reyes-chow :: FAITH

The bloggers blessing and challenge of reinventing the wheel

[image: njschro]

Every once in a while I find my self reading someone's blog and thinking to myself, "Really?  Surely someone else has written on _________."  And then at other times as I am thinking about starting up another post, I again say to myself, "Really?  Surely someone else has written on ________."

The answer to this question in both cases is a resounding, "Yes, someone has already written on _________." And the corresponding response should be, "So what?"

On of the greatest blessings of the blogging world is that everyone has a voice and opinion and each person can and should feel free to speak up as the spirit moves.  Some voices will be heard more than others  for a variety of reasons, others will post gems that not enough people will ever get to read and still others will simply become part of the larger body of opinion and thought deposited in the bloggosphere.   Sure, sometimes, I wish folks would keep reading on or two of my posts that I think are particularly profound, but that is just not how it happens.  And while some might consider this deluge of content internet noise and despite the seemingly haphazard way in which people find and interact on blogs, I wouldn't have it any other way.  The more voices about a particular topic or issue that people lift up the better I say.  After all, just because it is written does not make it true, but if it never written and or expanded upon we will never grow and mature.

The world in which people blog is constantly moving with bloggers constantly reacting to the world around them that is in constant flux and in need reflection and response.  Information changes, experience re-defines opinion and we evolved in in our thinking and practice.  Now we can certainly argue the merits of such a culture, but it is what it is and I would rather be too responsive than always having to react to change that sneaks up on us.  I was reminded of this when I recently looked at an old post from the Fall of 2007, Pastoring a church in my world, where I simply laid out some numbers regarding the use of technology.  My how things have changed, glaringly absent in the use of Twitter and low use of Facebook.  To point to this post as the most current thinking about my pastoral activity would be out of touch to say the least.

So  in the end I embrace this nature of blogging and our need to always be offering up thought, EVEN though we may have thought about it before.  None of us are the same we were a year ago, that we just never know what new thoughts and insights we may bring. 

So in short, the joys of blogging would be for me . . .

• Blogging does not allow one to rest the laurels of past thinking or thought;
• Blogging forces one to stay engaged in the NOW;
• Blogging forces one one's grow in one's articulation and expression of beliefs, opinion and experiences.
  

So while we may not really be reinventing the wheel all the time, we are re-asking the questions and responding with different perspectives, understandings and insights.   Some posts will stand the test of time, but for the most part, bloggers simply move with the pace of the world thus keeping up with the times and reacting to the now. 

Top three ways you know technology is killing your church

[image: kmevans]

Okay, the title of this post is slightly over the top.  Sorry, just trying to be provocative ;-)  Technology, while it may do some harm in the wrong hands, it will not KILL the church.  We also know that survival is not the main aim of the church or the foundation of our Christian faith.  We can argue about what that foundation is and how it is expressed*, but I think that most will agree that survival for the sake of survival is not it.  Still, it seems that so many of us want to find ways to "save" the church these days.  Not only are we worried about the pure decline in membership numbers  but then we hear of cultural changes such as reported this new study:

So many Americans claim no religion at all (15%, up from 8% in 1990), that this category now outranks every other major U.S. religious group except Catholics and Baptists. In a nation that has long been mostly Christian, "the challenge to Christianity … does not come from other religions but from a rejection of all forms of organized religion," the report concludes.

Ack, we are dying!  We are loosing people not just to other churches with "right doctrine," but they are leaving to join the church of "no religion."  It is no wonder we are struggling to find ways to stop the bleeding, increase membership and NOT die.  I understand, I really do, no one WANTS to die.  At this same time, when it comes to Christian communities, anything we do that is grounded primarily by a need to survive will ultimately lead to our death, physically and spiritually. 

So, naturally, we try to find ways to grow and be healthy.

One of the things that I have noticed in many conversations about the future of the church with folks is the focus and preoccupation with technology.  Perspectives range from mildly ambivalent to wildly receptive and comes from all demographics.  Some people simply will not be open to or acknowledge the importance of technology; and others, quite frankly do not wish to acknowledge the negatives that can come from an over emphasis on technology.  Now obviously I am one that has embraced the transformational impact that technology can have on communities of faith and their lives in the world, but I am also committed to the integration and use of technology that takes seriously the contexts in which we serve and provide leadership.

So while I would enthusiastically support and encourage any and all church folks to seek out and dive into those places where technology and faith converge, there are some dangers to jumping in without some filters.  With this in mind I have come up with three Tech Death Beliefs that we need to be aware of.  Now some of these are pretty basic and some of you may be offended that I would even think that YOU would think such a thing, but all of these come from experiences, conversations and pretty strong examples of technology gone bad.

Try these three on for size. 

TECH DEATH BELIEF #1 - "If we just increase the use of technology, young people will come to church and we will live again!"
This is insidious thought number one when it comes to technology and the church.  For some reason we are caught in this worldview that it we simple discover the right method, we can structure and build our way into new life and growth.  What this does not account for is the contextual realities and integrity that any community must have in order to be a compelling presence.  In short, the use of technology must at least resemble the technical realities of the communities we serve otherwise, we are putting up a false face to the world, sharing not "who we are", but "who we think you want us to be."  Not only does this contaminate the technology that used, but it boils folks down to one simplistic demographic, "likes technology" when in fact if a community is genuine in its use of technology, "likes authenticity" will be the drawing element.

TECH DEATH BELIEF #2  - "I would rather be plugged into Twitter and Facebook, than doing some of the pastoral care duties that the church expects me to do."
Whenever we pastor-types are unsettled in our call, avoiding conflict or otherwise trying trying to NOT engage in activities that we do not want to do, we find and justify ways to do something else.  For some that might be paying attention only to folks who like us, for others it is thinking up new projects to take time and yet for others, we plug in.  Don't get me wrong, I understand the excitement of engaging in new and creative ministries, but for folks in more traditionally populated churches, the only way our "new fangled myface , twitter world" will gain any traction with those who don't quite get it, is if they still know that, no matter what, their pastor's still put them first.

TECH DEATH BELIEF #3  - "I have never seen a widget I didn't like."
A few weeks ago I did a redesign of this blog because it was beginning to look like the widget trolls had vomited all over my design.  We have all seen them, heck, we have all probably helped to deign them.  You know what I mean, websites, blogs and profiles that are just a mess.   We add graphics galore, use twelve fonts, have no color scheme and some of us *gasp* have music that plays every time one visits.**  To take a quote from Spiderman, "With great power, comes great responsibility" or put another way, just because you have the power, it does not mean you have to use it.   Just as you would not welcome folks into your home in a disaster state, we should take the care and time to present a nice look and feel for those interacting with our online presence.  Now of course, while I am clearly being a tad bit judgmental , if the look of your community is joyfully chaotic, eclectic and otherwise wild, then your website/blog should certainly reflect that.  Do not lie about who you are as a community, but do not do anything that will scare folks off at the outset.  In this day in age, the care and thought you put into your only identity will tel folks a great deal about how you might care for them.

Now obviously none of these things exists in pure form or is embraced with malice, but what is so often missing is one crucial understanding of the use of technology: like any other tool for ministry and communication it is only as powerful as the level in which folks use and embrace it.  Context matters as they say.  If the technology is not part of who you or your community is, it will not be effective in helping to create an atmosphere of health and growth.  But . . . if you find that convergence where the technological air that you and those around you breath meet, there you have moments of grace and growth.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go and twitter this ;-0

*If you want my statement of faith in 140 characters or less, see my Twitter of Faith.

** Unless you are a musical artists or your website is something like musicwillstartnow.com, please, please, please take off any automatic music playing.

A little blog remodeling

In case you are wondering if the blog design fairies and the widget trolls are just having it out on this here blog, never fear, there is just some pruning, simplifying and cleaning up going here. There will be no grand re-release just a gradual "pardon the mess while we remodel" kind of happening over the next day or so.

And if you are looking for some good color templates these good folks.

In the future, a better blogger I will be

[image: Orange Beard]

Sorry about the Yoda speak. 
I heart Yoda. 
I think it is his slight stature and powerful spirit.

In any case, I have not been a very good blogger as of late.  Sure, things have been going on in my life, but I have missed the practice and discipline.  So as of this weekend, I am recommitting to my blogging discipline not because I have a great deal to say these days, but because it is good for my soul.  I am fed by the practice, inspired by the interaction and moved by the community.

So back I am.

I was thinking about this weekend and was wondering what kind of blogger do I want to be when I grow up.  It is funny, some of the blogs that I LOVE to read are very different than mine.  I don't have the writing chops to be like Carol, Jan or Steve, but I love reading their blogs.  There are others who post multiple times a day or just a few times a month that also draw me.  And still others that are focus on particular areas so I always know where to go when I want info on "blank."

I am just not that focused or disciplined.  Not my gift.  That's cool.  I will now stop coveting the blogging talents of others.   So . . . going against conventional blogging wisdom, I am recommitting to blogging about all of the things that make up my chaotic life.  I guess if you read this, it is more because you and I are developing a relationship rather than any specific subject or topic, so I am just going to claim it. 

So from here on out, I am unapologetically going to blog - or continue to blog - on a mishmash of things: technology, politics, culture, faith and the occasional post of personal privilege about my motorcycle riding, awesome taste in movies and/or the 2009 World Series Champion Oakland Athletics ;-)

So say we all.

PS: For those that have stumbled upon this blog post-moderator developments, sorry if this will not be the presbygeekateriaville that some might hope for, but I think you'll live.  And if not, you have larger issues than your blog subscriptions ;-)

If you plan on leaving nasty, racist and profanity-laced comments . . .

["Scream" image: Dean Terry]

I have been thinking a great deal about race as of late.  Language about being "post-race" in the church and society these days has really been bubbling up some thoughts for me.  I WAS going to finish off a post about the current state of race in the church and society in light of the Obama election, but then this AM was greeted with really nasty comments left on my various blogs.  I hesitate to lift it up, but as I began thinking more about the subtleties of race today, these comments just kept coming to mind so I figured, meh, I would blog a bit to vent and share some of my inside voice.

I will not take the time to share the specifics of the comments - and they have been removed and sender blocked -, but they were clearly directed specifically at me as an Asian American, a Christian, a pastor and the Moderator of the PC(USA).  Now I realize that this somewhat comes with the territory and these comments are in no way representative of most folks, but it did give me a moment of pause to think that this person's voice and intentionality to know who I am and what I do is certainly indicative of some part of our cultural and national psyche around issues of race, religion and culture.

Sad really.  But yet one more shock back into reality.

Again, I am going to reflect more fully - and thoughtfully - on race in a future post this week, but for this I just want to leave some advice to those who may choose in the future to leave such comments and expect that they will be left for others to read.  You can always read my Comment/s Guidelines, but in case that is too much of an effort, here are some tips*.

1. If you are going to use profanity, at least be creative about it.  Using the eff word as an adjective is the easy way out.  It takes a stealth like wit to weave together expletives in a way that elicits respect and awe.  I have many a friends who can do it without a second thought if you want references.
2. My children and family read this blog, so please be sure to note on your comments if you would mind me coming into your home and damning you to an eternal life of fire and hell . . . which seems like overkill.  Plus you certainly don't want to get on the wrong side of Momma Bear.  It is not pretty when you do.
3. And finally, if you choose to use derogatory words for me or my ethnic background, the effect is lost when you get my ethnicity wrong.  If you can't tell, just play is safe and just pick on "Orientals" as a whole ;-)  For future reference, I am Filipino, Chinese and whole lot of coffee.

Okay . . . so I know this might not be the most pastoral way to respond, but I do think that often times we laugh in order that we do not cry.

* Just in case my oh-so-nuanced snarkiness masked it, let me be very clear and say that no comments will be tolerated that I feel are not offered in good faith and left in order to build up the great community.  Disagreement welcomed, hate need not apply.  My blog, my rules.

** Just because I thought this was priceless.  [h/t: abbykk]

New color scheme suggestions for a blog remodel

Because I have nothing else to do, I am thinking about a face-lift and de-cluttering of my blog in the next few weeks.  I am trying to think of a new color-scheme.  I am leaning towards a PINK/BROWN/BLACK scheme on a WHITE background , but am willing to take some suggestions.

And be forewarned, if you suggest any scheme with a Black Background you run the risk of being mocked as I am way too old for a black background . . . well unless it makes be seem young and hip ;-)

My blog split personality

I can't wait until after the June 21 Moderator Election because win, lose, draw or sudden-death iron cage match, after the election I am getting back to one blog.  It may seem very very sad to many of you, but trying to separate my Presbyterian, pastoral, personal and plucky self is driving me nuts.  As much as I have tried to make the other blog not too churchy-serious and as much as I have tried to not be just fluff - debateable I know - on this one, I end up not feeling particularly consistent on either.

Yeah, I know, tough life ;-)

In any case, lest you think I have forgotten how to blog about some more important pastoral/church issues, here are a couple posts from the other blog that might interest you.

What's the purpose of the Moderator?
Problems with a 2.0 Moderator
On transparency and leadership
Four cultural shifts the Presbyterian Church (USA) Needs to Make

Later all!

 

I hate losing, no I don't, yes I do

Hey folks, I am getting my pastor-butt handed to me on platter over on the interview polling.  This is not even as much about the content of the interview, but a test in the power of blog connectedness.  Plus . . . this is silly and I fully own my competitive nature on this one.  So despite my Asian American roots, shame has never been a great motivator for me, so with great aplomb, I humbly as you to vote for my interview and lets see the Christian web 2.0 crew represent!

Vote HERE

and then

Vote HERE

Thanks!

Ironically, I like clean blogs

Someone threw up all over my blog!  Dear Lord, what did I do to piss off the sidebar elves?!?!?!?  Excuses, excuses, I know.  While I try to keep it simple, I must admit, I love love love widgets.  I know some feel like I have more bling than Nelly, but it is my blog and if I want the equivalent of the game room velvet "Dogs playing poker" painting on my blog, so be it.

I have even made an effort by NOT putting everything on that I could, evidenced by and entire page dedicated to Tacky Widgets.  Basically, it could be worse. 

You're welcome.

But . . . that doesn't mean I don't appreciate simplicity, a great color scheme, good looks and original content.   Now I know some of you all are going to get all bent out of shape because your blog is not listed, so here is a pre-emptive, "I am sorry.  Your blog is pretty too."

Words not necessary, these are just ones at which I like to look.

topleftpixel.com

leslieveen.com

toddhiestand.com

I am inspired.  Maybe it is time for a blog make-over. 

Because I need something else to do ;-)

Too old for an ethnic identity crisis

If you have not heard of this new blog, Stuff White People Like, you might be living under a blog rock.  I have been seeing this blog being referenced all over the freaking place.  I figured, OK, let me go and see what the big deal is.  After all, I have 3 1/2 White people living in my house - well make the 3 5/8 of you count my 1/8 Spanish blood, but that's for another day - so I should know, right?

Oh no!!!!!!

I may just be White.

Or at least we are now defining all upper-middle-class educated urban hipsters as White.

This is freaking funny!

And true.

Welcome to MBCC.

Jokes people, jokes ;-)