Mobile Ministry Magazine

Digital Disciples Charlotte, 2nd Meeting Recap

2009-11-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

This past Monday was the second meeting of Digital Disciples Charlotte. Compared to the last time we met, there was double the people (six people!), and tons more stories to go around.

For this, our second meeting, I was asked to facilitate the discussion and have something of a flow to things being done. We opened up in prayer, and then had some time where we gave a small introduction (name, how long in Charlotte, and something about that 'intersection of faith and technology that brought you out to Digital Disciples'). We are a storied bunch, and I (personally) really enjoyed hearing all of the ways that we have kind of gotten to that one point. A common theme early on was transition.

We then moved into a small section of time where we just reflected on the Word a bit. I read from Proverbs 2:1-8 and talked about 5-10min on how our use of technology has to follow in the ways of Godly wisdom and understanding. How it is a good thing to acquire knowledge and use this technology, but we have to hold ourselves to a high standard of integrity if others are going to receive this gift as wisdom and understanding (applied) from us.

Honestly, I didn't want to be overly long with that section of things, but God impressed on my heart that the Word should be broken some that night.

After that I asked a discussion question that pretty much led us into the rest of the time together (about 1hr 30min total time for the evening). The question was, what are some of the ways that you are using or seeing technology being used that you can share with us to learn from? From that we talked about email adoption (and overall the speed of tech adoption) in some churches, to what constitues a tech strategy, to the effectiveness of Facebook and Twitter when groups are cross-generational, to Twitter Lists. Overall, a nice suite of topics and some of which we need to circle back around to and share best practices.

The ended in prayer and basically the same kind of fellowhsip and connecting that had been happening throughout the night. I came out of Digital Disciples Charlotte encouraged and challenged. Personally, I've been mulling over a number of things, and Monday night just kind of put me in a place where God filled me up some, and now I am challenged to live out another testimony. I'd like to say that in the next meeting that I'll have a solid success story to share of a faith-technology encounter. Hopefully, everyone else who shows up will as well.

In terms of the next meeting, the first Monday in December (Dec. 7th) is most likely going to be the date. However, that's not firm just yet. I asked the question about what other days would be suitable (and proposed Saturday, but I know how packed Saturdays in December can be). If you have some suggestions, please respond to this post, on Twitter (use the hashtag #ddclt), or at Facebook. We'd like to get a firm date as soon as possible so that people can start planning. This Monday we had one person come from Columbia, SC (about 75min south of Charlotte), so we want to be respective to distance and time where possible.

Other than that, let's continue to connect. If you would like to connect with any of us who have met at Digital Disciples Charlotte, catch us on Twitter (@susanjspaulding, @BrettQ, @itybtyctykty, @faithandhealth, @JustWarrenC, and @mobileminmag) or Facebook. Hope to connect with you next time, and stay tuned to these connected spaces for updates towards the next meeting time.

OliveTree, Maemo 5, and Logos iPhone News

2009-11-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

There has a been a number of happenings in the area of mobile bible applications. Here are the highlights of what's come in the past week+:

OliveTree Releases Symbian S60v5 Beta and updated BlackBerry and Android applications

The folks over at OliveTree have been kicking it into high gear with mobile application updates. They've released an early beta of their OliveTree Reader for Symbian S60v5 devices (Nokia 5800XM and N97, Samsung i8910, and Sony Ericsson Saito). Testing is happening in this very public beta to get feedback before making this official. So jump in by downloading the reader and giving your feedback in the OliveTree forums.

There has also been an update to the BlackBerry and Android versions of the OliveTree application. Those too can be downloaded from the mobile-enabled download page.

Maemo 5 Bible App (Katana) Development Moving Forward

The topic of a new Bible application for Nokia's Mameo5 platform has continued with some really solid success. Already, there has been some movement by a number of developers to port the existing Rapier application to Maemo5 (testing on a live device only remains there). And then for the newer application - tentitvely named Katana - there's some work being done in a basic UI, and discussions about a plug-in approach that would enable the use of paid Bibles from folks such as OliveTree, in addition to the already planned for support for Sword and Palm Bible+ bibles.

If you'd like to learn more or join the development efforts, throw your eyes and prayers into the discussion.

Logos' Bible Software App for the iPhone

Logos has also jumped into the mobile application world with its Bible software application for the iPhone. This is a free application which allows its users to read, search, cross reference, compare versions, and even set up reading plans, all from an iPhone or iPod Touch device. As with many mobile Bible applications, this one requires a wireless connection as it connects to the Bibles featured at bible.logos.com. There's tap-and-hold functionality for viewing Hebrew/Greek, verse/text comparison, and linked cross references.

If you are looking at a Bible app to compliement your Logos library, this would probably be your best bet. For more information, visit Logos' iPhone software webpage or iTunes.

Got News?

Got news about a Bible application - new application, text, or public beta programs, shoot us a note about it so that we can help you spread the word.

But There's No App For That

2009-11-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

While I feel that I should apologize for saying this, I won't. Its just the reality of the matter. There is no app for letting people know that you live in Christ and that the Holy Spirit lives in you. No widget. No development tool. No social network. No spam. Nothing. You have to live with others for them to eat from the Tree you say you belong to. Trying to put mobile, web, or otherwise in the way is thorny, immature, and self-defeating.

So before you download that next app that you want to show to familiy and friends, just remember that Jesus bears witness to the person reflecting Him, not the mobile device reflecting a piece of what He created.

A Story of Mobile and a Life Intersected (Part 2)

2009-10-30T10:00:00.003-04:00

Here's part two of one user's experience with mobile devices and its intersection with their life. Check out Part One of this story and then submit yours.

Then I heard about the upcoming [Nokia] N95. And I wanted it. That wasn't ideal as I found that Orange had sneakily locked me in for an extra 6 months (actually, they've gone and done that again this time, now I think about it, by a different method). I bought out of the contract and got me a new Nokia N95 on the day of release. Some people had all sorts of problems with the device, but mine has been going strong with regular daily use for over two and a half years. There's no silver left on some of the buttons (and hasn't been for a long time). But it's still up and running.

The N95 uses the Symbian operating system, which brought me back into the realm of available software: Olive Tree Bible means I can always turn up a reference when requested. E-Reader saves me taking a case full of books when I travel (or it did – these days everything I want seems to require a US credit card). A card full of MP3 files means I am never without a range of music (and I have a cable to connect it to the car radio). I don't carry files - data protection is a hot topic within my circles.

Then last autumn, I invested in a netbook. In conjunction with a phone dongle, I now have the full internet anywhere there's a signal. I chose the netbook with windows on because of the dongle plug and play, and it has given me access to anything I can possibly need: Open Office, Firefox browser, email, and I can run the Methodist liturgy programme and such things. I even use it as a music player for dance practice. On holiday, I carry a camera cable, and turn my blog into a travelogue. The netbook nicely fits into my handbag.

And these days my primary phone is a c905. (The N95 has my work sim-card). I have to say I am not impressed. It has all the limitations of the k750i but has none of the advantages: the build quality extremely poor, and the camera, while boasting a wealth of megapixels lacks either the excellent software of the k750i or the optical lens of the N95.

Which brings me to where I am now... looking for something to replace the c905 as my primary phone (because the case it broken, the earpiece doesn't work and it's now having problems charging). I've looked at the Sony Ericsson Satio (but I'm wary of SE after the c905), I've looked at the HTC HD2 (But I actively dislike the capacitive screen, and the camera is weak). So I've almost settled on a Nokia N900. If I could just get the nerve up to click that 'buy now' button.

As for using devices for 'my ministry', I suppose I'm not sure how that works for two reasons. Firstly because I'm nervous of pretending that my history of gadgets is anything other than a closet materialism that just enjoys toys. It can be easy to make 'holy' noises to cover up the bits of our humanity we're less proud of, and I wouldn't want to do that. And secondly, I'm not sure I make a distinction between my 'ministry' and other aspects of my life. If I support someone who's having a tough time over Twitter or Skype, is that 'ministry'?

If my teddy bear chats to children struggling with understanding a death in the family, or offers his stories free for worship leaders and teachers on his website, is that ministry? Is my presence in various communities 'ministry'? To me, it's all just me, being the person I am called to be wherever I am, online or off. Loving people and God to the best of my (limited) ability in whatever environment. And enjoying playing with the tools God has blessed me with. ;-)

The Closing Arguments (Mobile as Humbling)

2009-10-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

Read this as I was finishing a work-week. And while my mind thinks often on the subject of mobile, sometimes, it takes really real stories of what's being done to help me gather perspective. This was one of those. Here's a snippet:

...She watched as I showed her how the application could download images, and how doctors could make annotations, and add dictations, and I explained how another doctor could open the application across the globe “While on vacation in France, perhaps.” and listen to the dictations and read the annotations. She stared at me in utter disbelief as I went through the images, and turned the application to landscape mode and zoomed in and out. I retold the story of how a retina problem could lead to blindness if not immediately treated, as her young assistant, who had now moved in for a closer look, stared at the iPhone screen...

Read the rest of The Closing Argument at the iPhone BioTech Blog.

Really, there's not much more that I can say from this except to quote what an MMM partner once told me: technology is only relevant when it is personal. Let's make sure that in all our use of mobile, that we are truly keeping God and our hearts in the right place.

MMM Started 5 Years Ago

2009-10-26T23:35:00.000-04:00

It was five years ago. I was sitting in my mother's house, unemployeed and discouraged. I wondered quietly and aloud why it was that God had me go back to Philly, when I simply wanted to just move to Charlotte - not even regarding the lack of money in my pocket. I just knew that I wasn't supposed to be in Philly long. But I sat and wept, wondering what would be next on my plate.

After weeks of prayer and tears, I started asking around if it would benefit people in the Body to have a reference place for issues relating to mobile technology. If you will, what would a magazine look like to them that spoek about PDAs and the software that made them work. I asked about BIble readers, electronic bibles, and even the mobile web - was it relevant. I knew it would be, but wasn't sure that it would fit where people's minds and hearts were.

So with the Lord's guidance, I created the first issue of Mobile Ministry Magazine. Nothing complicated, just a few articles cribbed together from things I wrote at Brighthand (then BargainPDA) and a few items I felt would be good for a nice read.

I sent it to 25 people. Not one of them read it. I waited a week or two and sent to another 25 people. They too didn't read it. My fiance at the time didn't read it. My best friend didn't read it (immediately). I was again discouraged.

A few weeks later, I was granted a job interview in the DC Metro area, then the job. I moved and MMM became a memory of sorts. It came back to the top of my mind in April of 2005. Then I asked GOd why? Why create something that people clearly didn't want to read - despite spoken interest? He said to use a blog. So I did.

The blog was started in April 2005 - the other anniversary date for MMM. Sometime between now and then, maybe this site will finally meet that goal of just being read. Just being a place set at teh foundation of mobile tech and faith where people can see, learn, dream, and move towards God. Or maybe, it s still just a few years too early. And I'm being given a chance to get that 10,000 hours in for something bigger. I'm not really sure to be honest. But upon this anniversary of MMM, its clearly something of a milestone to be thankful for, and to be watchful to.

I wonder if this site can rock out another 5 years.

BibleTech 2010 in San Jose, California

2009-10-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Preparations for BibleTech 2010 Conference has recently been published and this one will be held in San Jose, California. Here are some of the particulars:

BibleTech explores the intersection of Bible study and technology. This two-day conference is designed for publishers, programmers, webmasters, educators, bloggers and anyone interested in using technology to improve Bible study. BibleTech 2010 is an opportunity to meet others who share your interests and hear from industry leaders.

This year's conference will be occurring on March 26-27. Check out the BibleTech Conference website for more information concerning registration and costs.

If you are looking to be a presenter, the call for papers is now open. Get your topics in and make sure that they are solid, relevant, and something that sparks conversation. I can attest that a good topic keeps people talking.

A tech note, take many batteries for your mobile devices. There's a lot of tech talk and you will be online and on social networks all the time.

Again, for more information, check out the BibleTech Conference website. Hope to see you there.

A Story of Mobile and a Life Intersected (Part 1)

2009-10-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

I think I started with something called a Velo by Philips. It was a little pocket pc, running a version of windows. It came with a very expensive modem which could connect at tiny speeds. But I loved it. I had two of those (they had quite a short lifespan) and an HP PDA of some sort. It enabled me to collect email when I wasn't at home, to carry the odd document, and to keep a synched diary on the desktop.

Then came my first real 'converged' device: a treo600 running palmOS. It was my first experience of Palm, and I can understand the love for it. I was bowled over by what it could do - Bible, book reader, music player, diary, email, I had a programme that told me what the lectionary was and somewhere to make notes on thoughts if I had a moment to spare somewhere. I had programmes for prayer and a whole host of things. I joined a community (My Treo.net) who were all as excited as I was, got to know some of the developers, and even spent a bit of time as a moderator there. I still have the T shirt (literally!) Sadly, my Treo died. The Treo600 didn't have a removable battery, so when the battery stopped holding charge out of sheer over-use, it was time to give it a decent burial. I deeply regretted that – and would never buy a device without a replaceable battery as a result.

The Treo died at an inconvenient moment, leaving me little choice but to rush into the nearest orange store and get a phone, quick. I walked out with a Sony Ericsson k750i. Compared with the Treo, it was a helpless creature. I managed to squeeze a bible on to it (using java) and my shopping list (Smart Shopper). I could sync my diary with outlook, but that tended to goof, so I used a little programme called My Sony Ericsson, from the people at Kyocera.

What I DID gain from it was a decent camera. The k750i boasted a 2mp camera – which for a phone was quite some beast at the time. And it was a cracking little camera. I found myself taking photos in the oddest places. Living in Cornwall, it was not at all unknown for me to pull up the car, leap out and grab a photo. I took to posting them on my blog. I guess that's the nearest I got to a truly 'theological' use of the device. I live in a glorious part of the creation, and I have no-one with whom to share the beauty around me. By always carrying a decent camera phone, I can share the loveliness with friends online. That's important to me: the thankfulness I feel is seldom put into words, but think people realise why I keep taking photos. And people seem to follow my blog for the pics among other things, because it makes them smile.

This is a reader submitted post; well, more like a person I asked about their experience with mobile devices and this was the result. Part one anyways. Stay tuned for part two. To submit your story, use the Contact page.

Think Smaller

2009-10-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Think Smaller (via @compassion thru @ClydeTaber and #VSN)

Couple of VSN Notes

2009-10-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

Since the Visual Story Network Summit last month, I've had a number of happenings around things related to MMM and outside ministry interests. So much so, that I've had to restart some prayers towards increasing my time and attention towards MMM and these other pieces.

Until a decision is made though, there are a few notes about the Visual Story Network that I'd like to share in the hopes that you, or those whom you live/minister with who are involved in the visual arts would have an additional outlet towards life and ministry.

The first item of note is that there are several initiatives that have come out of the September summit. These have galvanized into virtual groups that have met a few times already in many cases. These groups are all designed around the idea that media platforms are moving from just preaching and printing platforms, to a platform that also portrays Christ. Check out the Groups section of VSN and read some about what is going on.

Another item - more along the mobile angle - is that of the investigation of what a mobile media ministry/platform looks like. I sat in on half of a call with a few other folks who are interested in this, and there's a group started and notes from that call. Check it out and get involved if you are interested in this. One thing that I can say from just sitting in on the call is that its very important that MMM does a better job of presenting examples of what has been and will be working in this area. Its a huge world of mobile to cover.

Lastly, I want to remind you to stay tuned to VSN as next year's summit seems as if it will be much deeper and bigger than this year's. I've just got a feeling that the next one isn't one to be missed and will further encourage, equip, and empower a lot of missions and missionaries, local and global, for Christ. And who knows, maybe more folks will be presenting towards the effect of mobile ;)

Uhmmm...

2009-10-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

The image keeps changing. Wonder if they are going to break the mobile market wide open?

Finally! Get MMM via SMS with Pingie

2009-10-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

I can't tell you how long I've been looking for a means to do this, but it seems that I might have finally found a way to enable you - the reader - to keep up with MMM without using an RSS reader.

Check out this beta service called Pingie. Pingie is basically a service that turns RSS feeds into SMS messages (read more). No app needed, and definitely painless to setup. You simply create a profile and then that's it. The service also supports plenty of mobile web and SMS-based commands to get some better use/admin out of the service.

Currently, Pingie supports US carriers only (possibly Canada, the website wasn't clear on this). I'd recommend Google Lab's SMS Channels for those in India and supported countries as an alternative to Pingie. For either, you'd need to have an account, so do be sure to read all of the terms of service, and make sure that your SMS plan fits this kind of use

For more information about Pingie, check out their website. Here's the direct link to add MMM to Pingie or you can add your mobile number in below to get the SMS updates.

By the way, if you know of other RSS to SMS services, do list those in the comments below. We'd be happy to post about them, or just create a massive connect page for these items :)

Bringing Back the Bible Widget

2009-10-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

MMM was recently asked about the availability of the Bible widget we spoke about some time back. Unfortunately, this was merely an idea, not a real-deal application.

That being said, this is a really good idea, and something that I think most folks should be able to use easily. Considering also that many mobile widget platforms are simply HTML/CSS/JS components, this could potentially be developed very quickly. The sticky is making it compatible with the various APIs of every bible reader out there. That part would be hard, but could ultmately be most valuable.

How valuable? As a developer or publisher think of it like this: the API allows a person to taste your offerings for free. But to dive deeper, if you will, to gain that deeper integration, you can use that widget as a window to your other, deeper offerings. While many might not bite on that, those that do will be lasting customers. Something to think about. So, to those looking for ways to penetrate the mobile market, here's another door. Keep it open source and you gain something even more for short and long-term efforts.

Open Source Bible Discussion Continues at Talk.Maemo

2009-10-12T10:00:00.001-04:00

Just in case you've missed the posting over at Twitter, the chatter about developing an open source Bible reader for the newly announced Nokia N900 has started back up. Good comments in there, as well as some developers talking about what it would take to do so. Join the discussion, and maybe even assist in the effort.

And by the way of this discussion, if anyone knows of any open source (free or low-cost) multi-lingual dictionaries, please point out a few in the comments. There's a need for this for this Bible effort and other ministry efforts going on currently. Thanks in advance.

Relationships. Technology. Faith.

2009-10-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

In Charlotte this past Monday, I became a part of what could be a major milestone in my life - and definitely in the lives of others. The first meeting of Digital Disciples has just happened. Digital Disciples is actually the product of Gave Tavino and I was one of many people that he's asked to see about interest in a Digital Disciples group in Charlotte, NC. What can I say, I like discipliship.

Tonight's meeting was pretty much just an interest meeting. We just established basic communication with one another. We talked :)

The other two persons who were there tonight were Dale Fletcher and Susan Spalding. Weirdly enough, I sat back for a while when I made it to the venue, I want to watch them for a bit before engaging them. And that was good, both Susan and Dale have a lot that I can learn from.

During this time of just building an initial relationship, we talked about what we expect to get out of this kind of group and two key things stuck out to me: establishing a core group and paying attention to the context of those who'd like to be a part of this group whether walking in the Faith or not. Being one who is already mentoring/discipling a number of people, I see Digital Disciples as just another branch on the tree God is planting me to be. And at the same time, I think He'll use Digital Disciples to further tweak areas I'm not so strong in.

At the end of the night it was clear though that our hearts were definitely knit towards making Digital Disciples Charlotte a place where people can and will mature in the faith. It will be very interesting towards seeing how God leads us from this point as I think one of the best things is that not all of those interested have showed up yet. That part will definitely add a good kind of sweetness to the tea.

Until next month though, there will just have to be prayer and administration work done. Thankfully, there's something of a piece of groundwork that is happening. From Twitter, to Facebook, to SMS messaging (yea!), we'll be working towards getting the word out. So stay tuned, and at the same time keep prayerful. Technology is only a doorway. The key is all things should point us towards maturing in our relationships with God and others by grace through faith. Beyond that, its just tech.

To find out more about Digital Disciples, make sure to visit the website and click on the Local Gatherings tab. There will be some info posted here, Twitter, Facebook, and a few other places as to how to get connected and what's coming in the next meetings, so stay tuned.

Here's the hCal event for the next meeting:

November 2, 2009 7 - 8:30pm : Digital Disciples Charlotte at Dilworth Coffee Ballentyne, Charlotte, NC

Where Innovation in Mobile Lies Next

2009-10-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

I ranted this topic/subject on my personal blog, but really it can be summed up in saying that innovation within mobile has nothing to do with applications or devices, it has everything to do with empowerment, education, and enablement.

When the Body is ready to step into mobile - shoot, technology period - in that fashion, then we change things.

Digital Disciples Lands in Charlotte

2009-10-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

When I was in Seattle earlier this year for the BibleTech Conference when I heard from and connected with Gabe Taviano from Digital Disciples. Suffice to say, after meeting him, conversing a few times, and listening to his presentation, I was totally moved to see how MMM and Digital Disciples could work together towards tilling the landscape in terms of using technology as a component towards maturing believers after Christ.

This past Monday evening will be the first meeting of the Charlotte "campus" of Digital Disciples. Considering that I'm writing this a good 4 days before that happens, you'll have to stay tuned to Facebook or Twitter (#DigitalDisciples, #DigitalDisciplesCLT, and @mobileminmag) for updates. Nevertheless, its a really good thing that if you are anywhere near a Digital Disciples' plant that you should check out.

IMPORTANT!!! - before some folks get up and arms. Digital Disciples is not designed to replace churches, its designed to augment them by offering technology-enabled discipleship that will lead to greater involvement into and by the local Body. Personally speaking, I look forward to this as items such as the 4Cs and segments like Parents and Mobile Kids will get more face-time in front of the Body.

There's no denying that this is needed. And in terms of MMM's mission to educate and edify at the intersection of faith and mobile technology, we are totally making a point to be a part of this movement.

For more information, especially towards looking to start a Digital Disciple's branch where you are - internationally too - check out the Digital Disciples website. Hope to see you in Charlotte or beyond :D

Setting an Effective Mobile Strategy

2009-10-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

Setting up and executing an effective mobile strategy is something that comes up a lot when at conferences or during engagements with various (and prospective) clients. The easy thing to say about that is that you have to have a mobile strategy (speaking solely in terms of faith-based endeavors). Its not an issue of if you will need it, but that you do and need to go about it with much clearer planning an your internet strategy.

Now, without giving away too much of what allows Inner-Linked to survive ;) I will let you in on a few things that you should be mindful of when thinking about "going mobile" on an organizational level.

First, understand that mobile is just a window into interaction, not the only door, and should definitely not be the last door. Its a handshake, treat it as such.
SMS is more effective than a website; so don't get caught up in mobile web and applications, yet
Do take advantage of mobile learning via apps and websites already created for mobile use (for example, YouVersion Live)
Finally, just try something; mobile is still too new to say that everything won't work. So try something, learn from it, and move to the next door/handshake.

Much like the Mayo Clinic is finding out, you need to have and think hard about a strategy before moving forward. But you have to move, its part of the commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and its the present and future.

In Light of the Last Post...

2009-10-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

Not long after penning the last post, I came across this link to a rant from another perspective of idoltry and how our affluence just sometimes looks really bad. I don't want to dig into the entire post, but there was a part of the rant that stuck out just from what I've dealt with personally on this issue:

...Yesterday I had students begging me for a copy of the Portuguese NIV Study Bible. If they only knew that people in America are spending the equivalent of several months salary on yet one more Bible when their shelves are already sagging from the weight of an endless collection of devotional Bibles and study Bibles in colors to match your every Sunday outfit and target each and every consumer niche...

The entire post with several comments is here, but the explaination of it in better detail and context is over at Think Christian (by the same author).

In light of our gifts, we are also responsible to those who have not.

Idolizing Technology over Spiritual Development

2009-09-30T10:00:00.003-04:00

A very simple commandment simply states: ...have no other gods before Me (Deut 5:7-10). And given the Person that said it, one would think that we'd at least have that part down when it comes to mobile and web technology. But we don't.

Hence this simple reminder to make sure that you are taking active - not passive - steps towards making sure that you are not putting technology and its uses over your/your family's/your church's spiritual development. Some of these active steps include:

Having at least one section of your day where technology is put out of your physical presence to talk to God and your family face-to-face if possible;
Placing and enforcing boundaries on tech use (for example: no laptops or smartphones in bed after dinner time);
Teaching about accountability in tech with your children, mentees, and disciples and what that looks like in a healthly, spirit-filled lifestyle;
and, putting away those pieces of technology that you continue to grapple with long-standing sins/vices with, then seeking godly council towards healing your heard, heart, body, and spirit.

I'm accuetly aware of the challenges that many of us have in this area. But I don't want you to get into a position where you feel that you have no other choice but the tech in front of you. Take God at his word and ask for (then walk out on) wisdom and understanding in this arena.

If you are a parent and looking for a way to talk to your kids about this, check out our Parents and Mobile Kids series which dives into this a bit more. Yes, technology moves fast, and its sometimes harder to see the idols when you are dealing with your own, but this series is designed to help you engage that conversation with your families.

Above all don't allow anything to take away your eyes and heart from the God who redeemed you. Of all the things you can do in thanks, being mature in your use of tech is one big one.

The Handshake Idea

2009-09-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

You ever have one of those moments when you have a presentation, but moments before you go up, you realize that one of the analogies that you wanted to use to frame your presentation was way off?

That happened to me while in LA for the VSN Summit. And it was probably the best thing that could have happened - as I've been able to reflect on things. You see, even though I had this nice slide deck ready to go. I really was a stranger in the mist of this group of media vetrans and innovators. That is, until I started introducing myself to them.

When it came time for me to speak (#3 of the first day), I had the exact metaphor that worked not only for the presentation topic, but for exactly the impression that I think people should be getting from a mobile-enabled lifestyle: a handshake.

One of the things about a handshake is that it is almost like getting a second chance for a first impression. Someone might look a particular way, but once you've been introduced and the handshake happens, your perceptions adapt and change. That's a good thing, physical and personal interactions should cause us to change our perceptions of people and the world around us. Its my hope that one of the uses of mobiles within the Body would follow along a similar action-set. That the introduction of mobile enabled services and applications would extend another chance for someone to get to know us just as much as we want to introduce them to our faith.

And to be honest, I think its something that could work - just given the response from those at the summit. You see, I don't think that its just about the development environment, bling, applications, or even the ability of us to be connected that makes the point that mobile is useful in ministry. Its that avenue with mobile that we take that invites others to want to change their perceptions of us.

This is something that can happen with mobile devices, apps, or whatever. But we go to others in full confidence that God will take our faith in that moment and produce something that will someday turn into a part of life that glorifies Him. We go into those communicative events hands open so to speak. Our hands - while holding a mobile device - are open with the possibilities that someone wants to connect with us and see just how our lives are intersecting with theirs at that point.

Its just an idea, and it could be fleshed out in so many ways - hence the title being called an idea. But, its something that I think many times, if we just grasp the fact that our mobiles are a part of just presenting an open handshake to Christ, that we could have that second chance to use that fourth screen for a first impression that just might take us all to an eternal joy. Your thoughts?

Updates from Internet Evangelism Day

2009-09-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

Here are some updates from the folks over at Internet Evangelism Day:

Church Website Opportunities

'Desperately Seeking Lodgers' is a new short parable from Internet Evangelism Day, highlighting the need for church websites to be people-oriented. '"We need more lodgers," said Maria Silversmith to her husband Milo one evening...'

www.internetevangelismday.com/church-evangelism.php

Campaign for Prominent URLs

Internet Evangelism Day has initiated CPU - the 'Campaign for Prominent URLs', to encourage churches to display their website URL in large readable letters, so that passing motorists can easily see it.

www.internetevangelismday.com/church-website-publicity.php

The Church Website Design Questionnaire

The Church Website Design Questionnaire has become a valued tool for many churches. It provides a custom report, based on the answers a church webmaster enters online, suggesting ways to make the church site more attractive and user-friendly to outsiders.

www.internetevangelismday.com/church-website-design.php

Popular Culture - A Forgotten Gift

Internet Evangelism Day suggests that Christians do not often use a God-given evangelistic starting point - popular culture. "Suppose God sent you a letter. And in it, He offered you a gift – a simple evangelistic approach similar to the parables that Jesus used. Something that would engage with people’s interests, and employ a common language and experience. Would you want to use it?"

www.internetevangelismday.com/popular-culture.php

Online Training for Digital Ministry

Internet Evangelism Day lists a range of new resources to help Christians learn more about online ministry:

www.internetevangelismday.com/training.php

Speakers Available for Conferences

If you need a speaker about any aspect of digital evangelism for a conference, fraternal, staff consultation or Bible College, you can now request a speaker from Internet Evangelism Day’s panel of experts, available in a number of countries around the world. When traveling distance is a problem, most are also available to linkup via a Skype or telephone conference session.

www.internetevangelismday.com/speaker.php

Using Contact Cards for Outreach

Contact cards are an often-overlooked way to enhance a face-to-face interaction. As well as carrying your personal information, a card can invite people to visit a church website, and/or some recommended outreach sites that explain the Gospel clearly to outsiders. Internet Evangelism Day has a webpage explaining strategies for using contact cards, with a guide about using online design and print services to make your own cards quickly and easily. Pricing for 250 cards can be remarkably cheap - only a few pennies or cents each.

www.internetevangelismday.com/contact-card.php

Advance Notice of Internet Evangelism Day 2010

Internet Evangelism Day, the annual web-ministry focus day for churches, is set for April 25 2010. To mark the day, churches can create a short program, using free downloads from the IE Day site: Powerpoint, video clips, handouts and music, to investigate and showcase the huge potential for outreach using the Web.

www.internetevangelismday.com

For these and other information from Internet Evangelism Day check out their blog.

Accountability After the Presentation

2009-09-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

If I had to rank my experiences of the Visual Story Network Summit, it would have to be one of the questions that I was asked after presenting:

(Paraphrased) Can I ask you a question? And you can be honest with me, I hope that you are. Do you send text messages while you drive? I looked at him blankly, impressed, and convicted - simply saying that "yes, I do SMS while driving.

At that moment, everything that I spoke in that presentation meant nothing, as I showed by that answer my clear selfishness towards tech over people.

For all of the adrenaline that I had going through me, feeling a lot like I did a horrible job - that question not only slapped me back to reality, but in so many respects, leveled the kind of accountability to mobile that I many times do not display at all.

Truly, I've thought about that question all weekend; and today when driving back and forth to/from the office, I picked up my mobile intending to SMS a few people, only to remember that for all that I have in my hands, the lives of others on the road are so much more important.

Christ asks us simply to give our lives for someone else. When we text while driving, we are being selfish; taking the inventory call that their lives matter less than our own. Totally convicted by that moment, I'm changed. I hope that in Christ's stead, and as accountabilty for yourself and others around you, that you would consider putting down the mobile while driving as well.

Scribbles from VSN

2009-09-21T18:12:00.003-04:00

Greetings and blessings to all. This past week I attended the Visual Story Network Summit and had a great time connecting and engaging the hearts and minds of a slew of incredible people. Besides my own presentation, there were a number of panels and presentations from others much more versed in the art and ministry of digital story telling that I. And yet, I felt very much in the company of equals.

Many of you are visiting MMM for the first time today (and in the coming days) and so a lot of what you might find here can be deep or overly technical. Don't let that discourage you from searching the site. Concerning mobile and ministry, there's a lot that has been talked about here over the course of the last 4-5 years. That being said, here's a bit of the notes that I scribbled on the last day of the VSN Summit that will end up being content topics here in the posts/days to come:

"Copy the Master", 4Cs Framework, Mentoring with Mobile (The Handshake Idea), Idolizing Technology over Spiritual Development, Accountability after the Presentation, Mobile as A Windows into God's Story, Best Practices in Spiritual and Mobile COmmunication, Generalized COmmunication Issues Exposed by Mobile, Pointing People to VSN and Other Mobile Video Thoughts, Instead of Making Networks - Be a Network, Face the Book, and Creating a Mobile Story Project

All of those are subjects and titles of posts to come. There's certainely some more beyond those as well. I'd like to invite you to join MMM for a ride into those things next. And at the same time, feel open to ask questions and seek answers where your life intersects with mobile technology.

As for me, I've been challenged to live in faith concerning MMM. I have no clue of what to do, or what is right, only that God and the Body are requiring me to lead more than I ever have before. Your prayers are definitely petitioned for.

And by the way, if she's reading, I'll be looking for that Palm Pre video review :)

Whether mobile or something else, God's story is the greatest story that so many people have never heard/smelled/seen/touched. Wanna help a bro change that?

The 4th Screen Reinvents the 1st Chance

2009-09-17T14:00:00.001-04:00

I've got a small but probably good-working theory about mobile and many people who are categorized as being "unreached:" I think that mobile presents the opportunity to reach them - personally, effectively, and consistently.

Its been my experience that mobile isn't an answer though, its another tool on the utility belt, that when used in light of its positive and negative implications, can have a profound impact on the teacher and student alike towards maturing in Christ.

Its to that end and this point that I'm speaking in Los Angeles right about as this is going up at the Visual Story Network's 2009 Leadership Summit Conference. I was asked to speak on the subject of mobile, specifically where it fits in a world where visual media (film, movie, YouTube, etc.) has become a driver behind many evangelical influences.

Mobile is only a piece though to the entire puzzle. There's more than just visual media that's effected by mobile, and certainly there are more areas to which these lessons in mobile can be applied.

What is clear though is that every new technological paradigm gives us a second chance to make that first impression. That impression being that Jesus truly is the Way, the Truth, and the Life to which we not just find peace towards living, but a hope towards living with Him next.

To those not able to be at the conference, I hope that you can enjoy the presentation slides, and chime in via Twitter (@mobileminmag). Mobile is only the 4th screen, but the chance to impact someone with Christ's life/love is something that we can't let wait until a second meeting.