Ian has a few pointers about not abusing ourselves at our computer related work: “As we use computers for longer hours every day, we may notice increasing aches and pains in some parts of our bodies. These musculoskeletal problems can happen in anyone who uses a computer for long hours. The problems can range from minor muscle aches that last Continue Reading
Another in a plethora of good tips and insights from an article written almost 3 years ago, “Creating a Congregational Web Site” Congregations choosing to develop web sites should make at least the same level of human resource commitment to it that they do to the Sunday bulletin or monthly newsletter.
More goodies from “Creating a Congregational Web Site”: Does the “look” and “feel” of the web site really portray the image the congregation wants to project? This image is so important. A welcoming , story-rich, story-encouraging website that expresses an authentic human voice witnessing to the activity of God in their midst is such a powerful tool. My own life Continue Reading
This is so “key” to an overall philosophy /theology of online theological community: hospitality. To welcom and encouarge the stranger, and to make them “not stranger” but a fellow seeker. a natural network of relationships builds up as members of different congregations collaborate via the Internet to support hospitality to newcomers (from “Creating a Congregational Web Site”)
A sobering thought (at least it should be) on warpping the Bible and the Church in a flag and blind patriotism, from Ethics Daily by Bob Fox 02-11-03 Our resident theologian, Ben Wirzba, age 4, elbowed his dad during a recent service. His active mind had fixed on the large cross hanging over our baptistery. “You know what you get Continue Reading
I’ve got to try and find this guy (Thomas Walker, who wrote this article “Creating A Congregational Web Site”). Did he ever get a Church to join him in this vision? He states it so clearly and so well. Internet technology can play an important role as evangelism teams search the Web for compatible congregations in regions where new friends Continue Reading
More great stuff from the article “Creating a Congregational Web Site” It is important to remember that online community is different from the physical community of a congregation. Face-to-face community is often held together by charismatic, articulate leadership that has roots in the physical presence of individuals. Online community actually favors those who write well, are thoughtful, and are kind. Continue Reading
However, the web site must bear witness to faith and directly share community. Faith stories shared by real people through text, audio, and/or video show the congregation’s commitment to its belief. These stories with pictures of people sharing community together help the visitor to hear the witness, while the gentleness of the Web’s passivity enables them to explore the beginning Continue Reading
In many important ways a well-managed congregational web site will gently integrate congregational communication into the everyday lives of members. This article (from where the above quote comes) from Fuller Seminary and Thomas Walker has the kind of flavor with which I can resonate. It emphasizes the importance of a Church’s Website as a way of “telling a story” and seeking Continue Reading