CoJourner Podcast: Power Play

Are you experiencing the power of the Spirit for witness?  Here is another of the CoJourner radio spots that I have done for MyBridge Radio Network.

Power Play

CoJourner Podcast: Heart Check

Is your heart (for the lost) healthy? Here is the first of the CoJourner radio spots that I have done for MyBridge Radio Network:

Heart Check

Millenials: Fast Company's InfoGraphic

In a couple of weeks, I will be sharing with a group of leaders an overview of the changing student culture. It is timely to have Fast Company publish their latest InfoGraphic, "The Blessing and Curse of Being a Millenial."  The infographic gives a visual summary of the generation's diversity, political leanings, lifestyle preferences, education and work opportunities.  Nice little summary.

Evangelism Like Tomato Gardening (Tim Downs)

From our friends with Overflow Today...

Backstory on the iPad

Flying back from Indianapolis last week, I set next to Carl---an engineer returning home on a business trip. A bit of exploring  (see CoJourner role: The Explorer) revealed an ex-Catholic who considers himself "spiritual" and believes that the gnostic gospels are equally important as the canonical gospels. Hmm....

As we visited, I asked it I could briefly show him Backstory, a visual synopsis of the Bible. Using my iPad, loaded with a pdf of Backstory (and using the Documents to Go application), I walked him through the seven themes:

• Intimacy
• Betrayal
• Anticipation
• Pursuit
• Sacrifice
• Invitation
• Reunion

Expanding each of the seven theme pages (i.e., the left-side photograph pages) to screen size and flipping through them one at a time, it was easy and engaging to briefly walk through and explain the story-line of the gospel. After further discussion, I offered him a printed copy of Backstory (the pamphlet), which he gladly received.

This was the first time I used my new iPad in a conversational witnessing experience. The iPad presentation of Backstory was gorgeous (given the black & white photography that provides the background for each theme.) Using the "up/down swipe" feature, enabled me to share without having to reference or even show the additional content (found on the right-side, white-background pages of Backstory). Knowing that the additional material was available at the swipe of a finger (i.e., right-to-left exposes the right-sde page; left-to-right returns to the photo-theme page) was nice, but not necessary for this conversation.

My conclusion: This will easily become my favorite way to share Christ when in a conversation it becomes appropriate to explain the gospel. 

BTW - Carl wasn't anywhere close to receiving Christ (as best as I could discern), but having a positive, engaging conversation, which included the gospel and for which he thanked me, was a gift from God. 

Here is a brief video introduction of how I used Backstory, shot with my iPhone video. Its not professional, but perhaps it will help...

I Agree with... Kirk

Through the years, local Cru ministries have conducted an innovative outreach campaign known as "I Agree With..."

This fall, the Michigan State Cru helped sponsor an "I Agree with Kirk" campaign, featuring the personal testimony of starting MSU quarterback, Kirk Cousins.  Here is an article from the Christian post: Michigan State Quarterack Kirk Cousins Talks Faith, Football.

The Gospel (Husker Style)

Being that it is football season and that years ago I co-led the ministry with the University of Nebraska Huskers football team, and being that the legacy of that ministry has continued through leaders to the team today, I was particularly encouraged when a friend sent me this link...


Husker Football Players Share the Gospel - FCA from Three Pillars Media on Vimeo.

Thank you, Lord, for men who embrace the gospel and extend its reach!

Topography of Faith: Mapping the USA

USA Today recently published a fascinating graphical depiction of faith in the USA: The Topography of Faith. Based on research done by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, the map presents the overall view of the US and yields individual views for each state as you scroll over.  Makes for a fascinating few minutes as you try to guess-timate the religious topography of different states and regions.

How did you do?

SuJo John: 9/11 Survivor

Over the last few years, we have begun to witness momentum grow on college campuses for speakers & programs who present the gospel relevantly. One of those has been SuJo John, a 9/11 survivor.  Here is his story.

(Special thanks to our friends in ministry at IamSecond).

A Contextualized Version of Soularium

Just became aware of the Singapore contextualized version of our very popular, Soularium.

It is called, Frames of Mind.

CruPress User Guide: Check it Out

Have you seen the 2011-12 CruPress User Guide. Glance here, but go to Crupress Green:

cru - A New Name for CCCI

Campus Crusade for Christ is in the process of changing its name. Here is the background of the process in a Christianity Today article, "Campus Crusade for Christ changes its Name to Cru".

Framing the Problem of Evil in Animation

Want help framing and responding to the problem of evil? Here are two animations that could help.

The shorter version (1 min, 46 sec):

And a bit longer response (3:10)

Thots?

Debunking Teen Media Myths

Just received the latest Research Brief from the Center for Media Research. Helpful summary. Includes stats like:

Out-Text All Other Age Groups: In Q1 2011, teens 13-17 sent an average of 3,364 mobile texts per month, more than doubling the rate of the next most active texting demo, 18-24 year olds (1,640 texts per month)

What does that say about the next generation of freshmen classes? We have to keep figuring out how to better leverage texting in campus ministry!

A couple of "myths" it debunks are:

Teens are NOT abandoning TV for new media: In fact, they watch more TV than ever, up 6% over the past five years in the U.S.

Teens love the Internet...but spend far less time browsing than adults: Teens spend 11 hours and 32 minutes per month online-far below the average of 29 hours and 15 minutes.

Teens watch less online video than most adults, but the ads are highly engaging to them: Teens spend 35% less time watching online video than adults 25-34, but recall ads better when watching TV shows online than they do on television.

Not sure what those mean for ministry, but thought it interesting. Thots?

What is the Gospel? Another Video Sketch

Here is four-minute video of the gospel, sketched. This version is from Southern Seminary

What is the Gospel? from Southern Seminary on Vimeo.

Thots?

Lasting Influence form Short Term Experiences

Are summer mission trips worth the investment? Do they lead to lasting impact? Great questions!

Couple those with another set of good questions. What part does the ministry of compassion and social justice play when on a mission of gospel proclamation? How do you wed together good news with good deeds? What happens when you do?

How do these two set of questions relate?

As students are exposed to the needs of the world and experience the difference that the gospel (that is, gospel living and gospel proclaiming) can make, it prepares them for a lifetime of gospel ministry--whether in the U.S. or the world.

That reality is illustrated very well by the University of South Carolina Media Relations article: "USC Retailing Student is Clothed in Hope."

Go, Amy!

30 Seconds...Another 18 yr Old Latino in US

Here is a 90 sec read from Fast Company on the Hispanic Market in the US. Not just how big it is, but the implications for companies (and organizations). It is worth your minute and a half.

What the Rise of Univision Means for Your Brand

Every 30 seconds a Latino turns 18 years old. Will we be positioned to reach him or her?

Backstory on iPad: Cool View

My friend and co-worker, RJ, took our work with Life@Large (a seven-chapter, gospel storyline) and created an updated version known as Backstory. We haven't yet pursued creating an "app" for mobile devices. That is coming (we say.) However, I was copied on (another friend and co-workers) DC's e-mail to RJ's on this creative usage:

I shared Christ with a grad student today at Cal using Backstory --- I had him Google search CruPress and download the pdf into his iPad and view on iPad Reader --- looking at it together we flicked the pages back and forth, read out loud scripture, and answered the Q's --- the way it's formatted is beautiful on iPad --- it's 4x it's printed size when you click on a pane and it fills the screen --- 2x the size when "scrolling"--- so easy to read you must try it it you haven't yet --- a quality conversation was had over quality Gospel media --- he's a believer, so I used Backstory to get to know better and to draw out his story --- asked him which of the 7 themes drew him in the most --- he came closer to Christ through the conversation and so did I --- Backstory should get a Grammy for best coffeehouse conversation media for use with an iPad --- I wonder if Backstory could be hosted on campus ministry and personal websites so one could click and drag-the pages and view it similarly to like we did today but with a cursor-- http://crupress.campuscrusadeforchrist.com/files/products/backstory.pdf

Be encouraged. -dc

PS ________, You men have iPads, reply-to-all with your thoughts (viewing it on my MacBook with the Marque Zoom is amazing too) --- let's creatively spread the word about this phenomenon to our students reaching out at Big Break and Spring Breaks everywhere --- and as something new and beautiful to share on campus during Easter Season.

Maybe you should try it too!

The Destino Challenge

Watching the emergence of national ethnic ministries has been a fascinating learning experience for me.

All my mission training and exposure (both in seminary and since), emphasized the importance of contextualized ministry. Intuitively, we applied contextualized ministry locally, as well, adapting ministry to nature of the campus or community.

But over the last 10-15 years, I have been privileged to associate with (and, perhaps, by the grace of God occassionally assist) ethnically contextualized ministries, Destino being one. So I was delighted to read this blog from my blogging friend "Destinoeric":

The Destino Challenge

What if...? What if hundreds take the challenge?

"In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." Acts 19:20 (NIV)

Speak Out: A Case Study in Fruitfulness

One of the most fruitful student outreaches I have ever had association with is the Speak Out English Camps with Student Venture in Hungary. (I participated while in Hungary with my family in 1995. Two of my kids have returned as counselors in the intervening years.)

For instance, during the summer of 2010, more than a quarter of the 330 Hungarian (primarily) high school students passed through the threshold of faith, trusting Christ as their Savior. Why?

If you examine the design, you could discover principles that make this a high fruit-bearing initiative.

Speakout 2011

What can we learn from Speakout's effective model?

No Secrets

In an effort to "see healing from the inside out for everyone across the campus, see freedom reign as lives are restored, and see God change us into a people of love, faith, and hope", our friends and fellow-workers at UCSD InterVarsity Christian Fellowship have created No Secrets. Have a look and listen...

Greek InterVarsity: NY Times Report Worth Celebrating

Very encouraging to read the NY Times article on Greek InterVarsity, Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship's ministry to fraternity and sorority members. Entitled, "Where Raucous in the Norm, Bible Study", the article reveals the greek ministry has 2800 active members in 367 houses on 60 universities! How cool is that?

Earlier this morning, I received from York Moore (IVCF evangelist and leader) this update,

InterVarsity is on campus with the light of Christ reaching over 34,000 students with the gospel! Over 44,000 non-Christian students are being reached and participate regularly in our 500+ campuses...

Evangelical campus ministry is alive, vibrant and growing! God is doing incredible things among this generation of students! That is reason to rejoice!

Changed Life Story: Short Film Strategy

We've spoken of the Short Film strategy as one of the emerging evangelism strategies. Here is a changed life story, the fruit of this powerful medium...

Easy Monday Witness

Our friends at the Overflow Today just posted this tip from Kevin Harney (author of Organic Outreach for Ordinary People). These three minutes could help you be more alert to a common opportunity...

Praying for Missional Outreach

Here are seven scriptural prayers for outreach:

* For the witness of the body through unity. (John 17:23)
* For workers for the harvest to be sent. (Matthew 9:37-38)
* For opportunities to witness. (Colossians 4:3)
* For clarity in our presentation. (Colossians 4:4)
* For the words to say. (Ephesians 6:19)
* For the boldness to speak. (Ephesians 6:20)
* For the gospel to spread rapidly. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
* For the lost to be saved. (Romans 10:1)

What if we actually prayed these? What if the Lord answered "yes"?

Mission Quotes: John Piper

Mission quotes from John Piper, speaking at the Denver Winter Conference for CCC, December 2010. This brief video was prepared to reinforce the message of the conference:

GenY and Technology

I often find helpful insights from Dan Coates (President of YPulse Insights) and Engage GenY. The latest is no exception - Upward Mobility. These are some summary research insights on GenY and technology:

• 50% of collegians now have a smartphone
• 9 out of 10 use their phone for talking and texting
• Taking photos is the next most common usage (8 of 10)
• Sharing photos is next (7 of 10)
• About half use their phone to update status on social networks and browse the internet

All this points to the importance of those involved in innovation and ministry to think carefully about the impact and usage of this powerful technology.

Hmm... How are we doing?

Cultural Shifts for Missions in Bhutan

For those who track missions in South Asia (as I do), there is a fascinating development in the country of Bhutan according to a recent Christianity Today article, entitled, "Bhutan Budges". Two things of note:

1. The likelihood of Bhutan legalizing registered Christianity.
2. Registration could serve as a means of regulation.
3. The current estimate of 6000 believers in Bhutan.

Pray for the gospel to continue to spread with power throughout the country and region!

What is the Maze

Just read new reports from the Maze. God is doing amazing works through this unique outreach. Jim, whose life took a detour a couple of years ago as a result of a battle with leukemia, shares:

Last week, we had an unforgettable outreach at TCU in Fort Worth, TX. Not only did 1100 students cram into a 600 seat venue to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, but ....students signed up to become bone marrow donors.

Wow, now there is impact!

If you are unfamiliar with the Maze, check this out:



Do you believe him?

200 Countries, 200 Years, Four minute video

This is a fascinating video telling the story of 200 countries over 200 years. Educational, without a doubt. But entertaining in the process!

Thanks, Hans Rosling & the BBC. Thanks, Gary, for bringing it to my attention.

Twitter & Me II

An hour or so ago, I posted "Twitter & Me". Then a Facebook friend posted on my wall the suggestion I checkout klout.com, which I had never done. So, what did I find?

According to Klout, I am an "Explorer" with a score of 35 (on a scale of 100). That sounds fairly mediocre.

But it goes on to say,

You actively engage in the social web, constantly trying out new ways to interact and network. You're exploring the ecosystem and making it work for you. Your level of activity and engagement shows that you "get it", we predict you'll be moving up.

That seems like a fairly accurate description, and it makes me "feel good" with hope for more.

But lest I get to excited, here is the cautionary note from Ecoconsultancy. (I guess if I were a "bot", I'd have more klout.)

As for the prediction, I shouldn't think it would take much to "move (me) up". Just a little more intentionality with my tweets.

Hmm... Maybe I tweet to that.

Twitter & Me

According to a December 31, 2010 Research Brief from the Center for Media Research, there is this on Tweeters:

According to the first-ever survey reading from Pew Research that exclusively examines Twitter users, 8% of online adults said they do use Twitter, with 2% doing so on a typical day. This survey also showed that 74% of American adults are Internet users, meaning that the Twitter cohort amounts to 6% of the entire adult population.

Wonder what is true of our typical audience--individuals involved in campus ministry and/or evangelism ministries?

In 2010, I dabbled with Twitter, 427 tweets to my now 206 followers. Contemplating now how to upgrade my effectiveness... Or if I should.

Hmm???