Comments on: Me and My 1.6 Million Friends

By: Should your church have a blog | Your Ministry Helper

Should your church have a blog | Your Ministry Helper — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:52:03 +0000

[...] in which to theologically reflect on something in culture, from the format of the evening news to the motivation behind the millions of people on MySpace. Hopefully, my reflections are encouraging readers to think and act more like Jesus. In the [...]

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:36:32 +0000

Thanks for your comments Scott. I think we can all be guilty of carefully managing the image we show the world, whether on-line or in the church; I know plenty of people who think they need to be one way in church and another way the rest of the week. It’s just easier to do it on-line and get away with it, while if you are involved in real relationships with people, either you will be eventually be seen for who you really are or you will develop enough trust to want to share it honestly. And it’s only through that sort of vulnerability and honesty that you open yourself up to really experiencing the forgiving and all-encompassing love and acceptance of God. Of course, in the process you open yourself up to possible unforgiveness and rejection from people, but in the end their opinion will not matter.

By: a seeker

a seeker — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:53:05 +0000

Thank you, Eric, for your concern. I encourage everyone to read something along the lines of Larry Crabb’s Shattered Dreams, which is a great preparation for ministering to people whose lives have fallen apart. As far as trust, people will trust those that they deem trustworthy.
To Scott, it’s probably true that some people want to put out an edited personality on-line for whatever odd reason, but some people just communicate more easily in writing than verbally.However it is no substitute for a small group, because the body of Christ is a living organism that cannot function without one another. I like to think of it this way: I need you, your encoragement, gifts and ministry; and you need me, too! And I guess we need to find those small groups where we can do that. For me right now, these articles and this blog is very encouraging, because I am not feeling like I am “part of” any other Christian group devoted to seeking God, whatever form that might take.

By: scotty

scotty — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 04:19:35 +0000

This article reminds me of that song lyric from Tracy Chapman: “How come there’s so many of us, and people still alone?”
I think the on-line stuff has been taking off so much because it is more convenient; in respect to time and personality. I think you hit the mark when you questioned if on-line personas are created so that an “edited” personality can be presented. Very interesting. I’m glad you followed it up with the comment on authentic friendship where “you are known for who you are, better or worse, and loved for all of it.” I like that you encourage church community to be more accepting and loving in tangible ways like “small groups”. I’m hoping to get involved with one again. Just something so that I’m not doing nothing. Bottom-line is that we all need community.
Great article!
Thanks,
scott

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:42:03 +0000

Thank you for your comments, “seeker.” I grieve with you for all the ways you have been let down by those who claim to follow Jesus, knowing that you are far from alone in the feelings & experiences you share. As Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And, I would add, “forgive us, for we don’t know what we are doing either.” I pray that God might pour out His comfort on you and give you the opportunity to comfort others with the comfort you have received from Him (2 Cor 1:4). You are not in this alone.

By: a seeker

a seeker — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:44:27 +0000

This article brings tears to my eyes. Why? Because in our churches I have found most Christians fail miserably at coming alongside people in pain. For example, death, depression, sickness that lingers, and fears–just to name a few. It seems (my experience) that non-Christians have much more empathy and compassion for the painful trials that come to ALL of us–Christian and non-Christian alike– in this world. Also, shy people get a real bum rap in church. Ever go to a home group where the talkers take over? The people who aren’t afraid to speak up? Some people need to be gently drawn out until they trust. And I’m not talking about new Christians necessarily. Because many believers who have been around awhile have been hurt badly “in church” and find it hard to trust again. Lastly, where are the mentors? I’ve been looking for one. I hope that this post will provoke a little more thinking on connecting and community.