First test drive of eMentoring may be soon
We are seriously looking at using our new eMentoring tool this Christmas season. The idea is to invite our constituents to submit prayer requests and then match those up with members of our staff for prayer. Then, our staff member would type a prayer out and email it back. If we can get everything worked out, this would begin Dec 23rd.
Read More
Living in Web 2.0
One of my roles at FamilyLife is providing technology counsel to the leadership team. In order to serve well, I’ve been immersing myself in the new web, called Web 2.0. This new generation of websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail provide software services via the web rather than just information like Web 1.0.Â
Read More
FamilyLife Featured in CCC Global Prayer Journal
On a monthly basis, Campus Crusade sends out a Movements Prayer Journal that encourages global staff to pray in unity for the work of a particular group. In February, FamilyLife is priviledged to be the focus of that prayer.
Included in the 29 days of prayer includes a prayer on Sunday, Feb 3 for the “development of the new online outreach project, training thousands of mentors to give godly advice to hurting families.” What a blessing to have so many praying for this new effort we’ve been working on!
You can get a copy of the prayer journal and make it part of your prayers for February here.
Read More
Prayer Letter: The Comfort Relay
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
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.
Read More
End of 2007 Thoughts
One of the disciplines that I’ve had over the past several years is to take some time in late December to reflect on the past year. Like many people, I try to keep a journal, but I must admit I’m pretty sporadic. My journal entries this past year mostly surround my trip to England in April and the conversion of our minsitry software database in June.
This has been my first full year on the leadership team at FamilyLife. It’s been a year of growth in so many areas. I’ve been challenged in my leadership skills to lead a larger group of people than ever in my life as well as leading an organization through one of biggest changes in many years. The software change has gone pretty well, but migrating the full complexity of all major ministry functions in an organization the size of FamilyLife is pretty overwhelming. It has impacted the daily work-lives of over 200 people and that creates a lot of stress for people. It has definitely been a stretching experience.
As I look forward to 2008, I am most excited about the expected launch this year of our new eMentoring outreach. I’ve been asked to lead this overall project and there’s a lot of work to do. We’ve got to help lead the development of the software, but also chart a clear course for how to train and equip lay people to offer sound biblical advice through email. There are many other waters to negotiate as well. Please continue to pray for this.
Finally, this has been a year of growing faith. I’ve grown in my love for God and his glory and in my understanding of my own sinfulness. We’ve also been asked to exercise faith around our support as we’ve seen our reserves drained this year and enter 2008 with a significant monthly gap. However, we’ve also seen God close that gap late this year and we’re trusting that He will continue to provide for the work that He’s called us to. We’d ask for your prayers on this as well.
So, there’s my thoughts on 2007. We want to thank our friends for all your support and, ultimately, proclaim ‘Soli Deo Gloria’.
Read More
