In this series of articles we have developed a proper understanding of what crowdsourcing is and how diversity contributes to its ability to uncover innovative solutions, as well as considered the theological support for such an endeavor. Now it is time to test the theological waters of crowdsourcing to see if it supports the weight of these type of inquiries. Currently, Len Sweet and I have three such projects underway to do just that. Our initial project (100 Words That... Read more
We have seen how businesses and organizations such as Wikipedia, Quirky.com, Threadless.com, and even the Department of Energy are using crowdsourcing to generate new ideas or products for their particular application. But in churches, oftentimes that which is culturally or financially appropriate lies at odds with core beliefs of the organization. And so, if we are to consider crowdsourcing as a way to help uncover innovative solutions for the Church, it is right to address questions concerning the theological validity... Read more
In the previous article, we briefly discussed how diverse groups of problem solvers are being utilized to uncover innovative solutions. But in the Church, diversity has a history of leading to disagreement and division as evidenced by the suggestion we currently have close to 33,000 Christian denominations in the world.[1] Paul addressed our tendency to let diversity divide us rather than unite us in his letter to the church of Corinth, a city comprised of people from a variety of... Read more
Crowdsourcing is the popular term for what is more commonly known in academia as distributed co-creation[1]. This problem solving methodology seems to better enable innovation as it creates an economy built upon the power of the idea rather than upon the position or power of the one proposing the idea while at the same time leveraging the benefits of diversity. Diverse individuals tend to uncover better solutions through crowdsourcing. They see and interpret the world in diverse ways. They organize... Read more
For all its controversy tithes and offerings account for$50 billion a year in the U.S. $50 billion. This $50 billion is from 10 million tithers–people who donate 10% or more their income to a church–across America. They make up 10-25% of a normal congregation yet they for 50-80% of church funding. The ole’ Pareto principle (or the 80-20 rule) is still at work. Here’s an infographic on the state of church giving in the US. So out of that $50... Read more
Romans 12:1 states, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Yesterday I ran across this great, familiar passage of Scripture. However, not until I prayed through and meditated on it did I fully grasp the significance of this passage for the believer—for me. Though I don’t believe it is wrong to see this passage as a... Read more
As we are all aware, some months back Victoria Osteen neatly summed up the Prosperity Gospel for all of us. She has officially stated, unknowingly or not, the purpose of this so-called “gospel” message they bring; simply put, “serve yourself because that is what God wants—and it makes him happy…” I have chosen to entitle this post with “Prosperity Gospel(s) because most prosperity preachers offer different things. They typically aren’t united in their promises, and various preachers will proclaim different blessings... Read more
I’m a tither. Despite the controversy surrounding it, I’m a huge advocate of it. And, honestly, before I got serious about it my life was a total mess. I couldn’t make ends meet. I had trouble holding a steady job. My wife (God bless her) loved me, but lost almost all respect for me. Our marriage was on its last leg. She was pregnant with our 2nd child and was considering leaving. As I said she loved me but with... Read more
Not for nothing did education activist and terror survivor Malala Yousafzai receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Her honor is fitting in a year that will be remembered as the year of martyred children. The terrorist group ISIS has been beheading Christian children in the streets of Iraq and Syria. Nigerian militia group Boko Haram has targeted “Western” schools, where they have slaughtered boys and sold girls into slavery. This month, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Taliban guerrillas chose a school... Read more
I’m pretty sure the baby Jesus cried. A lot. Read more
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