Carpe digital
I shared a session called carpe digital at last night's leadership seminar. Thought I'd share the main thought.
In 1893, a ten thousand dollar Congressional appropriation established RFD or rural free delivery. Up until that point, rural Americans had to ride their horse into town to pick up their mail at the general store. RFD provided mail service to rural residents for the first time.
Two entrepreneurs named Aaron Montgomery Ward and Richard Sears spotted a business opportunity. They saw a new distribution channel for their products. They produced so many catalogs that they were the second most widely read books in the country behind the Bible at the turn of the 20th century. They redeemed a new medium--rural free delivery--and turned it into a distribution channel.
That is what podcasting and webcasting and blogging are all about. Jesus told us to go into all the world, but he didn't specify how. It used to be traditional modes of transportation--ships, horses, and airplanes. But digital technology is a new mode of transporation, a new distribution channel, a new medium. We've got to redeem every technology and use it for God's purposes! The message is sacred, but the medium isn't.
I talked about a few distribution channels last night:
Podcasting is circuit riding at the speed of light.
Blogging is digital discipleship.
Video technology turns screens into postmodern stained glass.
Websites are virtual front doors.
Email is word of mouse.
As new technologies emerge so do new distribution channels for the gospel.
What a time to be alive! Our generation has greater potential to fulfill the Great Commission than all previous generations combined.
Carpe digital.
In 1893, a ten thousand dollar Congressional appropriation established RFD or rural free delivery. Up until that point, rural Americans had to ride their horse into town to pick up their mail at the general store. RFD provided mail service to rural residents for the first time.
Two entrepreneurs named Aaron Montgomery Ward and Richard Sears spotted a business opportunity. They saw a new distribution channel for their products. They produced so many catalogs that they were the second most widely read books in the country behind the Bible at the turn of the 20th century. They redeemed a new medium--rural free delivery--and turned it into a distribution channel.
That is what podcasting and webcasting and blogging are all about. Jesus told us to go into all the world, but he didn't specify how. It used to be traditional modes of transportation--ships, horses, and airplanes. But digital technology is a new mode of transporation, a new distribution channel, a new medium. We've got to redeem every technology and use it for God's purposes! The message is sacred, but the medium isn't.
I talked about a few distribution channels last night:
Podcasting is circuit riding at the speed of light.
Blogging is digital discipleship.
Video technology turns screens into postmodern stained glass.
Websites are virtual front doors.
Email is word of mouse.
As new technologies emerge so do new distribution channels for the gospel.
What a time to be alive! Our generation has greater potential to fulfill the Great Commission than all previous generations combined.
Carpe digital.
10 Comments:
Great job last night in the seminar. I was inspired to be better. You have been a great example of where I want to be in the days ahead. Appreciate the time.
Becoming Greek!
Love it!
That is a great illustration of how the new channels can play such an important role in the expansion/distribution of the Gospel. Distribute where the world is, not where we are.
Fantastic post. Thanks for the encouragement.
Digital discipleship - I love it. That has got me thinking!
All those wondering who will be the next Billy Graham should read this and understand they are asking the wrong question
Good stuff! My struggle is that sometimes it's easier to connect to someone across the country than to someone across the street.
Mark
I heard a message you taught at the Innovate conference last year at Granger and learned you had plans to plant a church in the Northshore of Chicago when you where at Seminary. From your discussion it sounded like it never fully got off the ground. I am a transplant (from Philly) to the North Shore and am working at a church in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. However, my wife and I have gotten a burden for the North Shore, but have struggled finding a church from Wilmette to Highland Park we could connect with. I am not sure if it is a God thing yet, but part of me would love to see a new church planted in this area. I would love to hear some of your insight on the area and your experience trying to start a church in the North Shore. BTW, enjoy your dip dish while in Chi this weekend, but I am still partial to East Coast pizza . . . and I really miss my Philly cheesesteak.
David Burton
davidburtonjr@gmail.com
Great Job, great leadersip lesson
BrentD
www.bestwebsermons.com
A friend of mine here in Buffalo was just talking about a dream of future...evangelicopter transport. He was kidding, but wished he could just go where he needed to be for the Lord. I read your blog and sent him a copy, he has done digital video on amissions trip and produced a powerful yet fun video short that has been used to reach younger guys and girls that might not have otherwise wanted to go on mission. I sent him this link to your blog because he is using digital discipleship...shouldn't we all be.
Thanks Mark.
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