There is a big shift out there in this world. I feel the separation growing between computer users and none computer users in my life. When I was in seminary I focused so much on building a great library so that my sermon prep would not be limited to what I knew. The internet in several ways has made my library much less critical. I have been luggin around boxes and boxes of very heavy books for years in anticipation of someday using them to prepare sermons. I'm a pastor now and I don't use them much at all. I have instant access to the most current scholarly articles and research avaiable to me at my fingertips. Sermon prep is a lot easier. communication and planning are a couple of other things that are changing because of online access. Recently a friend of mine introduced me to a website that is dedicated to enabling people to plan better and meet less. It can greatly reduce the number of meetings in your life. Your weakly, monthly, quarterly calendars can be online and the discussion and input is open to every member of your team who can view and comment on the calendar. It improves comunication. It speeds up how much contact we have. I recently met a young man at church. We invited him to dinner. From the 5 minute conversation I was able to find him online, facebook him, see pictures of his family, visit their family business online and really get a good look at and understanding of him before I even officially had an introductory meeting with him. Our abilty to communicate quickly with others who live online is incredible. Facebook, myspace, and plaxo, are just a few of the websites dedicated to connecting us and keeping us connected. Mass comunication at the touch of a button is here. I'm excited about these changes but I'm also being a little cautious. Not everyone in our faith community has arrived not everyone wants to commit to living life at the touch of a button. Somehow bridging these two worlds is going to be tricky. I do not want to be left behind and I don't want to be a leader who leaves others behind. Who are you introducing to your new world? Are you inviting other generations and family members to be a part of this journey to a new world. My admonission is to slow things down and bring those we love along for the ride. Don't blow by the signs others are left holding that indicate they need direction to even enter the conversation you are having about your new online world.
Invite, share, expalin, and train. Lets make sure everyone who wants to walk with us can. I was so excited awhile back when one of our senior leaders jumped into the mix and created a profile on facebook. She is one of 10 people I'm connected with who are over 60 years old and pushing forward in this brave new world. "Carpe Diem"
No comments:
Post a Comment