If you know me you know I am about as far from being a computer geek as humanly possible. I've tried my best to avoid technology mostly because I don't understand it very well. When I started college at Sul Ross State University in 1977, we had a main frame computer with about ten stations for 3500 students. Sounds like kind of bad percentages until you realize there was only about ten students who had a clue how to work it. To take you back, only one student in our entire dorm had a Pong game, and needless to say he was very popular.
Over the years I have come to realize the power of media in building relationships. Email has connected people in ways none of us could have imagined and it was only the tip of the iceberg. I began blogging about two years ago which was a huge move for me, but I'm glad I stepped out because it's also has been a huge blessing. I've had the opportunity to connect with pastors around the country I would never have known otherwise. A great example is my buddy Gary Lamb, because we met through our blogs and built a friendship long before we ever met face to face. Facebook and Linkedin are connecting people in ways none of us could have imagined only a few years ago.
Twitter is my newest step into technology, and I have to admit I went into it kicking and screaming. Pastors I know from around the country kept hammering me to start twittering. From the outside looking in Twitter seemed like a waste of time. The question I kept asking was, why in the world would anyone care about what I'm doing during the day? Funny thing is, people do care, and other leaders really care. Twitter is a relationship building machine, and I can't count the blessings I've found through it. I am building relationships with leaders I could never even imagined meeting, much less knowing. Because of Twitter I had an amazing phone conversation about Multi Site with Geoff Surratt with Seacoast Church on Tuesday, and Dan Olerking with Healing Place Church yesterday. I am following, and in some cases talking with, leaders like Dave Ferguson, Larry Osborne, Matt Fry, Todd Rhoades, Dinno Rizzo, Scott Hodge, DJ Chaung, Ed Stetzer, Mark Howell, and many others. Through Twitter I am able to see first hand how these guys think and lead. And on top of that I'm now connecting with Multi Site pastors and leaders all over the country. Not to mention keeping in great contact with all my buddies around the country leading in their churches.
So I'm here today to repent of my technology fear and open myself up to new things in the future. Just this morning Todd Roades did a staff meeting thing with leaders from all over the country via Internet video, and I actually found myself wishing I had a camera on my laptop. Now that's a crazy thought for a guy like me. As of Monday Jason Curlee came on my staff full time, and he is a tech geek, so Jason, I am your student.
John
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