Thanks again for being the guide for this important area.
I have a request that maybe Mavis in a previous post addressed. The request is more of trying to start a conversation on this site about content filtering tools- for not only computers, but especially for mobile devices that can access the internet. In our church we desire to recommend or at least give our parents and other adults the links/resources for accessing these fitlering tools.
Also - some ethical questions, since Apple is very proprietary about its mobile operating systems, is 'jail breaking' acceptable? Some think that since the Mobsafety Ranger filtering app (for Itouch/Ipad/Ipod) is really modifying the operating system, that this is unethical. Can we explore this issues?
In Classis Pacific Northwest we do in fact have a part-time(1/2) regional missionary who is tasked with furthering the goals and objectives of tne Mission Multiplication Team (MMT). This task is now heavily weighted towards supporting church plants but as of lately we are in conversations about how can the MMT better support the established churches, especially those who are struggling. With the current trends of giving and less denominational loyalty, we are feeling that we need to find resources as close to the local church as possible. The classis seems like the logical nexus to locate these needed resournces.
About special offerings for para church agencies and organizations...does the CRCNA have an 'approved list' for para church organizations on their website? Our deacons get so many requests that they are looking for another filter such as this to put in their "tool box". They don't have the time to research each new organization about their mission, their fiscal responsibility, etc.
Thanks for all your work on this site. Our communtiy of faith took away many nuggets that are now being implemented within our technologies. You have furthered the kingdom!
"Spot on" Melissa! One wise & experienced (older) parishioner said to me that the most important facet in our lives were our vital relationships - with God, with our spouse, with family, and with our friends and neighbors. For these relationships to become deep and rooted, it takes time. It seems relational time is the antithesis of busyness in our daily lives.
What about the our individual congregations calling it's members out to pursue sustainability and simplification in our lives? 'More is caught than taught' is an axiom that I think is appropo here. Maybe our church's could model and teach this by trying to make people less busy with meetings, but rather, try to encourage healthy rythms where relational time and community building are more highly valued than the "normal church meeting". The church as an institution can consume huge amounts of energy and time within itself and not really havie a a significant impact on its surrounding community (thinking missionally). In our current social context, I'm seeing that many dedicated church members/Christ followers are simply runnning out of margin(and energy) to build significant relationships with people who don't know the Lord.
Maybe its also time to rethink how we organize ourselves within our churches. Somehow we need to empower and release our members to concentrate more on their relational deployment to our neighbors and neighborhoods than on maintaining the institution we call church.
Posted in: Top 10 in the Church & Web Network
Hi Jerod,
Thanks again for being the guide for this important area.
I have a request that maybe Mavis in a previous post addressed. The request is more of trying to start a conversation on this site about content filtering tools- for not only computers, but especially for mobile devices that can access the internet. In our church we desire to recommend or at least give our parents and other adults the links/resources for accessing these fitlering tools.
Also - some ethical questions, since Apple is very proprietary about its mobile operating systems, is 'jail breaking' acceptable? Some think that since the Mobsafety Ranger filtering app (for Itouch/Ipad/Ipod) is really modifying the operating system, that this is unethical. Can we explore this issues?
Thanks again,
Greg Bode
Third CRC, Lynden, WA
Posted in: Has the idea of classis staff come and gone?
Frank ,
In Classis Pacific Northwest we do in fact have a part-time(1/2) regional missionary who is tasked with furthering the goals and objectives of tne Mission Multiplication Team (MMT). This task is now heavily weighted towards supporting church plants but as of lately we are in conversations about how can the MMT better support the established churches, especially those who are struggling. With the current trends of giving and less denominational loyalty, we are feeling that we need to find resources as close to the local church as possible. The classis seems like the logical nexus to locate these needed resournces.
Greg
Posted in: How should a church distribute support to the denominational family and as well as to other causes?
About special offerings for para church agencies and organizations...does the CRCNA have an 'approved list' for para church organizations on their website? Our deacons get so many requests that they are looking for another filter such as this to put in their "tool box". They don't have the time to research each new organization about their mission, their fiscal responsibility, etc.
Posted in: So What Is "Prophetic"?
Hi Bev,
Just a quick request - I'm just now following this discussion and found that a link you posted was broken. Could you verify that for me?
Thanks,
Greg Bode
Broken link:
http://archive.cacradicalgrace.org/conferences/prophets/prophets_overview.html
Posted in: CRC Pamphlet on Theological Streams in CRC
Thanks Paul for your quick answer. This pamphlet should be very helpful for our members.
Posted in: 'Til We Meet Again
Thanks for all your work on this site. Our communtiy of faith took away many nuggets that are now being implemented within our technologies. You have furthered the kingdom!
Posted in: Over-Committed Seeks Sabbath
"Spot on" Melissa! One wise & experienced (older) parishioner said to me that the most important facet in our lives were our vital relationships - with God, with our spouse, with family, and with our friends and neighbors. For these relationships to become deep and rooted, it takes time. It seems relational time is the antithesis of busyness in our daily lives.
What about the our individual congregations calling it's members out to pursue sustainability and simplification in our lives? 'More is caught than taught' is an axiom that I think is appropo here. Maybe our church's could model and teach this by trying to make people less busy with meetings, but rather, try to encourage healthy rythms where relational time and community building are more highly valued than the "normal church meeting". The church as an institution can consume huge amounts of energy and time within itself and not really havie a a significant impact on its surrounding community (thinking missionally). In our current social context, I'm seeing that many dedicated church members/Christ followers are simply runnning out of margin(and energy) to build significant relationships with people who don't know the Lord.
Maybe its also time to rethink how we organize ourselves within our churches. Somehow we need to empower and release our members to concentrate more on their relational deployment to our neighbors and neighborhoods than on maintaining the institution we call church.