Mobile Ministry Magazine

Some months ago, Cynthia Ware and I were asked if a few articles that we'd written could appear in a special edition convention magazine for the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). After passing a few last minute emails, the post The Church in the 7th Dimension made it into this special edition.

I was quite excited Tuesday to receive in the mail the issue where the article appears (p.34). Personally speaking, its an exciting moment for MMM as it validates what web've been speaking about from the beginning - that the Body has to understand the use and impact of mobile technology, not only for the benefit of evangelism, but because our lifestyles are more and more crossing that intersection.

Here's hoping to more opportunites for writing in other publications, as well as, getting some teaching opportunities in now that my calendar has freed up considerably.

Labels: commnuity, community, Digital Sanctuary, mobile, tech

Ricky Cadden of SMSTextNews and Symbian Guru has reported that "Abilene Christian University has officially become the first university in the U.S. to provide an iPhone or iPod Touch to all incoming freshmen."

According to the Abilene Christian University mobile learning website, this is a part of their Connected initative. Programs and the campus has been designed to facilitate mobile learning and mobile lifestyle engagement.

I wonder how the religious/spiritual organizations on Abilene's campus address this shift in mobile tech? We talked before about how a program of churches partnering with communties towards tech education would be something that current technology makes possible. I wonder if there are any initatives on college campuses that are similar, or even further reaching than what Abilene is doing?

If anyone reading has info towards this end of the tech engagement, please comment here towards how the adoption happens there.

Labels: commnuity, community, education, iPhone, mission, tech

I commented on a recent post at the Mobile Opportunity blog that the idea of hybrid apps is something that should be better explored, especically by Bible software manufacturers. As more and more users are expecting to interact with their content online, yet be able to use it profitably offline as well, to do an hybrid (or RIA in developer speak) application is not just a possiblity, but the way applications are gonig.

So what are some possible routes that these hybrid applicaitons can go? As one developer noted (referenced in the MO blog), there are 3 million platforms with 100 users each. In other words, with over 3.3 billion users of mobile phones, there are very few dominant platforms. There really isn't any that are. Unless one wants to say that the browser is. And then things get interesting. One, because there are several players, but two because most of them are trying to bring the best web solution after the aftermath of the iPhone.

Some examples of developer tools for making hybrid applications include Java, Adobe AIR, Silverlight, Flash, and just plain ole' CSS/XHMTL-driven AJAX. For the most part, mobile browsers can do the latter, but its when you add that additional layer via something like Adobe AIR, things can really get interesting. Besides creating something that is accessible online, the paradigm of use is extended to blend the online-offline realms and then richer content and productivity can be taken into account.

The positives in this approach are that content publishers can keep their licenses and continue to sell their content. Softawre developers though would be resigned to creating facnier and more intuitive packaging, drawing people in with service add-ons such as online storage or integration with other web services. And finally end-users will have competiting and mostly useful solutions for staying informed, but also connected towards their preference. The downside of this is that there will be more subscription-based services, but as you move from a client-application to a service-application model this is something that is bound to happen (as services meet critical mass this cost is a lot easier to swallow all around).

An example of a near-hybrid Bible reader application is Laridian's iPocketBible. Its a browser service/application that allows the transfer of content from the iPhone/iPod Touch owner's device to any other device that has a suitable browser. And with added features such as the new bookmarks and desktop syncing, its only a matter of time before others come, and take what we know of as just a browser and make it more than just a place to consume information.

Another example of this is Google Gears. Google Gears allows for some AJAX driven websites to be used offline, and then when the user gets a connection again, sync back to the online item. When I was at Bible study last night, I began by using eBible and wished for this functionality to be something there for my notes. Wouldn't you know that a port of Google Gears for the Internet Tablet had even been released. Now it would be up to websites to support such a feature (here's one way to do so) and then users to take it and run.

There's more than a place for hybrid apps to take up where many of us have been disappointed in the condition of mobile Bible readers. The question now is if developers and companies see the writing on the wall, and take things a considerable step towards a future of ubiquious connectivity.

Labels: browser, commnuity, community, software

As more people are using mobile devices of all types as parts of their world, we are engaging one another in ways that are not dissimilar to being a new kid on a large campus. There are plenty of things to do and places to explore, but like all things, life without measuring these connections to the truths of the Gospel can cause undo suffering. How then do we balance this connectivity to the fact that the world has changed around us? And what is our responsiblity towards those who've not yet entered this "connected campus?"

Connected Campus

One of the myths of computing is that it is like other media. If you will, that like TV and radio before it, it is a self contained silo of information where connections are passively created by those with more capital or power. What has quickly become the truth though is that because of the "web" nature of the Internet and its associated technologies, the power is actually in the information, rather than in those who dissemate it. Because the reader, or connected participant, can decide to accept and continue to read, or move onto something else, the power of information is now in the hands of those who are willing to go out and get it, rather than those who are more apt to go out and serve it.

The Gospel Balance

This sounds a lot like that switch that Jesus aspoused the disciples to when he told them to "go out to all the world and make disciples." In effect, he was saying that in no way is this information good enough for just you to have and no one else. If you will, secret knowledge has no place. They were encouraged, and afterwards empowered to go to as many places as physically possible and spread the Good News. So in effect, by spreading the Gospel, people were to make connections that made for community, and overall a better quality of life for all.

Today's Connectivty

We have multiple means of connecting to the world around us. We can go TV, radio, Internet on a desktop, tablet, phone. We can set up concerts and other events as points of engagement. And then we can mash all of these things together to create something a bit more "community-ish." This is great, but like in all things, if we lose the point of making community, then we become more driven by statistcs and numbers, rather than that commission we are all encouraged to meet (go out and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that the Father as commanded).

Balancing Connectivity with Commission

Therein lies the fun part: balancing connectivity and its ever-changing ways with the commission and its ever-present consistancy. Some have taken the road to meter thier use of modern connectivity options because they have seen that it has taken them away from interacting with the people they were called to disciple. Some have increased their ability to connect with people because while the commission has not changed, the amount of sheep in the pasture has - considerably. In all cases, one has to take a survey of the commission (that doesn't change) and how they are following through with completing the vision as it was given. When there is more of an emphasis on the tool than the mission, then reevaluations should lead to repentance and reordering of connectivity.

And What About Those Not Connected

Instead of casting a net towards all of those possiblites of those who are not connected, I'd like to just concetrate on those whom are closer to our immediate spheres.

Those who might benefit from the digital aspects of connectivity should be not only trained on how to handle the Word and technology, but also learn by lesson and example what it means to do "responsible use." This means teaching things like how to evaluate what technology is best, how to choose the right option for email, and how to discern truth on the Internet. To teach these people how to understand technology we are taking that motto of teaching them how to fish literally; we are giving them the ability to discern and grow with the technology so that they can teach others.

Then there are those who have technology but are abusing it. To these people we also want to teach them how to evaluate technology. But, we want to teach them the dangers of pride and disallusion that comes from absuing connectivity. For example, as pastor once wrote here that he was happy that his computer was sent off for repair because he had not realized (even with others in his ear) that it had become and idol and instead of sheparding God's people, he was sheparding a computer. As I've learned so much in the past, just because you can do it does not mean that its good for you to do.

Graduating From Campus

Well, not exactly. This isn't college where you get a degree and then there's the real world. For many of us, some type of interaction with computers and the Internet is the real world. And like in college, you have to learn how to navigate the surroundings so that you can get through, but also so that others might be able to grab a hold of God's enabling (grace) so that they too can see that life is more than just trying to keep up with the Jonses.

Labels: accessiblity, Bible, commnuity, community, mission, mobile, tech

Following on yesterday's post on writing notes while reading/studying, how are your mobile devices and services enabling you to keep towards your resolutions of reading the Word more consistently?

To those of you having trouble keeping pace with those resolutions, what do you need from the community of believers around you (online and offline) to help you continue your reading goals?

Labels: Bible, commnuity, devotion

From The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus, comic number 371:

I wonder what this would look like when mobile and Web 2.0/3.0 is added into the equasion?

Labels: commnuity, community, mobile, tech

Cynthia Ware has taken a look look at how Christian missionaries are using new media as parts of their efforts to connect and share news of their connections when away from their "roots." Here's a snippet:

...Today's missionaries are using blogs, facebook, shutterfly and other social media to extend their connectedness, reward their supporters and create archived memories of their unique adventures. Whether missionaries are serving on short term teams or serving in long term posts, they need no longer be disconnected from their points of origin, hometowns, partners, sending churches, extended families, etc. In fact, if they have internet access, there's virtually (no pun intended) no reason they can't be very connected...

Read the rest at Digital.Leadnet and also check out Cynthia's site Digital Sanctuary for more views on ministry, media, and their convergance.

Labels: accessiblity, Bible, church, commnuity, community, email, gospel, mission, mobile, mobile accessories, mobiles, networking, phone, podcast, software, tech, usablity, worship

Something that I have learned in the time that I have been around the idea of mobile ministry is that what is mobile and works for me, may not be mobile and works for you. Mobile, just like automobiles and pens, is a highly personal yet community reaching technology. Its very easy to get into the mindset that what works for me, might work for someone else. Are there lessons that can be gleaned from one person to another? Yes, and in fact that should be the case in this type of media technology. What we do need to do is something that the Body should be doing from the get go, understanding and appreciating our varying gifts, and then pressing towards a life that looks like that of one taught to by Christ.

I had a conversation with someone recently that was of the ilk that the Body has a hard time reaching various age groups and demographics. And while I agree, I see the need to understand why those difference exist, and then push those to the background so that we can get to the business of being a model of Christ to the world around us.

Of course then, we have to ask that question of how does mobile do that; because if it is usable, then it has to be able to point or enable us to point others to Him?

So that question I shall put out there for you to think about for a bit, how does whatever you use put you or others in the position of looking like that Church that Christ is coming back for?

Labels: commnuity, community, tech

Just read a really good article where CBS Mobile chief Cyriac Roeding said something really important that not only speaks to the area he was speaking, mobile advertisiting and how to maximize it, but to the Body and how our endavors need to be shaped around the fact that the medium is different. This is a snippet of that piece:

The CBS executive had led off the discussion by saying that advertisers have to understand why they need to be on mobile phones. "If you can't answer that question in 10 seconds, you're out of the game," he said. The answer should be, he went on, that mobile is the only medium that people carry with them 18 hours a day.

Mobile is also starting to provide reach to advertisers as sites gain larger audiences. Roeding noted that during the last quarter, CBS Mobile's sports section drew 75 million mobile page views and 5 million unique visitors during the fourth quarter.

But he warned against trying to promote mobile as a smaller version of the computer or TV screen. "If you are trying to make this the next online page, you will fail...because this is a new medium in its own right. "

I've touched on this in a previous article in saying that mobile is something more than just the sum of previous media endavors; to use it well requires that we not just be innovative, but relevant.

As part of a growing number of believers who understand what roles being mobile plays, its key that we understand what mobile is not. It's not a computer, though accessiblity and usability are there. Its not radio and TV, though video and audio are parts of the experience that should not be overlooked. Its not print either, though the effects are just as long lasting, inside and outside of the box o'bits and bytes. Being mobile is a case of a totally different paradigm, and something that the church is well past the potin were we need to embrace it.

I'd be one to make the argument that being effective in the Body with mobile tech is a matter of getting to the roots of what it means to be effective in the Body - "be distinct and bring fame to God not [ourselves]". I am pretty sure that we are able to do that if we pool our knowledge and gifts together and then step out and do something a bit different. The key is just not trying to be what we used to be in tech, and take things at that intersection of faith and tech, and make a noticable sign to the heart of God for all people.

Labels: church, commnuity, community, gifts, gospel, mission, mobile, tech

So I finally have been able to get a Bible onto my N800 Internet Tablet. And this is a good thing, except that I should have done this Monday when I made the decision that I wanted to blog a bible study. In thinking about how to expand the ability to spread the wealth (so to speak) when it comes to a Bible study; I wanted to blog the study and then go back and link the verses and highlight the notes in order to have something that is not just good for me, but for any who decide that they are studying on a particular piece of the Bible and wanted to have some modern commentary along with their study.

So instead of a study that was done with Rapier and posted via Wordply; I just rolled along with a simple study using BibleGateway and the browser, along with the built in Notes application. Simple on both accounts and mostly effective. The following are the lightly edited notes of the study as I intended to post them:

Title: Blogging A Bible Study Via A Tablet

Tool: Maemo WordPly beta

Purpose: To investigate the ability to blog a Bible study, and the hypertext social constructs of meeting in a place where mobility is now an assumed cultural norm.

Some goals: To outline, write personal and community notes (annotated properly), and to later insert links to relevant verses that pertain to the discussion; to then share the entire study as a blog posting on Mobile Ministry Magazine

Ironically, I am starting this offline because I am having issues getting connected via the network here in the coffeehouse (It's A Grind). Not that I am complaining, because I have a really good drink. But this doesn't bode well as a start.

Study of Leviticus
Chapter 8 to (hopefully) the end

Where did it take place: Sinai
How Long; About 14 months
Types of offerings (he used candy analogies to describe these): chocolate and bitter
- what was also required on a guilt offering: pay the person back 120%
- Some sins have different consequences, but all are sin in the same weight

Chapter 8-10: The Priesthood
Chpt. 8: do this, o
Chapter 9:1-7, 22-24
- one of the signs to be completed consumes means that it was accepted
- There was a specific order, and now instead of there just being Moses as the priest, now Aaron and the sons take over those responsibilities
- the theme of Leviticus being holiness
Chapter 10: incorrect offering by the sons of Aaron
- how we do things is more important than what weee do

Clean and Unclean (Chapters 11-19)
- usually those things temp clean or unclean had to do with humans
- this was done for distinction from other cultures
- an aspect of hygiene that was not observed (personal note)
- What did God have in mind about this that it was not so much the rules, but the consequences behind what we do that effect other people
- year of jubilee
- these principles are in place for a specific order; are we distinctly set apart as Christians because of these

Chapter 19
v9-19: the justice of God; this hierarchy is for order

Chapter 20
penalties for social and family disobedience

Feasts
- there were seven feasts
- God was a hands on God who engaged the senses of the faithful
- passover; feast of unleavened bread; feast of first-fruits; Pentecost (50 days after the 7th sabbath); feast of the trumpets; day of atonement; feast of booths/tabernacles

Chapter 24, Year of jubilee

Chapter 26:
v3-5: if you do these things then you will prosper; the reason to bless them was to display God's holiness, for them to be distinct and bring fame to God not themselves
- cannot have the mindset that the blessings is for you, but meant to make you distinct for God
[end]

I should mention here that the study we are doing is a light OT survey. For such a study, its good to have the ability to annotate/tag items for reference, but also relate them to other resources so that one is adept in discussions later. My setup with the IT did not maximize on these points, but the building blocks are there for such integration.

A big thanks too DWatts and all the rest who have been very encouraging in helping me to get Rapier installed on the IT; now let's see what can be done to change things up a bit.

Labels: Bible, commnuity, community, internet tablet, mobile accessories, mobiles, N800, software, Sword Project

Want to keep up with MMM and several other sites via one page (or RSS feed)? Check out the MMM Jaiku channel. Several sites and discussions going on there currently. Here are a few notables.

- Would anyone be interested in a MMM meetup in Charlotte in February?

- I'm sure this is a well known bible study site but I thought I'd share it just in case

- Palmsolo's coverage of BibleTech 2008.

- Pirating of Logos, Wordpress, and other resources.

Some of the websites that have RSS feeds on the MMM channel include:
- Church Tech Matters
- Christian Computing Magazine
- The Digital Sanctuary
- Bible Software Review Weblog
- ESV Bible Blog
- and more

Jump on over or subscribe to the RSS/Atom feed for the MMM Jaiku channel and engage folks with a bit of social networking.

Labels: Bible, BibleTech, commnuity, Jaiku, meetup, mission, mobile, tech

In giving tech, I've always tried to maintain a standard where I would only give to a person that has need, and to a situation where the person can take advantage of the item with as little negative disruption as possible. For that reason, I find it fun to give away devices that I no longer use. For one, it keeps my gadget closet pretty empty, but also provides a means for someone else to gain accessiblity that I've enjoyed. For example, my recent move to the N75 left my Treo 680 without a user. I ended up giving it to an entreprenur in Charlotte who had been struggling with having a working calendar and phone solution for her endavors.

Two people in the blogsphere also seem to carry this mantra of gifting are Sammy McLoughlin and Tim Samoff. Sammy McLoughlin runs the website Palm Addict is is quite frequent in giving away devices that he no longer uses in frequent give-aways. From smartphones to laptops to memory cards to mobile accessories. He's got a ton of things that come across his desk, and does an excellent job in making sure that others are empowered towards not just using their devices, but talking about how they use it so that a community of users can benefit. The current giveaway is of a 15in Apple Powerbook. Considering all the folks I know who like Apple, I'm sure that he will get a lot of solid feedback towards mobililty for this one.

Tim Samoff is another who's recently jumped into the giving game. Tim recently received a Nokia N810 Internet Tablet from the good folks at Maemo (the Internet Tablet developement folks). The thing is, he already has an N810 and so has decided to donate it to a deserving software developer. Tim's asking for comments at his blog and the Internet Tablet Talk website towards whom might be the deserving receipient.

Its really neat to be associated with people who understand that technology means more when you can give it to someone who'll do something really cool with it. That's one of the reasons for doing MMM on my end, and its good to know that those gifts become gifts all around.

Labels: Apple, commnuity, gifts, internet tablet, N800

Aside from my own disappointments in not getting there, the 2008 BibleTech Conference is underway. Updates are coming from the Logos blog as well as PalmSolo.

Do make sure that if you have any questions towards what's happening at the conference that you speak up in one of those discussions.

Labels: BibleTech, commnuity, Logos

As many of you know, there has been a very serious outbreak of violence in Kenya over the past many weeks. The brother whom we blessed with a Treo 650 a few summers ago is one of many who is effected by the violence that is happening there. Here is the text of one of the emails that he has been able to send:

It good to get another opportunity to write you. It is long since I communicated to you. We are here trying to survive by God's grace. The situation in Kenya is on and off so is still unpredictable about when we will have stability in this nation. My city was brought down and it is going to take several years and great financial investment to bring Kisumu city where it is supposed to be.

A week or two ago I got $130 from brother Paul $70 for me and my family and 60 for the children's Home. I was able to just give in some down payment for the last months rent since the landlord wanted money and bought some food for my family and the part for the children I gave it out to brother Peter that buy some school stationary for the children in preparation for school and to feed them. School situation though is still a problem because of chaos everywhere in Kenya.

Now brother we remained with nothing again. since I our business was brought down by looters, we have been actually starving. Since Thursday till Sunday lunch time we have been feeding on unripened mangoes and water. It is was fortunate that we have a mango tree in our property so we our able to have something to eat. In all these God agave us peace regardless of a much that is going on here and there.

On Sunday afternoon, I thought about to borrow 2kilograms of corn floor to make some food and we realized that we did not have vegetable to eat our Ugali with. Then around 3.30pm my son Brian remember his tortoise and he and his cousin Samuel butchered and we eat tortoise meat with Ugali (staff made out maize or corn floor). Friend, right as I write you this email, it is miracle 20 Kenya shillings from a friend that has enabled me to write. I have not had anything since morning and it is now 1.55pm and my family is in the house getting a mango again with water.

Please pray dear friends that God provides for us and that we get money to start this business again. Please pray we are starving and suffering. We do not have anything. I have walked to town and I am walking back again it is hard friend.

Thank you so much for hearing from me and for your prayers. You may not send us [money] bacause you are not able but send your prayers and words of encouragement will help us. Please pray.

As you can see from this, the situation is pretty dire there. For the Body in Kenya, there's just not a lot that people can do except rely on God and the generosity of others to get by.

So all I ask is that you pray for Kenya. And if you have the ability to, find a means to support ministries in Kenya. Of all the places where the Body is needed, its in that ability to be a place of peace, a well if you will, for those who are parched because of the sitation there. Thanks.

Labels: commnuity, Kenya, mission, Treo 650

Was at Mobile Read a bit ago and they have an interesting (lively) discussion going on speaking on a quote from Steve Jobs (via the NYT) where he says:

It doesn't matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don't read anymore," he said. "Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year. The whole conception is flawed at the top because people don't read anymore.

Jobs was speaking on the Amazon Kindle eBook reader and its goal of being the "iPod of books." But the comment does bring to light something that many of us in tech have to assess often?

Does using electronic reading devices (eBook, laptop, PDA, smartphone, etc.) help or hinder your Bible reading?

Labels: Apple, Bible, commnuity, reading

Having gotten back into using the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, I have wanted to move into one of the main reasons that I have for getting it - to invogorate how I read, study, and journal the Bible. That being said, there has not been a lot done in this area on the Internet Tablet, and part of it is probably because no-one really knows what to do.

Let's start with a few simple situations, and then go from there:

- You are at a cafe on a nice day, and would like to read the Bible. There is wifi and so using it would be preferred. Services such as iPocketBible, eBible, and YouVersion are available, and so you read and do. While they are different in what they offer, the key thing here is that you have the ability to read while online, and do a few things on top of that.

- You are in the car as a passenger, and would like to continue your reading that you started at the cafe. Being that you are not near a hotspot, the only options for connecting online would be through your mobile phone. However, that could get expensive quickly. So you decide to fire up a bible reader and go from there. And yes, that works too, but the notes are a seperate application, and you just lost your place that you had in the online version you were reading.

- You are at home, away from the fuss of a day and want to dig in a bit deeper to the passages you were reading before. So you fireup the browser, the bible reader, and the notes application. And then have at your side a few additional references that you use when studying. This only lasts for a few minutes though before you decide to move completely to paper and pen because of the constant switching that has to happen.

In looking at the situations described above, one can see the benefits and the disadvantages of reading a Bible on an electronic device. When the Bible is so seperated from the tasks of reading, studying, and sharing, what should be a convience becomes a chore.

So my proposal/question is to make a better Bible reader for mobile devices that takes these situations into account. One part of this is the Bibles, another part of this notes, and yet another part is the user interface of it all.

I see a good platform on my Internet Tablet in terms of the Notes application. But I am not yet sure if it is something that can be extended by the way of plugins to other programs. Because being able to plug in the Notes app to the browser would make for an easy way to bookmark and annotate passages.

Then I also see the good stuff in terms of web applications for reading the Bible, but there has to be a way to save content on the device (even if for a short time) so that one could read when there is no Internet connection.

When I think about reading effectively on mobile devices, motivation to read is one part. But having a tool that works effecitvely is another that is usually the stumbling block.

Labels: Bible, commnuity, internet tablet, N800, Nokia, reading, tech, usablity

A brother and I were chatting at Holy Culture Radio about Google's Grand Central and asked me if I'd be interested in an invite. In declining, I realized that what I was saying to him was something that many probably do not think about when thinking of web services. What follows is what I wrote to him.

Sounds like a good reason. What in general do you not like in Google's privacy policy and is it something I should be concerned about?

My side job is that of a mobile device analyist; my main one is that of a web developer. I tend to take a more critical eye towards services because of those frames of reference. Add to that my very relevant work background towards several areas of information dissemation, I just have become one to follow his instincts when its come to internet and what information that I am willing to give out.

GigaOm recently did an article speaking about some of the issues of privacy that users need to be concerned with in doing things online. I'd recommend reading it (here), and then balancing what is said there (editorial opinion with some facts) to your personal convictions, to the privacy agreements of Google and others.

I tend not to try and skew the opinion of others with my own; but I will say that Googles activites do cause concern. Mainly because we have moved firmly into an information economy. The time is pretty much upon us where it is again like the pre-reformation era where those who control the information will subdue those who are not "in" towards keeping it exclusive. Entities such as Google, Facebook, etc. are in the business of making sure that you become identified by the information you search and attach yourself to. This information tracking and serving can/will lead to issues where persons can be denied access because they have a "mark" against them.

When I look at personal information such as phone numbers and addresses, I have made the call that such information I will not give out to online services unless absoutely necessary. Grand Central while great for what it does, puts me in a position that an aspect of my personal freedoms I am putting in the hands of a private company to whom I am not sure of in terms of their standing towards Our Father's ideals.

Taking all of this into consideration, I watch Grand Central and just about everything else that has gone mainstream, and I make moves carefully.

Labels: commnuity, tech

I was just reading a website that called itself a social networking website for cellular devices and all it did was allow you to SMS a person that you prayed for them and download ringtones. Really, that was all. I wish that I could build one, because I have an idea of something just a bit more effective.

I think of an application where a community of people can gather around the Word (online and offline), and then place time-stamps and bookmarks towards where they are studying. Not just individuals, but groups of people can enmasse study parts of the Word and engage in community-building efforts. Something like what is happening here with the Amazon Kindle.

If you will, taking that idea of sitting in a Bible study, and not just leveraging the fact that some/all can have a laptop/tablet/smartphone to read from, but they would have an ability to share their notes, highlighted items, and anything else as a layer above the "community Bible."

I kind of think of it like the OLPC's mesh networking feature, but built around meeting around the Word. Considering how much we like to get people to meet at various events and places, it would be even better if we could do it in such a way that brings them around the Word, but gives them an incentive to read it, and grow from reading our own experences while we live it.

Labels: commnuity, Kindle, mobile, networking

I've been having a good discussion with LJ of Trailblazin Ministries over the past many weeks about making a common format for electronic Bible readers. There are several reasons for doing this, but the best ones are highlighted by LJ in the latest post on his blog. Here is a snippet of that posting:

...But that led me to think even more, and it's something my friend Antoine and I have discussed a bit of late. It'd be great if I could use my WORDsearch library in Logos and vice versa. For me, considering all the works I have in WS, there is no logical reason why I should have to go and purchase those same works in Logos just so that I can use it in their software. For example, I love John MacArthur's New Testament Commentary series, and I have pretty much the entire set in WS, but none in Logos; I would love to use it in Logos, but why buy it for that application when I already have it in digital format elsewhere. The key point here is that I already have it in digital format; it's not like I'm trying to go from print to electronic, but from electronic to electronic on the same computer, just in different applications. It would be great if I could get the book from one company and then use it in the other's software. It's for that reason alone that WORDsearch will remain my primary application for daily use. Again, content is king...

Read the rest of LJ's post and make your voice heard if you too would like to see a better emphasis on creating Biblical content that moves easily from one type of device/program to another.

Labels: Bible, commnuity, tech

We wrote a bit earlier this week that we'd touch a bit more on the upcoming response to technology that the Body needs to pay attention towards. As we understand things now, tehre are 3.4+ billion people who utilize a mobile phone, and several hundred million who use some from of desktop/laptop computing. Essentially, there is a lot of tech ground to cover if we want to reach "the ends of the earth." So how do we look at this in the context of mobile?

Cynthia Ware (of The Digital Sanctuary and Digital.Leadnet) approached me about writing a piece that speaks towards the church's response to ministry in the 7th area of mass communication - mobile. Here is the output of that line of thinking:

...The new challenge to the church isn't just mastering technology, specifically computing. While there is something very profitable about websites, graphic design, A/V production, and the like, we have always excelled when the technology got us into interpersonal relationships with people. In the latest media dimension - mobile (called the 7th mass media) - the Body has a chance to get back to its roots of getting into the lives of people, while also taking some of the best parts of other media types to the engagement and discipleship process...

Read the rest of the Church in the 7th Dimension at The Digital Sanctuary.

What will you/your church or organization's response to those things mobile be in 2008?

Labels: commnuity, mobile, tech

One can argue that this has probably been the first time since the late '90s that mobile devices have captured so much attention. In many ways, its flat out been the "year of the mobile" for a lot of areas:

- According to a recent report, over 1/8 of USAmerican households are totally mobile
What that means is that more often than not, people are choosing accessibility that is not based on a fixed location. Sure, wireless networks in the US are comparatively horrible, but considering the speed of innovation, that won't be the case for long. Are ministries equipped to roll with this trend?

- The iPhone has spurred several innovative approaches to mobile applications and mobile device usage beyond the techie-influencer cross-section of users
After years of life being stagnant for mobile users, the iPhone has come in to bring a measure of fresh air to several aspects of mobile technology. The really neat part is how the Body has responded to this. The next questions to be answered though are more far reaching, yet if reached have the potential to change a lot more than what's in our pockets.

There's always a ton more that can be said, but the point is pretty clear that there is more attention that's being paid to being mobile, and then making sure that being mobile is no more of an invasion of personal space than any other technology. In an upcoming article, I'll speak towards this attention to mobile, and what it means for the Body in more detail.

Labels: accessiblity, commnuity, iPhone, Laridian, mobiles

One of the hardest things to do these days it seems is to keep up with the amount and breadth of what's going on in technology now. It gets a bit easier when you can focus on one or two specific areas, but even then it can be a bit much to keep up with what is going on.

A few news items I've read recently gave me two different, yet appropriate viewpoints on technology and our response to it. The first item was found at a site that I visit pretty regularly, GigaOm. The question being would less frequent posting and more thought-provoking posting lead to "more chances for interesting ideas and useful analysis to emerge."

Considering the stance that I've taken here at MMM towards posting less frequently, this would seem to be correct. I've found that posting less has enabled me to think more on the ramifications of various aspects of technology. And at the same time, address specific issues that would require some measure of analysis, not just consumption.

That being said, would you prefer to hear news and thought faster here, or is the pace of things just right for you?

The second item comes from another news/blog site, Techcrunch. It was at this site that I learned that News Corp/Fox (Twentieth Century Fox, MySpace, The Wall Street Journal, Fox Network, Zondervan, HarperOne, Harper Collins, Fox Faith, and the National Geographic Channel among many of their assests) has acquired the faith-based site Beliefnet.

In reading the comments of those responding in their community towards the news, I have mixed reactions. On one end, I totally agree with some of them that association with such a volitile company such as News Corp can call a few things into question. At the same time, it could be part of Beliefnet's mission to getting into major media and allowing for those resources and influence to push them into a better position of leadership and focus.

As the acquisition is new there is going to be a interesting time of change. But for many, this acquisition was just a sign of the times. The speed and amount of change that happens is something kinda fierce. And at the same time, we were not called to touch a world that would remain the same. At the intersection of faith and technology there might also be a new speed limit sign, as well as the stop and yield signs. Whatsoever that speed though, we should carefully consider where we are going next.

Labels: commnuity, mission, reading, tech

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend weekly Bible study with a new piece of technology. A Palm LifeDrive that has been donated was getting a workout to ensure that it worked fine and I used Bible study as the event to test it out. The goals were to see how well it would work with a keyboard for writing notes, how would I be able to deal with using it for a Bible, and how it worked alongside my Treo (the Treo playing the Bible and the LifeDrive playing the notes device).

When I got to the coffeehouse - we hold our Bible study in a coffeehouse - I pulled out the LifeDrive (LD) and set it up with my Palm Universal Wireless keyboard. Connecting to the infrared keyboard was easy (I synced the driver to the LD before I went to the study). Throughout the study, the keyboard and LD stayed responsive to one another.

After that, it was just a matter of answering a few questions about the "new device that I [am] carrying now" and all was underway.

Some Positives
Having a larger screen that what was on my Treo was a big benefit. Also, with the device not being a phone, I did not have to worry about SMS/calls interrupting my reading or writing of notes.

The screen was bright and easy to read in the coffeehouse setting, and the size of the buttons made it easy to switch from the browser to the memo pad easily.

And Some Negatives
While the keyboard did work well, the LD does not come with the ability to turn the device on its side and see a landscape view. This made typing a little less natural.

The browser on the LD was not up to snuff for viewing eBible or YouVersion. It was able to view ZBible.mobi just fine, but ZBible is just a simple site for reading; it does not offer an ability to bookmark, write/save notes, and share them. This is one of the reasons why I'm so adamant about better Bible readers.

I fired up the browser to get the LD online with the coffeehouse Wi-Fi which was pretty simple. However, because of the screen and power settings, this was something that I would have to repeat a few times during the study. Unfortunately, the LD does not have a setting where you can stay connected to a wireless access point even after the screen has turned off (this might need a software update, which has yet to be installed).

Overall
I did this experiment on one end to see how a two device solution would work for Bible studies. Obviously, this is not something that all people can do (cost), but there are benefits that can be had when a small handheld or mini-notebook device can be used in the mist of a Bible study. The ability to write and share notes is a big thing; but more than that, one can use online resources to look up information that would further enhance the conversation (we were studying the book of Exodus, so there's a lot that we could pull).

The other reason I did this was to see how a change in computing would effect me. I'm used to a one device solution, however I am looking at getting an N810 Internet Tablet and would be more apt to use it (and its larger screen/more capabilities) to be a catalyst in learning and sharing the Word. I see a lot of possiblities here, and many of which that can be shared by a lot of non-smartphone-carrying users.

Now how about you. Do you use a mobile device of some kind when you attend Bible studies? What are some of the benefits that you have seen? What are some areas that can be improved? Let's here how devices aide your study :)

Labels: Bible, commnuity, internet tablet, mobile, N800, tech

This is from a post on my personal site, however the content and subject relevant enough to be shared here as well. Here's a snippet:

... As I spend time here in Charlotte, I can see that there is a need for this kind of techie engagement to happen a bit more often. I've come across those who have smartphones, but all they use the the voice and occasionally the calendar features. I've come across those looking for work, but have very little working knowledge of MS Word and other programs. The way I see it, they have the tech, but not much of a knowledge on how to do anything with it. I have these skills and want/need to share them. Somehow, I need to help people to understand that if they are not more technologically savvy, that this world (the Americanized, computer-driven side of it) will run them over...

Read the rest of this post.

And what are your thoughts? Clearly, there has to be more attention paid towards enabling others to understand and use relevant technologies, but there is not always a simple solution available (labs, classes, initatives such as the Give one Get One program, etc.). How does the Body address this need to empower technolgically with the Spirit of God and the Gospel, but do so in a way that doesn't Bible thump people into not wanting to receive anything we'd have to offer?

Labels: commnuity, mission, OLPC, tech

I was forwarded a link to this post at the Lampmode Records blog and just wanted to share it here. While the context of this is towards those doing holy-hip-hop (HHH), the principals spoken here are vital and sound for nearly anyone in any field where they are calling themselves doing a ministry. Reading it has me doing several inward looks and will cause some more changes on my end. I hope it too is edifying for you as well. Here's a snippet:

...This is by far the most important distinction in the phrase Aspiring Christian Artist. If you need to focus on one of the three, let it be this one. Many aspiring artists end up in hell. Does your Christianity scream as loudly if not louder than your aspirations and your artistry? Can Christians who know nothing about your hip-hop music easily identify you as belonging to the household of faith? Before anything else, we are Christians. That is, we have been born again into a new relationship with God through faith in the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 3:4-6, 1 Peter 1:3). As a result of this new relationship, we have turned from our old life of sin and embraced a new life characterized by increasing holiness and love for the people of God, or the church (Romans 6:17-18, 1 John 3:10). This may seem obvious to some, but it must be said...

Read the rest of this posting.

Labels: commnuity, devotion, Devotions, mission, reading, worship

Via Church Relevance:

OneMillionWitnesses.com "is a website looking for one million witnesses (Christians) to share their testimony while helping fund non-profits like Living Water International.

For a minimum donation of $10, you can create a block featuring your testimony. The first 100,000 blocks go to helping Living Water International build about 100 wells."

This is a great project, and a notable way to not just give a gift, but display an aspect of the legacy that we are to leave as followers of Christ. Visit OneMillionWitnesses.com and leave your testimony and gift for certainely a worthy casue.

Labels: commnuity, mission, tech

When people are out and about in a place that they have never been, its pretty much normal to consult a map. Occasionally, people will look at a map before they even take a trip, getting an idea of the lay of the land and important places.

But what about those of us who just do things on more of a whim. Where we use our GPS and mobile devices to find not just what is around us, but where we are in relation to those places/people? Take a look at the updated Google Maps Mobile application today had me asking the question "where are you in relation to me" rather than just "where are you."

The latest version of Google Maps Mobile acts a lot like a GPS, except it is not extra hardware, and it uses your mobile phone. The MyLocation feature is the new aspect and basically its a "blue dot" that shows roughly where you are. It basically uses cell tower information to approximate where you are. Cool right? I like it, and for the cost of free it is a great way to get out of a jam.

There's a discussion at GigaOm that's talking on this, and why it is great for consumers and the mobile industry as a whole. But what if you are a ministry that is looking to attract people who are looking for a place to fellowship, or a place to call a solid, Christian church-home? Is your contact information updated and easy to find on your website so that search engines such as Google can pick this information up and make you findable on such a mobile map? Have you invested in any directory services that will assist you in putting your information on search engines for churches and other non-profit organizations?

Because, as it stands now, if you are not easily findable on the map, a person might not make your "blue dot" a home for them.

Note: The MyLocation feature of Google Maps Mobile is available in version 2.0 of the Google Maps Mobile application. At this time, not all mobile devices are supported. To download the latest version for your mobile device, visit http://www.google.com/gmm.

Labels: commnuity, mobile accessories, mobiles, networking, software, tech

Trailblazin Ministries presents its 2007 Holiday Giveaway (sponsored by WORDsearch Corp. & Sphere of Hip-Hop)!

To enter, fill out the contact form with the subject "Giveaway" and your name, age, and email address. On Dec a random drawing will be held to pick the 5 grand prize winners and 3 runner-ups.

Five grand prizes featuring:
WORDsearch 7 Thompson Chain Reference Bible Library
13 Letters CD
and a bonus CD of our choice

Three runners-up will receive a package of 2-3 holy hip-hop CDs.

To enter, submit your entry via the Trailblazin Ministries' contact form.

Get your entries in by Dec. 20th. Announcement of winners will happen on Jan 1, 2008.

Labels: commnuity, contests