Browsing: blogging

Why Willow Creek and Saddleback are Losing Influence While North Point and LifeChurch.tv are Gaining Influence

102

For the last couple of decades Willow Creek Community Church outside of Chicago and Saddleback Church in Southern California have been the twin towers of influence in American evangelical circles. Thousands of churches have sought to emulate their success by adopting Willow Creek’s seeker church model and Saddleback’s purpose driven church model.

But in the last several year’s Willow Creek’s and Saddleback’s influence has begin to decline. Pastors and Christian leaders have been looking elsewhere for ideas, resources, and leadership. More and more of them (especially those in their 20s and 30s) are being influenced by churches like North Point Community Church in Atlanta, led by Andy Stanley, and LifeChurch.tv in Edmond, OK led by Craig Groeschel.

There are some obvious reasons for this, but there are also some not-so-obvious reasons.

Wanted: Guest Bloggers to Write About Missions & The Internet

3

I remember as a kid praying in our evening prayers for the Raths and Millie’s, two missionary families. Back then we almost never knew how they were doing or what life was like on a day-to-day basis. The Internet has changed all that. We’re looking for people to guest blog about how the Internet has impacted their short or long-term missions work, and we look back at some guest posts from last year.

The honest truth about blog comments

28

One of my biggest frustrations with regards to this blog is the lack of comments and meaningful discussion. So, here’s the deal. I am going to lay out as clearly as I possibly can the benefits of commenting. Then I’d like you to give me the honest truth as to why you haven’t commented more often and tell me how to make this blog more engaging.

Social Networking Round Table – Part 3

6

Today in part 3 our round table looks at personal use of social networking tools. We all have multiple circles of relationships – family, friends, work, church, community organizations, hobbies, personal interest groups and more. Can we connect with everyone in the same place using the same social networking tool(s)? If not, which tools are best used for which relationships?

Social Networking Round Table – Part 2

9

In part 2 of our Social Networking Round Table we looks at social media for organizations. There are lots of opportunities for organizations to connect with people using social networking tools like blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and so on. Many organizations struggle to decide which tools to use and how to use them effectively. Our panel provides some insight to help your organization navigate those options.

Flickering Pixels – Chapter 1 – Why are you using technology?

2

Yesterday marked the start of the group blogging project for the book Flickering Pixels by Shane Hipps. Susan Stewart kicked things off with an post about chapter 1 . At the conclusion of her post, she asks an excellent question:

Are you using technology because it’s there (an idol)? Or, because it is the best way to communicate the message (a tool)?

I’d like to think I’m using each technology because it’s the best way to communicate, but if I’m totally honest I’d have to say that sometimes I choose certain mediums for other reasons. Two of them come to mind.