There are growing numbers of people taking a scholarly approach to studying ministry & technology.  I have a larger and larger list of scholars appearing on my reader these days.

So I’ve decided that over the next few weeks, you’re gonna meet some of my brainest friends and check out what they’re studying, evaluating, testing, hypothesizing, and just, well, all that kind of stuff.

Kicking off this “blog of the weekend” series, let me introduce you to Dr. Dave, as he’s called around here, aka Dr. David Bourgeois, a prof. at Biola University who blogs at Lessons from Babel.  I’ve observed Dave’s work for a long time, had the privilege of hearing him speak and even shared a meal with him.  He is an absolute pioneer when it comes to studying online ministry data.

His newest course involving Internet ministry launches next semester and in preparation, Dave recently contacted me asking if I had access to any online ministries who are pioneering corporate prayer on the internet.  Specifically, he’s looking for people praying together online, via text or voice.  In exchange for the info, the good Dr. is allowing me to audit (I mean crash) his course, so I responded.

Do I?   How about this example from the LifeShare online challenge hosted by LifeChurch.tv where I got to pray with people from all over the world.  Unfortunately, although you can get the live mogulus stream you won’t get to see the saved chat with visitors from across the globe.

You’ll be hearing more about Dr. Dave’s upcoming class here soon.  In the meantime, he’s also asking for other examples so if you’ve got links, post ‘em here.  He’s looking for options where there are interactive prayers going on (i.e. not like great services like Kindle where you can post a prayer.)

Who do you know who’s pioneering the work of online interactive prayer?    And while you’re thinking, add a feed from Lessons from Babel.

There’s a good new example of experimental, online ministry launching at the site I am Second.com.

I am Second is designed to provide 24/7 connection points for those looking for meaning in life, rescue from addictions, hopelessness, etc.  Since one of the most popular uses of the Internet is search this just seems like a great idea – prepare a place for those who are searching.

Sometimes innovation in ministry is driven by logic.

Wish I had time to post all that is happening here at the Internet Ministry Conference.  I’m hoping to get some of my notes uploaded in the next few days.

I don’t know how you view conferences but sometimes I question the affordability of such events and wonder about long term gains for any one ministry.  But this gathering has some unique elements that give it some distinctives.  Several things that seem ouside the norm include:

• attendance by women (of course there could always be more)
• a measure of diversity (scholars, geeks, ministers, professionals)
• a representation of Non-American ministries (Canada, France, England, Netherlands, etc.)
• good equipment / access / accomodations / atmosphere

There are a lot of really smart people here.  And I mean those who are reflecting deeply and profoundly on why we are using the internet, what for, directed at who and with what success.  There is a broad sweep of people who would argue that that online communication and real world communication are co-mingling in such a way that there are few distinctions between them.  There are equally scholarly people saying these communication experiences are totally different due to the fact that any form of communication with a technological element included differs dramatically from a real world face to face communication.  There’s also an apparent (and not surprising) distinction between generational perceptions on this topic. (Gotta remember my grad thesis was built around diffusion of innovation theory so I love that stuff!)

I enjoyed dinner last night with good conversation between a table of tweeters plus Peter Green of Agathon Group and Dr. Dave Bourgeois.

You can check out the Internet Ministry Conference blog for more.

It’s time to register for the Internet Ministry Conference in October.  You won’t want to miss this opportunity to absorb all there is to learn about ministry online if you’re anywhere near Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The speakers are amazing and literally I wish I could hear them all.

Some highlights will include:

Dr. Quentin Schultze (who I recommend here often) will present the devotional and David Russell of NCC will talk about websites.

Kent Shaffer of Church Relevance & Bombay Creative will speak about Internet Ministry Marketing and Tailored Internet Ministry.

Brad Abare of Church Marketing Sucks & the Center for Church Communication will help us define our Personality and, shall we say, frustrate, educate and motivate us towards better online endeavor.

I could talk about more speakers but the important thing is to register now if you’re looking to get educated about serious online ministry.

I’ll speak on Thursday about Your Spiritual Gift Mix Online so make sure and let me know you’ll be there so we can connect.

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