Tools of the Trade
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people who say they want to be church planters and “build authentic community,” yet their actions don’t back it up. For instance, just a few days ago I was talking with a young man who was telling me his dream of planting a church because he wanted to be a “transparent pastor” and “create an authentic community” (whatever that means). He went on to ask me if I knew of any tools to help aid in that endeavor. I asked him if he had a Facebook or Twitter account, or even (heaven forbid… personal opinion) a MySpace account. He proceeded to tell me this long, drawn out story of how he liked to keep to himself and how his personal life was, well, personal.
Do you see the disconnect?
I think that every pastor and church planter should have a blog, Facebook, or a twitter account at least (pick one, at least one). Live your life with your people. You don’t have to give all the gory details, but let people know what you’re doing, what you’re going through, and what you’re learning. You want an authentic community… be authentic.
GLOSSARY:
“Twitter” (http://www.twitter.com): “Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?”
“Facebook” (http://www.facebook.com): “Facebook is a social utility that connects you with the people around you.”
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Jun 19, 2008 at 05:03 PM
I've got all three! Maybe I'm too transparent!
Jun 20, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Too transparent, no. Addicted? Maybe. I have all three as well! We should see how many of Bob's readers have Twitter accounts and start a Glocalnet Twitter following! If you're curious about what I'm doing, you can see my twitter @ http://twitter.com/bvaughn (I'll warn you, mine is a bunch of diaper changing and hangin' out with kids and my wife!)
Jun 20, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Wow. After reading Bob's blog, maybe the advice to your young church planter should be this. Get off your computer, go out into your community and help someone find the place where they will build their altar. In fact, if you do that, you will probably build one together! Or, stop twittering around, get your facebook out to HISpace and fast! And, I'm looking at the man in the mirror when I say that.
Jun 20, 2008 at 02:43 PM
LOL!! You're right, Rodney! Here's the thing, this guy was already VERY active in his community, the problem was he was letting the community see his "pastor-face" and wasn't allowing anyone into his personal life. As far as community engagement and activity goes, this guy is a "10." But in trying to develop an "authentic community" within his own small group of believers, he wasn't allowing anyone to see the side I knew.
Too many Pastors are scared of letting people see their human side. That's why I recommend those things, it's a way for shy pastors (little bit of trivia for you - most pastors are natural introverts) "dipping your toes" into showing people what you're like when you're not trying to be "pastor."
I like that comment, Rodney!
Jun 20, 2008 at 02:53 PM
I think Rodney you are right on...but in a way I think you end up backing up what Bobby says.
The thing is the community that I am active in...as a 27 year old....is twitter and facebook. My community is largely digital. My group does everything through facebook, and we encounter people there.
I think the concept of community has to move a little as well. The whole context of community is changing, and has changed...at least for those of us in rich rich America..eh Omar.
Jun 20, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Which begs the question, with western culture rapidly becoming more and more digital, what does it mean to reach out to the digital generation?
Omar and I watched a promo video for a ministry from the early '90's (when I graduated high school... man we had some awesome hair!!). Anyway, we both noticed that about 2 minutes into it we were both bored to death because it was moving SO SLOW compared to the fast-paced culture we are used to now (remember, this realization came from BOTH a man in his 40's and a man in his 30's). If you're reading this, you are quite possibly part of the digital generation and don't even realize it!
Jun 20, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Transparency is not a problem with me. My problem is that I'm scared to finish my life and not have done the most that I could with every minute. Every TV show that I watch, every golf game that I play, or every time I hit the snooze on the alarm is one more opportunity I maybe could have been doing something for the Kingdom. I have neighbors around here that I would love to serve, but we dont ever see them. I am ready and willing and able to start developing this community, but ideas to initiate are hard to come by.
I used to have a MySpace, but it didnt seem like it was worth it in the end. Facebook is already becoming a nice tool. I'm talking to people I havent talked to in ten years.
Jun 20, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Nick, here's a suggestion. Find out what your needs are in your neighborhood (oftentimes you can find out those needs by looking at your own situation. You picked that neighborhood for a reason, most of your neighbors picked it for the same reason). If you're neighborhood is like mine, your neighbors are neck-deep in debt. If you've been through something like Crown Financial or Dave Ramsey (just to name a few), then start a group like that for your neighbors. Trust me, they come out of the woodwork (I'm speaking from experience here).
But keep up the Facebook! I'll challenge you to be a witness there as well!
Jun 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM
The structure of the people you are trying to reach determines the strategy you use to reach them. If they have a structure that doesn't match your strategy, then you could be working your butt off and still be wasting time. If the people you want to reach are of The Online Generation, then you are going to have an online strategy. If they are largely offline, then you are going to have to focus on offline strategies. Sometimes, you have to blend them - whatever it takes.
In regards to online tools - you have to know their strengths and weaknesses. Twitter is a good tool for meeting people and staying in regular contact. It stinks for in depth conversations. Facebook, MySpace, and blogs are great for in depth conversations, but they aren't as good for meeting new people. World of Warcraft is a great place to meet people and build relationships, but it focuses on a particular affinity group. All of these are tools, and you have to know where they fit in the strategy.
On a side note - Matt Chandler is awesomely transparent in his pulpit without have to use online tools. And I know people who use the internet to hide. Your platform - online or off - reflects your heart. If your heart is transparent, you will be transparent everywhere you go. Transparency will hurt, but Jesus chose to love Judas...and He chose to love me.
The bottom line is this - look at the people you are trying to reach. Talk to them. Identify their felt needs. Meet those needs. Let their life and community structure determine your strategy to touch them with the Gospel - whether online or offline.
Jun 28, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Ahh, yes twitter. The biggest Kingdom time wasting web app ever invented...in Paul's I Corinthian warning that wood, hay, stubble and stupid twitter will be burned up in the consuming fire.
Jun 29, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Just because it takes most of the human race 10 seconds to write 140 characters, not 10 minutes like some people I know!
Jordan, it's okay. We understand that most old guys like you don't get the whole "internets" thing.
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