Harnessing The Power of Online Social Networks

We live in an amazing time! Through the use of blogs, email, and social networks we are now able to connect and keep in touch with people we would have never been able to through conventional forms. I'd like to pose a few questions of much debate within my network of friends.

A social network service focuses on the building and verifying of online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others, and which necessitates the use of software. (courtesy of wikipedia)


1. Should the church harness the power of social networks to increase connectedness within the church community?

2. INS (Internal Social Networking) vs. ESN (External Social Networking) what's the difference? Which one better serves the church and the great commandment?

3. What are some practical ways the church can use online social networks?

New Blog!!!

My Church is trying out the whole "blogging" thing. Check it out at beachpointchurch.blogspot.com

iPhone Breakdown

So I broke down and bought one. Yes, I bought an iPhone. It's amazing...blah...blah..blah. You know the hype. I love it more than my blackberry. My blackberry was an emailing machine, but the iPhone has coeherced me. It's so sleek and sexy. Well there you go.

Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches and Church Programming

Something was missing today at my local Starbucks. It wasn't the coffee, pastries, ethos water, or latest version of cranium. It was the breakfast sandwiches and wraps. If you didn't know Howard Schultz is back and he's cleaning house. One of his first moves is to get rid of the breakfast sandwiches. He feels that it interferes with the "aroma" of the Starbucks brand. As much as I am a lover of the Starbucks brand breakfast sandwich, I've got to give Schultz credit. He's decided that even though a breakfast sandwich can be great to provide as a product to consumers, it's not what the Starbucks brand is about. He's come back in and is "refocusing" the company. Hallelujah!
Let's bring this story into the church paradigm. How many of us have programs or sacred cows that should have died of years ago? Why are we scared to trim the fat? I think there is a lot to be learned from Starbucks and Schultz. Even though you could provide a product that your customers like, in the end, the product or program is excess that doesn't really speak to who you are. Let's be honest, leave the breakfast sandwich to McDonald's and leave the coffee to Starbucks.
I'd love to hear what you'll think. So feel free to post away!