Monday, December 29, 2008

MPM Kick Off Event - 24 January 2009

Join other disenfranchised and formerly disenfranchised men for an evening of worship, teaching, and equipping

When? Saturday, 24 January 2009, 7:30-9:00 PM

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (NASB)

Who can attend? Men (ages 16 and up) are welcomed!

Where? Harvester PCA, 7800 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22153

Cost? None! Just show up, bring your co-worker, neighbor, a friend, a son, a brother, your Dad...

Missed the event? Fear not! We got you covered! Here's a few teaching highlights...

Social Media as a Key Enabler for Church / Ministry 2.0

Brothers,

Kindly visit the below links and let me know your thoughts (via comments) on this initial set up for the upcoming Men's Praise Movement event/site.

In order to reach out to both our own generation and the 20/30 somethings, I believe we'll need both a website AND a blog. They're similar in design but different in use online tools... Typically, a website is static, viewers can't comment on what they read/see. Whereas a blog is a dynamic content creation and commentary... Think of a blog as a virtual two-way conversation..

Our website is currently here, it has many place holders. It's a framework to build upon...

You're currently reading our blog! =) This will probably serve as the key online tool/location to communicate with MPM constituents...

Additionally, there are other 'tools' which we can easily incorporate into our Communication Strategy.

I recognize most of you may not be familiar with Social Media tools. Below are some links to online videos/sites: (Please view these in order, I've picked them from 'intro' to church specific for a reason...)

Intro to Social Media:

VIDEO: Social Media in Plain English

VIDEO: Blogs in Plain English

VIDEO: Twitter in Plain English

VIDEO: Podcasting in Plain English

Podcasting is somewhat similar to what Harvester has done with their website by uploading the sermons and various classes that Ron B. has recorded... Albeit, what we probably really to think about is videocasting (same podcasting but using videos)

Now that you have a basic understanding of Social Media tools, here a compilation of various sites/blogs dedicated to Church (or Ministry) 2.0 (think of it as Church meets Social Media)

Probably the best site dedicated to using Social Media within a Church context. Take a peek at Aaron's presentation on 'Social Media 101 v2.0- Spreading the Gospel using Social Media'

A few examples of a well-written blog:

'8 ways to use Social Media in Church'

'Best of Church Social Media and Ministry 2.0 Resources'

Various blogs on 'Church Social Media'

Some additional social media tools:

ustream = online web-streaming... Many churches are reaching out to 'external' church family members (e.g. current/past church family who are either on the road and/or have moved out of the area and in transition to finding another church...) Also, web-streaming could be used as a potential for reaching shut ins and others who may be ill and cannot physically attend a service...

Hope this was a good way to introduce you to Social Media and its potential use for MPM. What are your thoughts? Please use the 'Comments' section below... Let's get the conversation rolling! Thanks!

In the beginning...

Why a 'Men's Praise Movement'?

Our Mission Statement / History (so far..):

MPM is the outgrowth of small groups of men who have come together for the purpose of being committed disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. The means of the movement are found in Biblical teaching, as well as personal holiness and accountability.

The result of the changed lives the Lord has brought about through the smaller groups has made apparent both the greater need for men's discipleship as well as the obligation of Christian men to be so engaged.

The calling of MPM is to equip and connect with the disenfranchised or discouraged man (or formerly such) for the cause of Christ. While this is daunting task, the victory is already won through the finished work of our Lord (1 Cor. 15:57).


At MPM, we make no apology for being Christian nor do we offer an apology for being men!

Praise God! May He receive all of the glory due Him!