Sunday, August 19, 2007

Dialogue

I am really enjoying sharing my life with you on the blogosphere. To be honest, the enjoyment part has surprised me. I kept seeing it as just another thing to do, but the more I get into it, the more I love it. I plan to promote my blog in a big way over the next few months as a way of connecting with our church and the friends of Fellowship around the world. We had people log in from Australia and Germany recently and it’s cool to see hits from different places around the country.

I want to lob something out at you today. I want to see our blog become a place of dialogue. I want to hear what you have to say about the stuff I share. This past week we hit some big topics. Things like owning the vision and the faith journey feeling like such a moving target. How about spiritual growing pains in your life…have any?

Imagine our online community becoming an extension of Sunday morning. I can see it becoming a “virtual lobby” where we spend time together that we don’t get on the weekend…an exchange of ideas back and forth. You don’t have that opportunity to comment on what I say during my message, but now all you have to do is click on the “comments” section to give some feedback. Once you set it up the first time it’s a piece of cake.

More and more, God is showing me that blogging can be a way to increase my effectiveness and do what God has called me to do which is to teach, lead, and cast vision. You have my commitment to post content that is straight forward and honest…the overflow of what God is doing in my life and at Fellowship. The early church met daily…something that we would find difficult if not impossible to do. But we CAN meet online! Thanks to those of you that have taken time to log on and read. I know your time is valuable. Thanks to Ray, Jeff, Debbe, Ginger, and Heidi for your recent comments. So let me hear from you this week. Who knows, God might use what your comment to challenge or inspire someone is a big way. I will do my best to answer all of your comments as we share the blessing of being linked together.

12 comments:

Margie said...

Sounds good John,
Jason and I log on a few times to see how things are going, and enjoy reading what you and the others have to share. We're excited to see where this goes.
We both took our first step to getting involved and volunteering,this can be a good way to connect, and grow, with our spiritual family! Margie

Chrissy said...

Wow John, this is pretty cool. I enjoyed reading your post. We haven't been at chruch in a while because if it could have went wrong...it has. We even showed up on Sunday for the 11 o'clock service to find out that we missed it!lol! I was wondering if you had an email address that I could contact you at for a prayer request for Sunday. My email is purplehazepa@hotmail.com, if you get a chance. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you this sunday. Chrissy

Betty said...

Every day I check the website to see if you or Jeff have added anything new to your blogs. This has been an excellent tool for me to get to know the both of you, as well as the church.

This has been a rough summer for me with family illnesses so I have missed a few Sundays and yet I still have a way to check-in and see what is going on. Also, even if I am able to attend, I enjoy the mini-messages that you share throughout the week.

See you this coming Sunday!!!

Stephen said...

Spiritual growing pains... the past few years have been filled with soul searching moments. How I react to the questions that occur is not always pleasing... I suppose learning to trust God is key, but it's difficult to let go of control. My faith is strong, but the journey is difficult at times. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and perhaps my journey will improve soon through inspiring moments such as this one.

Jeff S said...

How cool it is to have a church family! I can't imagine going through life's battles with out one. We have the hope that God's love and grace never runs out, but there's also nothing like surrounding ourselves with friends and a church family that reminds us of just that when we need it.

Secondly, it's a challenging but yet scary feeling sometimes to know that God is always changes us so we don't get too comfortable. I love relating personal situations to the disciples. That's why I'm glad John used the disciples Sunday. They had character flaws, weaknesses and reservations....just like we do! I can only imagine how many times Jesus put them in uncomfortable situations to make them more mature or to teach them a valuable lesson. I would guess that almost daily, Jesus had to "hold a mirror" up to them to remind them of their focus or task that lies ahead of them...just like us!!

John Cremeans said...

Thanks Margie. It is great to hear that you are connecting with your Fellowship family!

John Cremeans said...

Thanks Chrissy. Sorry you missed the service Sunday and hope to see you this week. Keep pushing through those growing pains...I believe the best is yet to come.

John Cremeans said...

I'm sorry to hear about the tough summer you have been having Betty. I appreciate your feedback and am glad that we have this venue to keep you connected.

John Cremeans said...

Stephen, you hit on something big that I believe we can all relate to - letting go and letting God...The whole trust thing is so complex because we all have experienced broken trust...Awesome feedback - thanks!

John Cremeans said...

Right back at you with the family comment Jeff. You can tell I love a big family...blogging gets me plugged in more with my spiritual family.
The disciples...wow...just a bunch of young, uneducated, working-class guys that Jesus poured himself into. If He can use them then there is great hope for us. The sky is the limit for you Jeff...I see you as an emerging leader who God has big plans for!

una said...

Spiritual growing pains are exactly what we are feeling right now. Following God's voice and His pull is not always easy. But, it is the only way. Thanks for your prayers.
These blogs are a great way for newcomers to get to know Fellowship a little better.

John Cremeans said...

I'm glad you joined us Una. Check out today's post...it reminds me of some of the discussions we have had. I will be praying for you and your family...I realize that this is a tough season for you!