Wired Parson Done!

Dear friends,

I am writing this final post for WiredParson.com to let you know that the activities, resourcing, and networking of WiredParson.com is expired! (At least for now!)

I want to encourage all of you to check out some of the really new stuff at

LeadershipBuzz.com – Digital Coaching for Ministry Impact
This is the best website for equipping and helping ministers stay cutting-edge I have ever seen. (I got a sneak preview!)
Just keep checking at www.leadershipbuzz.com. The site will be up soon!

TheColumbiaPartnership.org
George Bullard will start offering webinars (online seminars) in January. George does excellent work. You will want to take advantage of these effective, effecient learning opportunities.

Advent Peace!

Social Networking Tools Provide Ministry Opportunities

I learned to appreciate email and Instant Messaging as tools for ministry (IM) as a Youth Minister. Often youth would ask me questions about life and share faith stories through email or IM that they would never ask in a group or in person.

This still holds true today – even for adults.

The creation of new social networking tools provides even more opportunities for spiritual dialogue and for building relationships. These new tools can also provide a bridge between you, your church, your ministry. . . and the outside world! I recommend these:

myspace.com
Very popular among youth and younger 20’s. The best way to set up is to find a teenager who already has a myspace page and ask them to set one up for you!

Facebook.com
More popular among college age and 30-40’s. Great for college and young adult ministry. New ministry explorations include hosting small groups on Facebook. Here is one example: TheInternetCampus.org

linkedin.com
Most popular among career professionals and transitionals this tool is used for connecting leaders in all industries and making career transitions.

These tools are great for relational ministry. The key is keeping them up to date which can take as little as 30 minutes per month for all three!

The “Well Curve” Unpacked!

Big, huge thanks to Len Sweet for unpacking the Well Curve with us on today’s teleconference!

What is the Well Curve and what does it mean for society and churches in North America today?

1. The Well Curve is a movement in society and culture that represents a disappearing middle.

2. The Well Curve represents extremes: Smaller cell phones and bigger plasma tv’s; richer and poorer; highly educated and uneducated; local and global.

3. Living with opposites at the same time without experiencing contradiction.

4. Paradox is Orthodox! God is 1 in 3 and 3 in 1!

5. Revelation 3:16 – So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth!

In The Gospel According To Starbucks Len explains how companies like Starbucks have capitalized on the Well Curve by offering customizable coffee options for individuals. (A shift away from Folgers and Maxwell House who also, btw, now offer special premium grade blends and flavors!)

The Well Curve presents many challenges and threats along with new opportunities for for local churches and denominations today.

>> What are the implications of the Well Curve in your community?

>> What are the implications of the Well Curve for people in your congregation?

>> What are the implications of the Well Curve for ministy leadership?

Younger Generation Skeptical and Frustrated with Christianity

George Barna recently released a new study with SHOCKING findings about how people between the ages of 16 and 29 feel about Christianity. Be sure to check out the graph at the bottom of the article. Go to the report here.

What does Barna’s report really mean for Christians? Or maybe I should say Jesus followers?

What actions should the church take?

What are your thoughts on Barna’s report?

audio/video resources for ministry e-learning

What would you pay to listen to sermons and lectures from folks like N.T. Wright, Ellen Davis, Stanley Hauerwas, Eugene Peterson, and Thomas Long? How ’bout nada?!

Check out these sites:

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship .

NT Wright’s site

The Stanley Hauerwas Podcast

Allelon.org offers netcasts

You can now watch a series of netcasts about the missional church at Allelon.org. They also offer a number of audio files and podcasts you can listen to.

These are great for ministers and can be used in congregational settings and small groups as well.

Click here to connect.