September 26th, 2006
Recently in my area there have been a series of vandalisms of churches. For the most part the incidences seem to just be graffitti, but I am sure things could get worse. Also, over the years, there have been a number of shootings, child abduction and molestation cases, church burnings, and various assortment of other violent and non-violent crimes on church properties. Since 9/11, physical security has become a focus for most Americans, and churches are no exception.
Department: Design
September 22nd, 2006
This is idea #1 in my series on web ministry. Follow the trail to #2 here.
Much of what is required in web ministry is creating new channels with which to connect with people. I am of the opinion that you must go where the people are. Like the roots of a hardy plant should our projects in web ministry be.
One root I have discovered and predict will grow in popularity and traffic is the Squidoo lens. Squidoo’s own definition:
A lens is one person’s view on a topic that matters to her. It’s an easy-to-build, single web page that can point to blogs, favorite links, RSS feeds, Flickr photos, Google maps, eBay auctions, CafePress designs, Amazon books or music, and thousands of products from hundreds of other trusted merchants. You can pick whatever content you want to put in your lens to bring context to your topic. Then, when someone is looking for recommended information, fast, your lens gets him started and sends him off in the right direction. It’s a place to start, not finish.
This means you can leverage a platform that receives more traffic and has more credibility with the search engines than your own ministry site. It is a way for people to initially find your ministry distinctives (speaker, programs, beliefs, unique attributes) and become more familiar with your organization over time.
As an example, I created http://www.squidoo.com/chuckswindoll/ in order to promote Chuck Swindoll. The page was created on 07/12/2006. As of 09/22/2006,
Department: Design, Web Ministry, Writing
September 21st, 2006
Another beer post… I recently saw reference to the “German Purity Law” and thought it was some kind of moral code against illicit material or something. As seen below, it is actually a law about beer making. So, German companies, make war or peace in whatever adulterated way is necessary, but don’t you dare mess with the beer!
Department: Best Practice
September 21st, 2006
As to show I have a since of humor, here is an image of me doctored up by our Director of Communications yesterday after a brief photoshoot for a bio picture for a web ministry panel I am to sit on at NRB in Feb ‘07. The sun was in my eyes and I was struggling to get them open at all. He said I looked drunk, which was the apparent inspiration for the picture. Poor choice of beer though… I am a Fat Tire, Dos Equis, Shiner, or Guiness kind of guy myself. Have never even heard of that brand!
Permanent link to this post (102 words, 1 image, estimated 24 secs reading time)
Department: Web Ministry
September 20th, 2006
Romans 7
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
Department: Community, Web Ministry
