Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.—2 Cor 1:3-4
Have you ever been able to comfort someone facing a trial because you’ve been through that same thing before? Didn’t it help bring some meaning to your trial? Scripture tells us that one of the reasons God comforts us is for us to pass it on to others. It’s part of the good work that God has prepared for us to do.
Yet, for most believers, the opportunities for this kind of ministry are limited. We know too few people and, with a growing trend toward hectic schedules and isolated lives, the opportunities are dwindling. Yet, there is one place where people are increasingly connected and transparent. Online.
This week, I’ll be traveling to Toronto to meet with the leadership of Power To Change (formerly Campus Crusade — Canada) to, Lord willing, make FamilyLife part of a groundbreaking venture. Software development is already well underway on a new type of social network designed around the idea of connecting those with life questions to others who’ve faced similar issues before and are equipped to help. This eMentoring program is being pursed by FamilyLife as a central part of our strategy to enable ministry by lay partners.
Soon, if the Lord blesses this new initiative, you may be able to enroll as a FamilyLife eMentor. You could specify, for example, that you’re experienced and available in the areas of Teen Parenting and Communication and would be available to take up to 5 messages per week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Then, this newly developed software would deliver ministry opportunities right to your inbox! You can even get started just volunteering to answer prayer requests.
Of course, there are plenty of challenges still to be tackled. How do we ensure that the advise given by lay volunteers is biblical? How do we go about recruiting mentors or mentees? What should the training look like? What about security? We are prayerfully working through those issues, but the possibilities are staggering.
Ask yourself where today’s generation goes to find answers. The Internet, of course. Whether it’s Google or Facebook, people today leverage the enormous info online to get everything from recipes to weight loss advice. Just as significant is the transparency that an anonymous online conversation promotes.
So let me know your thoughts on this. Email me or comment on this story on the blog. Would you be interested in being a part of this? What problems or promise do you see? Also, please pray for me to have wisdom in leadership and for the team that is helping to bring it to fruition.
Yet, for most believers, the opportunities for this kind of ministry are limited. We know too few people and, with a growing trend toward hectic schedules and isolated lives, the opportunities are dwindling. Yet, there is one place where people are increasingly connected and transparent. Online.
This week, I’ll be traveling to Toronto to meet with the leadership of Power To Change (formerly Campus Crusade — Canada) to, Lord willing, make FamilyLife part of a groundbreaking venture. Software development is already well underway on a new type of social network designed around the idea of connecting those with life questions to others who’ve faced similar issues before and are equipped to help. This eMentoring program is being pursed by FamilyLife as a central part of our strategy to enable ministry by lay partners.
Soon, if the Lord blesses this new initiative, you may be able to enroll as a FamilyLife eMentor. You could specify, for example, that you’re experienced and available in the areas of Teen Parenting and Communication and would be available to take up to 5 messages per week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Then, this newly developed software would deliver ministry opportunities right to your inbox! You can even get started just volunteering to answer prayer requests.
Of course, there are plenty of challenges still to be tackled. How do we ensure that the advise given by lay volunteers is biblical? How do we go about recruiting mentors or mentees? What should the training look like? What about security? We are prayerfully working through those issues, but the possibilities are staggering.
Ask yourself where today’s generation goes to find answers. The Internet, of course. Whether it’s Google or Facebook, people today leverage the enormous info online to get everything from recipes to weight loss advice. Just as significant is the transparency that an anonymous online conversation promotes.
So let me know your thoughts on this. Email me or comment on this story on the blog. Would you be interested in being a part of this? What problems or promise do you see? Also, please pray for me to have wisdom in leadership and for the team that is helping to bring it to fruition.
