W.W.J.W?

So, what would Jesus Wiki?

IS IT CRICKET SEASON? I think yes.

My apologies to my mobile phone service provider, Cricket. I have been with this service for 4 years now. If you have never heard of Cricket there is a reason for this- they have the reputation of WORST SERVICE IN THE UNIVERSE!!

The upside to Cricket service is that EVERYTHING is unlimited with the highest monthly service plan being $50 (which is what I have). I started out T-Mobile several years ago and to my displeasure Jen banned me from cell phone use when I continuously went over the monthly minutes, which is when I switched to Cricket.

Well 4 years later, and a much improved service can I just say for the record- Cricket, I am sorry for all the bad things I have said about you in the past. I can't take them back because they were all true- but you have redeemed yourself.

According to this article that I read from the BBC people are using their cell phones and mobile devices now more than ever for checking email, surfing the web and online communication. I know that this is true for me. Last week I purchased a new phone- the Motorola SLVR which allows me to text, check email, and surf web and when you partner that with Cricket's unlimited everything- that equals SWWWWWEEEEEEET!!!

Gee, if only Cricket would offer a Smart Phone, then I'd be hooked up big time.

shalom,

stPhransus

ENTER THE MATRIX OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

The BBC is working on creating a new online world just for children. This world would allow "digitally literate children the access to characters and resources they had come to expect. Users would be able to build an online presence, known as an avatar, then create and share content." (1)

I wonder if this is one of those interesting ideas that those of us in the life of the Church ought to be taking notice of, and seeing how technology can be used to inspire and spark the imagination- and in our cultural context- share the love of Christ.

The article goes on to say, "It will give children a chance to move around a safe, secure world where they can not only interact with familiar characters but have an opportunity to make that world a more fascinating place with their own imaginations."

I wonder if there are congregations who are already using this technology as part of their children's ministry. This is something that I'd be really interested in seeing how it might be utilized in the life of a congregation.

shalom,
stPhransus

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE FOR MYSPACE?

Wow, since writing my post this morning about myspace's developing monitoring software for parents they have been hit with a lawsuit from several families whose teenagers were sexually assaulted by sexual preditors through the use of myspace.

according to the associated press:

"The lawyers who filed the latest lawsuits said the plaintiffs include
a 15-year-old girl from Texas who was lured to a meeting, drugged and assaulted
in 2006 by an adult MySpace user, who is currently serving a 10-year sentence in
Texas after pleading guilty to sexual assault."

Now don't get me wrong here, I think MySpace is accountable to make sure that it's neighborhood streets are safe to walk and hang out. But I'm going to go out on a limb here and offer that the route of lawsuits offers individual justice and a wake up call (or possibly a sign of the end?) for MySpace, it won't make steps towards engaging the problem.

How about churches, families, caring adults, and youth peers creating neighborhood watches, and simply walking the myspace "neighborhoods" and being willing to hang out. Maybe I'm too optimistic but I'm not so sure that the parents and adults who are so quick to crucify myspace when something tragic happens in the community are willing to take the responsibility on themselves to admit that they have not been present in the spaces or places where their kids are.

BIG BROTHER'S WATCHING MYSPACE

MySpace.com, THE PLACE, for online social networking among young people is in the process of developing a free downloadable software that will allow parents to monitor the information their kids give out.

MySpace officials say that this is another layer of helping to protect young people from sexual predators and potential harmful activity. The software is being developed out of the much concern parents have shown with regards to their kid's myspace use. 1

This new monitoring software isn't something that will get me bent out of shape, however I don't necessisarily think this is the answer to how to keep young people "safe" on the web, whether myspace or other online communities.

I will continue to advocate for parents to join myspace and be a presence in the online community or to find more creative and engaging ways to be present in the spaces where their kids are (even if they do so from a distance). For instance, I know that I have a member of my youth group whose mom has a myspace account. Mom does not use myspace nearly the way the teenager does, but mom is there and present, nontheless. And the teenager leaves comments on the mom's myspace, as do friends of the teenager who knows the mom. I think that's a step in the right direction that does not build barriers like monitoring might. Agreed- some students probably need the accountability of monitoring, however it really breaks down community and does not build up relationships.

That's my two sense on the issue for now.

shalom,
stPhransus
1, http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-01-17-myspace-tracking_x.htm?csp=34

YOUR SPACE OR MINE?

I know that there are many adults who view myspace as either something to be extremely cautious of (and i would agree that safety is to be practiced when using any online community) or they feel its something that teenagers ought to stay clear of.

Gavin and I both use MySpace as a way to engage the students we are in ministry and relationship with (and we both actually have peers who use myspace, as well). He and I have spent a bit of time trying to help unpack a lot of the fear the revolves around online communities for teenagers. I came across this advice column from Christianity Today tonight and as a youth pastor thought it was an interesting post. I find the youth pastor answering the question to still be responding out of fear a bit too much, but on the other hand his advice also is really good as he gives practical tips on how to stay safe online.

What are your thoughts on MySpace and other online communities- good, bad, destructive, valuable, etc.... etc.... ?

Christian Bands in MySpace? Answer by Mark Matlock

Q. My youth pastor has told us to be careful with MySpace. He made it sound like it's a really bad place. But since then, I have noticed all my favorite Christian bands have MySpace pages. If it's so bad, why are they on there? How do I handle MySpace?

A. Many bands use MySpace Music to get the word out about their music. In fact, for Christian bands it can be a witnessing tool. That's not necessarily a bad thing—what's bad is how some people use MySpace.

Jesus said our words reveal our hearts (Luke 6:45). They show what we're really about. And people hiding behind keyboards are even more likely to reveal their true character. The result is that you can find lots of sexual perversion, bad mouthing, lying, and disturbing attitudes on MySpace. It's no wonder many parents I know tell their kids to stay away. (And if yours do, Ephesians 6:1 pretty much ends the discussion.)

If you visit these sites, think about just listening to tunes and reading the band's info—and avoiding the friend comments. Don't hang out on pages that could cause you to lower your moral standards.

If you have a MySpace page, be extremely careful with how much info you give about yourself. Ask yourself: Could someone track me down from something I've said? Do not assume that only other teens will see what you post. Don't post photos of yourself. Also, ask some strong Christians you know in real life to check up on how you're representing Jesus there.

Mark is the founder of WisdomWorks Ministries. You can learn about his conferences, read movie and music reviews, and more at planetwisdom.com.

November/December 2006, Vol. 65, No. 4, Page 24