Coming off an extended holiday weekend (for those of us in the USA), its great to have a video like this one from Bobby Gruenwald (LifeChurch.TV) at Q to help reset our perceptions towards the interesection of faith and technology and what our response to life and environment (context) can look around it.
Note: I’ll embed this in when I’m able to get the direct link to the video; Q doesn’t give me a direct URL to embed here.
Yesterday, I tweeted that I’d been in four cities and spent more than five hours driving between them, not to mention the work happening in each. I didn’t say it to advance anything except to give something of a picture of how much we live and breathe this mobile technology. Believe me, our way of doing life, work, and ministry is not normal.
For example, there are several times when we are doing a Skype (voice) conference call while in transit from one venue to another. This isn’t because of lack of planning, but because of what is possible with a mobile device, data connection, and handsfree controls.
Other times, it could simply be the manner in which we seem to be in several states (USA) in a month. I try to not be too crazy with it, but when your friend’s and family preface SMS and calls with “hi, what state are you in,” it can be pretty fun. Logistically, we do about 12-15 days a month of traveling. And that could be for connections, speaking, trainings, or consulting. In terms of distance, well, let’s just say we go far.
MMM is funded by those activities though. And so, when there is some extended break in projects, there can be a bit of a hard time. I’d like to say that it is easy, but the past year plus has been a constant devotional of learning to trust God and not my wallet. Seems like an easy lesson, but in this, I can see where the disciples had questions about Jesus’ practicality, not his divinity.
Beyond those moments, there is a good bit of attention to quiet and resting times. I let go of this site and it’s efforts every Saturday. I need that break. On the other days, I try to engage in biking or some other activity that puts me in front of God for devoted conversation and refilling. In a very real sense, those moments are the mountains away from the work.
But, then it’s back to work. Whether we are in a coffee shop writing (like right now) or leading a client towards mobile and communications moments, the hope is that this effort helps to relate the love of Christ in such a way that people don’t just point to our activity and say we serve Christ, but the also get a chance to build relationships that are genuine expressions of it.
Do we have a relationship with you? Can the insights here help you or your organization move into mobile? If so, drop us a hello either via the contact page or on Twitter (@mobileminmag). We are always up for traveling and connecting.
We talked a few weeks ago about the John Dyer’s book, From the Garden to the City and now we’d like to let you know of a blog tour that’s going on featuring several blogs – including this one.
Sparked and led by Church Mag, for the next few months, several sites will be taking a look at the individual chapters of From the Garden to the City and offering comments about the book and how it intersects with their efforts in ministry and/or technology.
The first post – the Introduction – comes from Church Mag. Following posts will be posted according to the blog tour schedule.
We’re glad that MMM can be a part of talking about John’s exciting new book and hope that you would also look into following along as we and others take an in-depth look at how we respond to this intersection of faith and technology.