Mobile Refocusing for MMM
One thing that I like about the Internet is how you can really get on it at anytime and find something worth reading. While this is normally the time where I am finally getting to bed (1am), tonite I am finally able to get 3 weeks worth of email off the server to my laptop (I have been using my Treo for nearly all email and Internet doings while not at work). But besides the action of cleaning up my computer, an article that I read much earlier in the day (now yesterday) has been sitting on my heart as something that I wanted to bring up at MMM as a point of reflection, as well as a possible point of change.
The article in question was found at the website GodSpy. I found it referenced from a Think Christian article and thought that not only was it a well written piece, but also offered quite a bit in the way of making me think about the effectivness of mobile technology, especially in the sense of mobile techology for Christians, and if that is a mark that should wholeheartedly be met.
Now, dont get at me with strange looks. The GodSpy article talked complety about movies and how the best Christian films are made by secular and Roman Catholic writers and producers. I dont want to get into content creation and things like that. What stuck out to me in that article was how the person who wrote it was less concerned about the message, but the manner in which the message was given.
I have personally always felt that one should give people what they need, and then allow their life to be the light that provokes conversation. I witness this many times while at work as there are people who ask me for my opinion on a matter because I carry a (usually) Christian viewpoint on the topic at hand. However, I find that those people are more receptive to what it is that I have to say when I do speak about my faith, but in such a way that the item that they are inquiring about (PDAs, why I design websites, what do I prefer to do with spare time, etc.) is answered and they get a glimpse into who I am beyond the typical Christian shape (aka they get the me which provokes a few more questions).
I do admit, I probably turn folks off sometimes with my heavy slant towards mobile technology. That is probably because I am passionate about it. I want to see mobile technology be one of the major tools used to tell folks about Jesus and the Gospel. I think the opportunity is not only there, but here and now. At the same time, in my zeal about Christ and tech, if I am not careful, I not only do not offer someone a solution for their organizational needs, but I also close the door to their spiritual ones being answered. If all that we do here is talk about mobile technology for Christians, there is a large chance that we will reach a good number of people. If we talk about the real issues that we deal with as Christians who use mobile technology, then we not only reach people with solutions for their issues, but pain a more realistic picture of the daily struggles Christians deal with, just thru the lens of technology.
Another article that I read today, this one at PalmSolo's site was another item that convinced me of this point. (Hope you dont get miffed at me for this example Matt); Here we have a person who is grappling with issues of being a techie, a father, and a man of faith. All of these items have hit him at a crossroads where he feels that his relationship with God has been lessened due to issues that have happened. When I read that, I has to ask myself, where was MMM in encouraging him to pick up his PDA and read a bible (not just compare a program or two). Where was MMM with "how to take Christ to work on your PDA"-type articles where he could have used his wireless PDA to download devotionals, tipsheets, or something else that would have kept him in the face of God. For what I see the purpose of this site, that is where it needs to go, and where it will have to go in 2006 to be a success, and even more a sweet offerning to our Lord.
So, I guess all that I am saying is that yes, I do believe that there are better tech websites out there than MMM that seek to fill a need to teach and equip. And at the same time, there is nothing like MMM that seeks to teach and equip in a (hopefully) non-abrasive way (at least sometimes, there are times abrasive needs to be said). It is my hope that in this new year that the MMM team and contributors would be able to skillfully set a line by which we meet the standards of some of the best mobile websites. And while not trying to be or beat them, we offer something that even the tech world can acknowledge is needed, Christians of quality who have a heart to serve with what's in their Palms.
The article in question was found at the website GodSpy. I found it referenced from a Think Christian article and thought that not only was it a well written piece, but also offered quite a bit in the way of making me think about the effectivness of mobile technology, especially in the sense of mobile techology for Christians, and if that is a mark that should wholeheartedly be met.
Now, dont get at me with strange looks. The GodSpy article talked complety about movies and how the best Christian films are made by secular and Roman Catholic writers and producers. I dont want to get into content creation and things like that. What stuck out to me in that article was how the person who wrote it was less concerned about the message, but the manner in which the message was given.
I have personally always felt that one should give people what they need, and then allow their life to be the light that provokes conversation. I witness this many times while at work as there are people who ask me for my opinion on a matter because I carry a (usually) Christian viewpoint on the topic at hand. However, I find that those people are more receptive to what it is that I have to say when I do speak about my faith, but in such a way that the item that they are inquiring about (PDAs, why I design websites, what do I prefer to do with spare time, etc.) is answered and they get a glimpse into who I am beyond the typical Christian shape (aka they get the me which provokes a few more questions).
I do admit, I probably turn folks off sometimes with my heavy slant towards mobile technology. That is probably because I am passionate about it. I want to see mobile technology be one of the major tools used to tell folks about Jesus and the Gospel. I think the opportunity is not only there, but here and now. At the same time, in my zeal about Christ and tech, if I am not careful, I not only do not offer someone a solution for their organizational needs, but I also close the door to their spiritual ones being answered. If all that we do here is talk about mobile technology for Christians, there is a large chance that we will reach a good number of people. If we talk about the real issues that we deal with as Christians who use mobile technology, then we not only reach people with solutions for their issues, but pain a more realistic picture of the daily struggles Christians deal with, just thru the lens of technology.
Another article that I read today, this one at PalmSolo's site was another item that convinced me of this point. (Hope you dont get miffed at me for this example Matt); Here we have a person who is grappling with issues of being a techie, a father, and a man of faith. All of these items have hit him at a crossroads where he feels that his relationship with God has been lessened due to issues that have happened. When I read that, I has to ask myself, where was MMM in encouraging him to pick up his PDA and read a bible (not just compare a program or two). Where was MMM with "how to take Christ to work on your PDA"-type articles where he could have used his wireless PDA to download devotionals, tipsheets, or something else that would have kept him in the face of God. For what I see the purpose of this site, that is where it needs to go, and where it will have to go in 2006 to be a success, and even more a sweet offerning to our Lord.
So, I guess all that I am saying is that yes, I do believe that there are better tech websites out there than MMM that seek to fill a need to teach and equip. And at the same time, there is nothing like MMM that seeks to teach and equip in a (hopefully) non-abrasive way (at least sometimes, there are times abrasive needs to be said). It is my hope that in this new year that the MMM team and contributors would be able to skillfully set a line by which we meet the standards of some of the best mobile websites. And while not trying to be or beat them, we offer something that even the tech world can acknowledge is needed, Christians of quality who have a heart to serve with what's in their Palms.
posted by Antoine @ 1/05/2006 01:49:00 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
As always, Antoine, your insights are thought-provoking and hit square in the gut. The points you raised are good: what can we do to make MMM THE "go to" site for all things Christian and tech. While there is no easy answer for this, I believe that we should continue to emphasize the former and the latter will be blessed along the way. This is how it should be not just for this site's vision but for anything in life. Anything we do should be God-centric first whether it is planting a church, giving your best at the workplace or being a family man. And, just like everything else, it is easier said than done.
When my friends and I set out to plant a church in a third world country 16 years ago, we purposed to build churches throughout the archipelago with God-fearing and God-loving disciples. However, even with the godliest of intentions, there were times we strayed and had to get refocused. The point I’m trying to make is that we should put God first and everything else will surely follow. But, even then, there will be times our hearts will drift and, it is then that we’ll need a time to revitalize, re-energize and refocus. It is the pattern of human nature.
In my opinion, you are on the right track. I see you wrestling with refining (and sometimes re-defining) the direction of your site. I appreciate your newly-installed team members and contributors. Just like Moses did in serving the needs of the Israelites, he had to breakdown his leadership and delegate responsibility so that more needs could be met and that he and those he served would not be exasperated. The institution the devotionals is a good decision on your part, as well. If one gets a bit sidetracked on the tech side a bit, they can always click on over to the devotionals as a reminder of where our truest devotion needs to lie.
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a disciple on the mission field. I told him that the reason we’re here is to evangelize the nation. He corrected me and said that the real reason we’ve sacrificed everything to be on the mission field is not primarily to preach the Word nor is it because we wanted to bring people to heaven. He succinctly pointed out that the main reason God brought us out here with all its inherent hardships was to get closer to Him. I’ve never let go of that thought and I do my best to apply that mindset wherever I go.
Antoine, keep being the inspiration that you are…you’re doing a great service to the Lord If there are any ideas God puts on my heart to further the vision of MMM, I’ll let you know.
In closing, I leave you with this encouragement:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2
I have honestly read and reread this comment many times since getting the email it was here and have to say that I am surprised and very challenged to keep with the vision of MMM being a stop for mobile Christians (and those looking in ;) ) around the web. I believe that the take on content is quite a bit differnt here, and the quality of the writers who have written speaks towards a similar heart to see God exhalted online as much as off.
I will be honest in saying that I will do my best to keep MMM going for as long as God has this ground in my hands. If there are any others who are feeling the ground out, wanting to know if they can till here too, please do come. There really is a place for all giftings here. The devotional section is really a big part of that. And I am sure that the forum and whatever other features come will enhance the magazine's offering to the Christian community in getting knowledgable and equipped.
Thank you Kev for that Scripture and your encouragement. I appreciate it, as well as the rest of the team here at MMM.
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