You are looking at an image of the logo on the first edition of Inspiren; a monthly newsletter designed by the originators of the Christian Web Conference (formerly GodblogCon).

As the web becomes a bigger part of our lives each day, faith leaders are challenged to engage people where they live.  For example, only a few years ago, the notion of belonging to an online church was unheard of.  Today, it’s often a central topic of discussion & debate.

Now with individuals spending greater amounts of time online each day and frequent personal interactions often taking place via online communication, some propose online church as the next logical step to effective gospel proclamation.

Inspiren exists to thoughtfully engage this and other topics that deal with the relationship of New Media and the Christian faith.

Each monthly installment will take the main purpose of the Christian Web Conference; idea collaboration with the intent of advancing New Media and its users for the Kingdom of God; and extend it formally beyond the weekend of September 11-12.

This first edition includes the article “Some Rough Notes on Technology, Exclusivity, and Online Church” by Matthew L. Anderson.  And the photo image above should link to my dear friend, Rhett Smith, and his article in the second installment “Christian Web Conference“.

The Christian Web Conference is designed to equip individuals with the vision, knowledge, and relationships that are necessary in order to be thoughtful practitioners and consumers of developing web technologies.  The Christian Web Conference is a re-branding of GodBlogCon.

CWC will take place this year on September 11-12 at Biola University.   After spending the last two years with BlogWorld & New Media Expo in Las Vegas, they are moving back to Biola in order to create a more intimate and friendly environment.

Instead of having multiple keynote lectures, CWC will have more round table break out sessions.   Moreover, there’ll be discussion of big ideas on the web via storytelling from the greatest web thought leaders and creatives.  By participating in CWC, you will be able to share your brilliant ideas with other web practitioners.   Your ideas and skills can help transform the way people use and think the web so come prepared to collaborate and engage with one another as we take a philosophical, introspective, and futuristic look at New Media practices.

Although, I’m getting to be a regular microblogger, I often forget to status update on a larger scale and post on the projects I’m working on.   September could be a skimpy blogging month and here’s a brief update on why in case I forget to give you the details.

Currently, I’m writing presentations for my breakout sessions at the Group Life Conference (Willow Creek) and the Internet Ministry Conference (Prince Conference Center/Grand Rapids).  This is no small task as Seth Godin has raised the bar for all presentations.   Both are in October and my acceptance of these conferences caused me to have to forgo Catalyst.   Ouch!  But, it will all be worth it and I’m happy to get the chance to speak at both these events. (Plus, I know that Catalyst is coming to the West Coast next year).

Additionally, I am still hoping to attend at least one day of GodblogCon in Las Vegas at Blog World & New Media Expo.   I declined their speaking offer because I just felt it would stretch my month beyond what my family could sustain – and there’s always next year (Dustin you are good to me).  I’m particularly interested in going just to see my dear friend Rhett Smith talk about his chapter in the new book, The New Media Frontier.  We’ve been waiting for this one for what seems like forever.

Additionally, there are several other speakers worth checking out there including John Mark Roberts, Hugh Hewitt and Tall Skinny Kiwi (aka Andrew Jones) who I got the privilege of interviewing a few weeks ago broadcast via podcast from The Scriptorium (btw – sorry for the sound quality of that interview).

Of course you will still find me posting here and at Digital (the Leadership Network blog) and several of you have asked about the writing projects.  I am working on 4 chapters for a spring book (more on that and the publisher later) and two magazine articles that should come out before the year’s end.

Lastly, it looks like the Church TechCamp for the Los Angeles area is coming together soon.  As the final confirmation comes in, I’ll give you all the details and invite you to come be my guests.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you enjoyed our interview with the Tall Skinny Kiwi a few days ago, then your sure to like this overview video designed to promote GodblogCon.

Earlier in the week, as a preview of GodblogCon 2008, several bloggers, including Dr. Andrew Jackson, Rhett Smith, Matthew Anderson, Marcus Goodyear and myself, got the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Jones, a.k.a. the Tall Skinny Kiwi. 

Andrew, beloved missional pilgrim and blogfather to so many, can be heard via podcast at The Scriptorium. You can also hear him speak live by attending GodblogCon 2008.