After writing about Philip Clayton's “Theology and the Church After Google: How This New Age Will Change Christianity” a few days ago, I found myself in several discussions about the topic. One of my conversation partners directed me to an article John Dyer wrote on the topic for Christianity Today's guest opinion column "Speaking Out," which was published this past weekend. Dyer is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary where he is now employed as Director of Web Development. Read More …
Reasons to Tweet (#0289)
Frank Viola is an author and popular Christian conference speaker. He has written numerous books on the deeper Christian life and radical church reform, including From Eternity to Here, Jesus Manifesto (co-authored with Leonard Sweet - read my review here), and Pagan Christianity (co-authored with George Barna) as well as Finding Organic Church, Reimagining Church, and The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. To connect with Viola, friend him on Facebook, follow Read More …
Is Virtual Community Real Community? (#0278)
While most followers of Jesus who have been on the journey of faith for many years grasp both the theological and pragmatic need for community, newcomers to the faith may be unfamiliar with the concept given the increasingly individualistic society in which we live. Many local congregations would benefit from a renewed focus on Christian community. One helpful example of restoring an intentional emphasis is Our Savior's Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Circle Pines, Read More …
Studying the Beatitudes in Real Time (#0238)
A few days ago, I blogged about my ongoing quest to learn more about Jesus. In that post I suggested that 2011 may be a year I devote considerable time to examining Jesus' preaching via the Sermon on the Mount. Since that time, I learned of a unique opportunity to study the Beatitudes, which lead off Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). Kimberly Knight, Circuit Rider and web admin for the Beatitudes Society, recently blogged about a new interactive live Read More …
74% Growth in Social Networking (#0235)
Yesterday, I blogged about the generational differences in online activity according to the latest research by the Pew Research Center. Today, I look more closely at the rapid growth in one specific category of online activity: social networking. In just eighteen months, the percentage of adults who use social networking sites has risen 74%. The graphic below shows the rates of increase by generation, which range from a high of 377% for older boomers to a low of 24% for Read More …
The Story of So What Faith (#0228)
Sowhatfaith.com launched in June 2009 as a means of sharing my thoughts with those beyond my parish. From the beginning, the blog has focused on contemporary issues and reviews of recently published books by providing a blend of information and questions. Written some time ago, the following words about the purpose of this website remain on the contact/about page: Individually and as faith communities, true growth is often the result of struggling with the so what questions of Read More …
The Limits of Social Media for Ministry (#0214)
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. Founded in 2001, The A Group has transitioned from a traditional marketing agency into a marketing technology and branding firm, leveraging social media and mobile technologies. To connect with Amorim, friend him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter, or read his blog. Amorim recently Read More …
Leveraging Facebook – 7 Suggestions for Your Church (#0205)
Roughly half of all American congregations now have a presence on Facebook. While creating a presence is an essential first step, leveraging that presence requires effectively utilizing it and educating those who have affiliated with your page. Randy Vaughn, one of two real life twin brothers who have teamed up to create The Marketing Twins, recently blogged about how churches can effectively utilize Facebook as a part of their social media strategy. He recommends churches Read More …
Should Your Church Buy Ads on Facebook? (#0195)
Earlier this week, Justin Wise wrote an article for Church Marketing Sucks about his congregation's experience using Facebook ads. It is a brief but informative look at both the basics of setting up an ad and his congregation's positive initial experience. He concludes his article recommending that all churches consider trying Facebook ads: If you’re in a church that has a small budget for marketing, you need to give Facebook ads a try. If you’re in a church that has plenty of Read More …
Bible Reading – There is an App for That (#0192)
LifeChurch.tv is one of the most technologically innovative churches in the United States. With over 26,000 in average weekly worship attendance, they are also the second largest congregation in the country according to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. This multi-site congregation doesn't simply create leading edge hi-tech creative edge resources, they also share them for free via Open. In 2008, the church launched their own Bible app called YouVersion in response Read More …