Has anyone ever said to you, “You’ll never know until you try”? This is one of those sayings that my parents would repeat to me often. In fact I have sometimes said something quite similar to my own kids. This is one of those sayings that ought to be kept in mind by those involved in online ministry. If we want to be effective for Christ online we need to attempt things that have not be attempted before. We need to go boldly where nobody has gone before (please excuse the reference to Star Trek). That means taking chances, making mistakes and learning on the job.

My most recent endeavour is learning how to use a facebook page. My goal for this facebook page is fairly simple. I would like to see it become a ministry hub for those involved in organic church in Canada. The way I am preceding with this venture is by making the page open, interactive, participatory, challenging and a place to connect with resources. The following are some of the ways I am attempting to accomplish this goal.

5 things I am attempting or going to attempt on our FB page…

1. Illustrate our ministry through pictures.
2. Meet up with our online friends who are in our area face to face and encourage our friends who are out of our area to do the same.
3. Give away resources to those participating on our facebook page in a fun way.
4. Involve others in facilitating the facebook page.
5. Create additional opportunities to interact online.

As I have been working towards accomplishing this task I have come to realize there are always more things to learn. I have especially seen how much potential there is for dark forces to take advantage of this technology. So, I have kept certain things in mind as I have been working on this page and ministering online.

The words that are recorded for us in scripture speak so clearly to me when I go online. The following are just a few of many that need to be kept close when ministering anywhere, but particularly online.

5 things to keep in mind when trying new things online…

1. Be Discerning. Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. Colossians 2:8 HCSB
2. Be Faithful.Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. Luke 16:10 HCSB
3. Be Courageous. David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged by him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine!” 1 Samuel 17:32 HCSB
4. Be Strong.“Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Joshua 1:6 HCSB
5. Do All Things In Love.Your every [action] must be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 HCSB

It seems we often do not see things happening in our ministries because we are comfortable with what we have already achieved. However, I believe we will not realize our full potential for serving Christ online, until we attempt things that take us out of our comfort zone into a place of risk.

• What is it that God wants you to attempt online?
• Is there anything about the Internet that scares you?
• What has God been showing you as you’ve been living out your faith online?

Post/Tweet:
Be Discerning, Be Faithful, Be Courageous, Be Strong and Do All Things In Love. @oikosministries #ieway

Rob Ross

Rob Ross is the coordinator for Oikos Ministries (a network of organic churches). He is a disciple of Jesus (Making Disciples) who lives in Calgary, AB with his family. Connect with Rob on Facebook or Twitter

oikosministries.com

The post Nothing Attempted, Nothing Acheived appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

My youngest son is someone with a lot of curiosity. Recently he asked me if he could get a Swiss army knife. It is something that arouses his interest. I have good memories of  the first time I was given a Swiss army knife. Unfortunately over the years I have seen the results of what can happen when a knife is not used properly. It has tainted my views of knives. So, it has been difficult for me to see past the negative and look at the positive that may result if my son is given a knife. Fortunately, God has allowed me to see the opportunities that this small tool will provide for learning, growing and applying life lessons.

In a similar way I found it difficult at first to see the positive of mobile ministry. To me it seemed to be just another use of technology that takes time from personal relationships. I had to see past the negative and find the opportunities that God has placed in front of me. There is incredible potential for mobile ministry, if only we are able to see it.

One of the best things I did before getting involved in mobile ministry was to spend time in prayer. Through prayer, I began to discover and was able to list some of the features, benefits and costs of mobile ministry. The following is a small sample of the things I listed (What would you add to this list?).

• Features: Portability, Multi-functional, …

• Benefits: Cross Cultural, Instant Communication, …

• Costs: Technology can be Expensive, Takes Time, Lacks Personal Touch, …

After making my lists and seeing the potential of mobile ministry I still had some unanswered questions. What is the purpose of mobile ministry? What is my plan for being involved in mobile ministry? What is the most effective way of being involved in mobile ministry?

• Purpose: (Matthew 28:18-20) I believe the purpose for mobile ministry is no different than the purpose for any other ministry (make disciple makers).

• Plan: (Luke 14:25-35) I find I need an intentional plan since it is easy to get distracted or have your time eaten away. Therefore I have set aside a certain amount of time to be involved in mobile ministry each day. Balancing all aspects of my life in Christ has become imperative.

• Practice: (Matthew 22:36-40) Each day, through mobile ministry, I am given new opportunities to Love God and Love Others.

Once my curiosity was aroused and my eyes were opened I became passionate about mobile ministry. Each day I discover new skills and find new ways of utilizing my spiritual gifts. I realize mobile ministry is very new with a great deal still needing to be learned. I also realize this ministry has the potential of consuming my time on unimportant projects. Fortunately for me God has a way of reminding me of what is really important.

Recently my wife and kids bought me a T-Shirt. Doesn’t sound that special but the slogan on my shirt keeps me on track. The slogan on the shirt says: “Looking for Truth, Happiness and Purpose in Life? There’s not an app for that; there’s a Savior.”

Questions to Ponder:

What specific features of mobile ministry do you find works best for you?

What aspect of mobile ministry do you consider the most essential (discipleship, evangelism, fellowship or other)?

What has been the most effective software/app you have used for mobile ministry? Why?

Rob Ross

Rob Ross is the coordinator for Oikos Ministries (a network of organic churches). He is a disciple of Jesus (Making Disciples) who lives in Calgary, AB with his family. Connect with Rob on Facebook or Twitter

oikosministries.com

The post Are You Curious About Mobile Ministry? appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

As a young man I spent a great deal of time traveling. I had many experiences exploring new lands and learning new things. Some of what I learned has stayed with me to this day. I learned it is best to travel light, that meeting new people is an essential part of the journey, that new discoveries are only open to those willing to try something new and that helping others is just as important as being helped. These lessons are a vital part of why I tweet. They have helped me to reflect on Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8 and enter into this virtual world as a witness for Christ.

Connecting is an important part of the culture of Twitter. Unlike Facebook most of the people you follow or who follow you are strangers at the start. You get to know them through the various tools that Twitter provides. They also get to know you and whether or not they want to continue to follow you. It is essential to be yourself, travel light and be willing to meet new people.

Communicating is essential. This means learning a new language and culture. In the land of Twitter we are required to communicate within a fixed limit of 140 characters. It is intriguing and fascinating how much can actually be said in a very small amount of space. We also need to learn the lingo. Lingo used on Twitter is both unique and important. It is unique because it has to fit within the context of a limited space. Knowing the lingo is important because many words and phrases are abbreviated which allows you to use the limited space to more fully share your thoughts. So, to be effective on Twitter it is vital to learn this lingo.

Being able to communicate well is also vital if you are on Twitter. It will determine how much influence you have in this land. Each time you share and someone else shares what you shared your influence is multiplied. How amazing it is when that influence brings people closer to Jesus. This is the power of Twitter.

Caring about others ought to be a way of life for Christians on Twitter. It can make a powerful difference in the lives of those who inhabit this land. Sometimes it is just answering a tweet with a word of encouragement.  Being real in a virtual world is shown by the way we care about others. This is more difficult then it at first appears. However, the dividends make it worth the effort.

A very enjoyable part of going on any journey is discovering new things. Most residents in the land of Twitter are very patient with new comers. Many want to help people get settled in and become a vital part of the community.  Can you imagine the difference a loving and active Christian witness could make in the lives of tweeps?

The Twittersphere is a remarkable place filled with remarkable people. It is a land full of opportunities to connect, to communicate and to care about others. It is up to us to be willing to enter into this land and take advantage of these God given opportunities.

A few questions:

1) If you have not started using twitter what is stopping you?

2) If you are on twitter why did you choose to use it?

3) What are some possible ways you can envision twitter being used for ministry?

4) Why do you think twitter is so appealing to so many people?

11) demystifying: Facebook –> @StickyJesus project <– 13) demystifying: blogging

Rob Ross

Rob Ross is the coordinator for Oikos Ministries (a network of organic churches). He is a disciple of Jesus (Making Disciples) who lives in Calgary, AB with his family. Connect with Rob on Facebook or Twitter

oikosministries.com

The post > @StickyJesus 12) demystifying: Twitter appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

Today’s assignment is to discover different ways to derive inspiration. As I read the assignment I found myself cringing a bit as it looked like I was going to add something more to my plate (as if most of us don’t have enough already). Then I began to realize it wasn’t adding anything at all but rather forcing me to get things done.

Take the Time

As I thought about the idea of pushing myself away from my computer and going to the mall it became apparent I was going to have to leave the house. Not something I really like doing (at least going to the mall part). But I decided, begrudgingly, to follow the suggestion to see what would happen.

As I entered the mall I began making my observations and it suddenly became interesting. I saw the people, the businesses, the advertisements and the structures differently. I started asking myself some questions. Who are these people? Why are they here? What attracts them to such a crowded space? I started to see people rushing by but I could sense they each had a purpose and a direction. Each store was intentionally designed to reach a certain people group. They used colours, displays and other attractions to grab these people’s attention. It was interesting how the mall itself was laid out to make it easier for people to find their particular niche store.

I accumulated a large amount of data in a very short amount of time. So, I sat down in one of the chairs and began to record what I had observed. I even took time to ask myself some more questions and reflect on the answers. By the time I was done I could sense I was ready to write this post.

Be Prepared

Prepare yourself with the right attitude. Keep in mind this is something that will make you a better blogger. Also equip yourself with some tools to help keep you on track. A standard pen and paper is a start. However, I also found that I would like to take along some tech tools to help me. These could include: an ipod or iphone, a notebook, a digital camera, a digital recorder or other tool that would help record my thoughts.

Review the Process

Go – somewhere and intentionally make it interesting for yourself. In order to refuel and get some addition insight I found I need to get out and go to the mall, the library, the park, the sports arena, the amusement park or some other place of interest.

Observe – the things that are happening all around us. Many bloggers are already keenly observant. But this skill needs to be continually worked on or it becomes dull.

Question – like a child. Asking questions can be difficult but it is the way Jesus got His disciples to discover things for themselves.

Who?

• – Who is at the mall?

What?

• – What are they buying?

Why?

• – Why do the stores use certain colours?

When?

• – When do the stores see the most activity?

Where?

• – Where are the displays put for the various stores?

How?

– How do the malls direct traffic?

Record – your observations so that you can take time later to go over what you have heard, seen, felt, smelt and touched.

Reflect – on what is going on around you as often as possible. I have found that I need to intentionally make the time for quiet reflection in order to bring together and make sense of all the experiences I have in a day.

Share – what you learned with others. Blogging is often just answering questions that you or someone else may have asked.

Discussion

1. Where are some of the places you find you are most inspired?
2. What are some practical ways you gain inspiration?
3. Post a link to a post you have written with a comment telling what inspired you to write the post.

The Extra Mile

A few other things you can do to take your blog, other bloggers, and this project even further today…

• Reply & give other bloggers feedback on the little things they do.
• When other bloggers include a link to a new article they’ve posted today, click, read, and comment on it.
• Check previous posts in the series for new comments.
• Tweet, share, & bookmark this post.
• Please review Seiji Yamashita’s blog, The Ignition Point, and give him some feedback.

Rob Ross is the coordinator for Oikos Ministries (a network of organic churches). He is a disciple of Jesus (Making Disciples) who lives in Calgary, AB with his family. Connect with Rob on Facebook or Twitter.

Rob Ross

Rob Ross is the coordinator for Oikos Ministries (a network of organic churches). He is a disciple of Jesus (Making Disciples) who lives in Calgary, AB with his family. Connect with Rob on Facebook or Twitter

oikosministries.com

The post 31DBBB Day 13: Take a Trip to the Mall and Improve Your Blog appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

Where is your ranking in terms of influence?

When you think of influential what image comes to mind? Do you imagine people like businessmen, politicians, judges, actors, or athletes? You most likely did not conjure up the image of someone who is considered an average person. After all, how could an average person have any influence?

One real advantage of the Internet, social media in particular, is that it has become the great equalizer. People from all walks of life can become major influencers of others. So, it is now possible for a ditch digger to have as much influence as some well known politicians.

Influence rather than numbers is a major determination of ranking amongst many websites. Over the years many believers have used numbers to determine success within ministry. The Internet has made it evident that there are other ways of defining a successful ministry. So, what is influence, why is influence important and what are some of the ways we can improve our influence on the Internet?

What is influence? Influence can be considered the power to persuade others to some end. Within the context of Internet Evangelism it is having a good enough reputation that you will be given the opportunity to persuade others in a positive direction.

Why is it important, as a Christian, to be an influential person on the Internet?

• To earn the privilege of sharing Jesus.
• To effectively serve others (showing Christ’s love no strings attached)
• To encourage positive interaction
• To be available to minister to others.
• To demonstrate the remarkable opportunities God provides us to participate in His work.

How can believers improve their influence on the Internet? There are a number of factors that make a better reputation and improve influence. Some of these include:

Character: There are many character traits that are important for a Christian. These same character traits are important in building an online reputation and influence. Some of the traits include being authentic, transparent, persistent, honest, forgiving, well behaved, temperate and self controlled. The need to demonstrate Christian character online is as important as it is offline.

Courage: It is the courage to step outside ones’ comfort zone. Ministry online can be unpredictable. When possible and safe make the effort to meet people offline. It takes courage to adapt to this changing world.

Concern: Being concerned about others is a way of building healthy friendships. Take the time to discover what is important to someone else. Learn about the interests of your online friends. In other words do not just broadcast your message. It is vital to build relationships and to interact with those in your circle of influence.

Consistency: Earning a reputation that you can be relied upon is another way of building influence. Practical things can help here such as regular involvement online, following through on commitments and showing common netiquette

Creativity: There is a real need for creativity in every aspect of our lives. The Internet provides each of us opportunities to utilize our spiritual gifts and talents in very original and imaginative ways. It gives us the opportunity to express ourselves in a style that is unique and honoring to God.

If we want to impact the world for Christ we need to be willing to put ourselves into the forefront of this new technology and be willing to adapt without comprising our faith. Seth Godin shared in a recent email “Every interaction might be the whole thing.” Are we making the most of every opportunity?

So, who do you want to influence and how are you going to do it?

Rob Ross

Rob Ross is the coordinator for Oikos Ministries (a network of organic churches). He is a disciple of Jesus (Making Disciples) who lives in Calgary, AB with his family. Connect with Rob on Facebook or Twitter

oikosministries.com

The post Internet Evangelism Idea #13: Making a Better Reputation appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.