This is a re-publication of an article written by Jason Isaacs on his & (his dad) Bill Isaac’s Forward Leadership Blog. No comments are allowed here.

If you have a comment, please visit the Forward Leadership site:  http://forwardleadership.org/blog/?p=989

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I recently read a book by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff called “Groundswell” you can find out more about here. It’s not Christian book, its a book about social technologies (computer nerds like me soak this stuff up) but at the very beginning of the book they discuss what qualifies a social technology to create a groundswell. I thought these questions were incrediblly profound for where we are headed in our churches. Keep in mind that the goal of all these online tools is to create community (and make money) which is exactly what we’ve been called to do in the body of Christ. So whether you are having lots of success in your ministry or struggling to engage people beyond Sunday, ask your self these questions.

1. Is it effortless to sign up for?
Whether it’s small groups, or bible study, or softball, is it easily accessible? How hard does someone have to work to get “signed up” for your “next step.” Obviously promotion and creativity come into play to grab people’s interest but once you have grabbed their interest how hard is it for them to get connected? For us “professionals” our initial answer is probably “Oh well, it’s real easy” because we are familiar with our environments but what about someone who doesn’t know where the sign up table in the foyer is, or someone who doesn’t know everyone’s name. If someone came into your church tomorrow and wanted to get connected, how easy it for them? Read the rest of this entry »

These are exciting days for ministry.  When I consider the possibilities God has provided for me to serve Him on relation to the Great Commission, I consider these unique to my generation(s):

Websites

Every church needs a website.  They can be done as cheaply or expensively as one can afford.  A website indicates several critical interest points.

• Our church is relevant to your life.
• Our church is service-minded to your family.
• Our church is available for informational needs.
• Our church is interested in resourcing your faith-building needs.

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more.  Directions, service times, biographical information on pastors, leaders, promotions, upcoming special sermon series, services, etc.  For an example click here.

Your website in this culture is one of the primary outreaches to people ages 18-30.  If you don’t have a website for your ministry, let me help. Send me an email and I’ll have someone get in touch with you to see if you can do this.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Last update: August 21, 2008)

What happens when a magician performs a trick? Is it truly some event that defies the laws of physics? Or, is it an illusion or misdirection? The science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clark has said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” The idea is that, until we understand the physics behind a “trick” we assume it to be magic. Later, we learn that it was not “magic” but something that could be explained by technology.

ABC is reporting (ABC News: Magic Tricks May Reveal Brain Secrets)… Read the rest of this entry »

Ray Waldo

Ray Waldo is a retired minister with a passion for sharing knowledge, understanding and (if possible), wisdom with everyone he meets. Prior to his retirement, Ray served as a local pastor and as a short-term missionary to Mexico, Kenya, Uganda & the Democratic Republic of Congo (while the country was still in conflict).

Ray holds ministerial credentials with the Church of God (Cleveland) and his current assignment is that of “Technology Evangelist.” He is available to speak & consult with churches or others concerning his specialty of merging technology with ministry.

He graduated from Mississippi State University with a MEd in Educational Psychology, with emphasis in statistics. As a bi-vocational minister, Ray worked in the electronics field and later took a position as a Logistics Planner for the government. He is also an avid technology freak and has professional credentials for Microsoft products and, lately he has become a big fan of Ubuntu Linux.

Ray is also a widely recognized teacher and public speaker. He is currently working on two books that he expects to be published within the next two years. These books are being written online. Follow the development at “James on Trial” and “Eye on the Future – Hand on the Salt.” The Chief Shepherd site (http://chiefshepherd.com) serves ministers on seven continents.

Vivian has tolerated Ray since their marriage in 1964. They have three grown children (who happen to be the most beautiful children ever born) and two grandsons (also perfect). They also have four adopted children at home (all of the canine species but they don’t tell them about it). The 6-member Waldo family resides in a lovely home in one of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in Southern Louisiana. Ray’s description of his life: “I am truly blessed. God is good!”

Is that flowery enough <grin>?

Sometime in the near future, I plan to develop a website focused on helping ministers who want to integrate technology into their ministry. However, until I have a good bit more time, I will try to use this site for some of those issues.

(UPDATE: The site is now online as “The Bishop of Technology.” Please visit it at http://raywaldo.com.)

I have created a section of this site dedicated to Technology. You can visit it by clicking on the “Technology” link in the header area of each page you visit.

The main page is just an introduction but on the drop-down attached to that link, there are other pages relating to specific issues. Check all of them out and if you have questions, just comment on that particular page. If there is no page that relates to your technology issue, comment here and describe the issue as well as you can. I will try to help – but I don’t know everything.

If you have a favorite tip that you would like to share, just add it as a comment below.