your blog posts after audioconference 2

Thanks for the lively discussion last night. One of the comments I’m still mulling over is that Christians’ lives communicate the Gospel perhaps more powerfully than anything congregations say or do. Remember that I said in response that while it’s difficult to analyze a congregation’s brochures and websites and other kinds of formal communication, it’s even more difficult to address issues related to the way our lives communicate about God to the wider world? I found the following quotation quite thought-provoking. It was posted on Facebook by one of my vehemently anti-Christian relatives: “I am surrounded by priests who repeat incessantly that their kingdom is not of this world, and yet they lay their hands on everything they can get” (Napoleon Bonaparte). Ouch!

For your blog posts this week, here are two options.

1. On page 171-2 of the coursebook, there’s a bullet point list of network roles. Reflect on how you have seen some of these roles played out in congregations, and how congregational leaders can respond to the people who fill these roles.

2. On page 177, there’s a description of “grapevine” communication. The bullet points are great. I’d welcome your blog posts about the role grapevine communication plays in churches, both positively and negatively, and how congregational leaders can embrace it, shape it, etc.

Steve Taylor's Blog

Steve Taylor has a wonderful blog, rich, full of interesting posts, links and information. It's a great example of how to use a blog strategically. As you write on your own blogs, and as you consider the possibilities available through blogging, look over his blog and observe what he does:
www.emergentkiwi.org.nz

your blog posts after audioconf 1

Thanks for the wonderful discussion Monday evening. I appreciated your comments very much.

For your own blog post this week, please introduce yourself, saying something about your own ministry situation.

For your blog post next week, here are two options. Pick one of them:
1. on page 82 of the coursebook, take the quiz "Test Your Assumptions," and read the next few pages that describe the authors' opinions about those assumptions. Pick one assumption to write about, and describe something you think is important for congregations to remember. You could also write about something you disagree with.
2. beginning on pages 93 and 111 of the coursebook are myths about congregational communication. Pick one of them to write about, describing how you've seen them in action, something you think is important for congregations to remember, or perhaps something you disagree with.

I'm sorry this blog post is late. I was having internet connection trouble last night. Normally, after each audioconference, I will post suggestions within 24 hours of the audioconference. Blessings to you all.

Welcome to PASX311/MINX407

Our first audioconference will be Monday, 12 July at 6:10. Instructions for phoning in are in your coursebook. Both Steve Taylor and I are looking forward to getting to know you all this semester. Your fellow students have already begun to create their blogs, and you'll find links to their blogs on this webpage at the top of the right hand column. To set up your own blog, follow the instructions on page 19 of the coursebook, and send me the link to your blog so I can post it here. I'm looking forward to reading your blog posts over the course of the semester.