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February 21, 2008
3 observations about the SDA Winter meeting
The more time I spend with these guys, the more I appreciate the complexity of the work that they do. Three observations that I made during our two day meeting are:
First, they are asking questions. More importantly, they are asking the right questions. In each State Convention there is someone assigned with the responsbility of working with churches in the areas of Stewardship and Cooperative Program. The number of questions they were asking of themselves and each other was astonishing. Questions like: How can we help churches do ministry and fulfill the Great Comission? How do we connect with younger pastors? What have we missed that we need to address? , etc.
I think a lot of people have the impression that the State Convention guys are just doing the same old, same old. And perhaps there is good reason to think that--that is of another group. My experience has been just the opposite with these guys.
Second, they are listening. There was a lot of discussion about taking their materials and making them available on the Web and in digital form so that it could be easier, cheaper and faster to get this information into the hands of pastors and church leaders.
Don't get me wrong. I don't think they're ready to stop printing resources. And there will always be room for printed resources. But pastors are going to Google and other seach engines first--even before they even search their own physical libraries. And they get that.
Third, they are open to new ideas. There is a wealth of information contained within each of these guys that only comes from the "school of hard knocks." They have tried, failed and learned how to succeed time and time again. The problem is that it's difficult to find a traditional way to express and communicate that experience outside of one-on-one conversations. And one person can have only so many conversations and relationships and influence. But Web 2.0 allows us to multiply that effort and connect with people outside of our own spheres of influence.
Before the meeting was over Tuesday, there was a general concensus that everyone would make an effort to involve themselves in sharing their wisdom through this blog. This not only validated the work that I've been doing, but it strengthened their ability to reach across State lines and communicate to people anywhere, anytime and any place.
It was said more than once. "These are exciting times." We are on the cusp of a stewardship awakening as our denomination realizes that more money really does mean more ministry. I'm just happy to be along for the ride.
Posted by bstroup at February 21, 2008 1:31 AM
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