Is this board needed?

[Nik P.]

I asked, "How do we know what God wants from us?" But, I think that was too subtle. The real question is, "Do we need this board?"

Are we now able "to support and recognize gifts of ministry in an organic community of believers" in a group or groups at simplechurch.com?? Or, is it too divisive an atmosphere with too few safeguards to promote Christian collegiality? Where do we feel comfortable and supported?

Any prophetic voices on what God's view might be here? See Also.

[Aida]

Nik, you are truly an amazing woman! So many people want to hold on to their thing but your willingness to let go is wonderful.

I’m not going to answer your question directly because, to be quite honest, I’ve had no problems at SC. Of course, that has to do with my lack of interest in controversial topics. Since I’m not interested in doctrinal discussions, I don’t participate. I just skim those topics, mainly for the purpose of understanding what is going on with my brothers and sisters and to see if I can encourage anyone. Since encouragement is one of my ministry gifts, I feel very comfortable using it there.

Actually, this is a new and very surprising ME. I’m a member of another forum that periodically breaks out into fighting. Actually, the fighting on SC is mild compared to this site since no one has started cursing or threatening anyone. Anyway, it was really a stress for me to stay in that forum and I thought about leaving several times but didn’t. I don’t participate there much now but that’s only because my interest has gone elsewhere.

I prefer moderated forums although I believe it’s possible to go to the other extreme and over moderate. I’m a moderator on my favorite forum and we’ve had absolutely no problems there. It’s an exciting place to be with great conversation and much love. It’s easy to share there, however at this time, I’m choosing not to bail out of SC even though the atmosphere has been divisive.

Anyway, I’m probably different than everyone else here because of my friendships and beliefs. Because of that, I’m not going to express an opinion as to whether or not this board is needed. I think the rest of you need to decide that. However, given the circumstances, I think it was most gracious of you to invite me here and I enjoy participating where I can.

I will ask a question though. I understand most of you are members of another ning group called Healing Communities. Would that group provide the environment to fulfill the intention of this group? I don’t know anything about that site other than it’s been mentioned on occasion but I do feel that it's difficult to be involved in too many groups and get spread too thin. Anyway, those are the thoughts that I have.

Once again, Nik, thanks for being open to hearing from Father through other believers.

[Claudia]

Nik,

I'm sorry. I feel like I've failed you, because I haven't been posting much here. The truth is for me as Aida described...spread too thin. I find that by the time I've checked out and posted on my Facebook, the grief board I have been a member of for two years, various devotional blogs, then SC and all its ongoing activity...by the time I get here, I've spent a couple of hours online and duty calls me away. I am a bit slow at reading and responding to stuff, only because I am so distracted much of the time with chores at home, puppies, and lots of other stuff.... I hate that you are feeling this board may not be needed. I will pray about that. I know that in the coming weeks I am going to be bogged down with Year End financial work for the ministry, giving reports, tax details, etc...so I can't promise my pace here will pick up in the very near future. Please forgive me. I don't have a direct answer to your question, but I suspect the measure of combined answers from others may give better perspective. Please don't weigh mine as anywhere near what my heart desires for this board. It's beautiful and you've worked so hard on it. As you know, I haven't even been personally corresponding as much as I had a month or so ago. It really is all about how much I am distracted right now.

Ah.. the puppies are 7 weeks old (yesterday). Prepping them for new homes is my challenge right now--weening, paper and crate training, etc... Breeding is much more time consuming than I ever imagined, although I'm pretty certain I dote a lot more than the average breeder, like frequent baths and spending time to develop good character in each of the pups... Anyway, this is where I am right now.... Blessings! ~Claudia

[Nik P.]

Claudia said:

Nik, I'm sorry. I feel like I've failed you, because I haven't been posting much here.

Bless you Claudia, but I am seeking God's will and not my own glory. I started this as an experiment, to see if we could support each other while the fighting at simple church was so bad. Aida is right, many have found healing and hope at HC. Jeanne has been welcoming of our mission, though I think we'd just have a bit of a theological smash-up to address.

I do not feel let-down or disapointed. I did not ask this question as one who feels abandoned. I ask on behalf of God. . . what is His voice in this?

luv nik

[Rick Knock]

Hi Nik,

If it was just another general board I'd say we don't need it. Sc & hc are 2 very different boards that are already available and there are no doubt others as well. However, you started this with a specific vision in mind, and where you and God are with that vision should ultimately guide you. Is that vision still alive? Has it changed? Is this site better suited to pursuing it, or could it be done in a group on another site?

All sites are different. Some are used for conversation, others for projects, etc. I see this as more of a project site, and as such it doesn't require large membership or activity in the beginning. Again, I think it comes down to what can best be used to pursue your vision.

God Bless!

Rick

[Nik P.]

Rick Knock said:

If it was just another general board I'd say we don't need it. . . Some are used for conversation, others for projects, etc. I see this as more of a project site, and as such it doesn't require large membership or activity in the beginning. Again, I think it comes down to what can best be used to pursue your vision.

But, it does have the best coffee!! Thanks Rick, that was a very practical answer. I needed a place where people . . . well, read the mission statement on the right. (just scroll around for it, after the ads.)

So, I'm seeking God's will. Where will His people find that support, endorsement, information, networking, and growing of gifts for encountering "the world." Hey, we've got Rick and Aida, our chief encouragers. Miguel is quite the information-gatherer. We are the exclusive provider of foot-washing. (thanks Claudia) But, I think it has to be an interactive community to be alive in the Spirit. So, that depends on how much people want to come here and seriously discuss, support, enrich and challenge each other.

Here's our analytics report for the week of Dec 28- Jan 3rd. Fourteen visitors made 62 visits, viewing 290 pages, an average of 4.68 pages per visit, for an average stay of 9.40 minutes. 22% were new visitors and 33% looked at the front page and never logged in. Those are the lurkers who just read the recent topics and leave. We had equal page views in our in-boxes, forum and the moderator's group.

I would be interested to compare with HC if they would be willing to try it a week.

PS- Friend of Missional just linked this site in their resources.

[Rick Knock]

Hi Nik,

Yes, seeking God's will is always a good idea. :)

[Doug Spencer]

Sometimes the best test of God's will is time. Give it time and see what develops. You will eventually have your answer.

[Nik P.]

Alexander Douglas said:

social network (not with Ning) called Missional Tribe which has all the big players in this field.

Thanks Alex. Oooo, they have Fitch stuff posted (my mentor.)

[Claudia]

Michael joined that board and is contributing already as well. He says the air is very edifying over there, and because there are many experienced in missions, there is some great input being shared. You're probably already seeing that, Alex. But just thought I would add that.

Blessings! ~Claudia

[Nik P.]

I've checked out Missional Tribe and I've had problems with the Beta. Smart people, but sometimes I get tired thinking so much. (sometimes it thrills me)

I've checked into just getting a worldpress blog site, but it is much less interactive than this. It seems to me that fewer people go read someone's blog. On a site like this, everbody can copy their blogs over and share them. We can also chat in real-time and share photos.

So, I guess I'm staying and treating it as a community blog space. Welcome to all who find nourishment here. Welcome to all who bring great content to me. . . I'm glad to read it. (or view it. . . )

I have found one or two other Christian sites on Ning but I haven't found any yet that aren't run by a particular ministry or hawk their product.

[Aida]

Nik, I think that's a good idea. I think Doug made a good suggestion to wait and see.