3) Weep over the pain in this world. (5.4) Be gentle, tender and kind. (5.5) Wake up wanting to be a better person. (5.6) Show mercy to others. (5.7) Be sincere, genuine and real. (5.8) Work for the cause of Read More …
Facebook Bible/Book Study? (#0755)
Many congregations offer fewer opportunities for adult discipleship during the summer months. With more and more adult learning and growth opportunities moving from an on campus (church building, someone's home, or a coffee shop) to either a blended (part on campus and part online) or online format, perhaps summer is the ideal time for your congregation to try something new online (or expand its existing efforts). There are so many possible ways to begin that many people get hung up Read More …
Don’t Over Communicate (#0754)
Maurilio Amorim is CEO of The A Group, a media, technology and branding firm in Brentwood, TN that consults with some of the country’s largest ministries, leading churches, and Christian publishers. Recently he blogged about the importance of not over communicating. While it is easier than ever for ministries today to communicate with constituents, it is also more essential than ever to communicate effectively. To avoid over communication Amorim suggests Segment your Read More …
The Table is . . . (#0753)
Jeremy John, coordinator of the Crabgrass Christians Initiative and one of the founders of the Occupy Church, recently blogged about his understanding of the Eucharist. He suggests: The Eucharist gathers us at a particular place, with a particular people, to eat particular food(s) together. While we believe theologically that Christ is present at the table with us, the Eucharist is more about what you do than what you believe. So What? While the Read More …