Archive for May 3rd, 2009

Twittering Christians

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

On my ‘theme for the day’ which seems to be about Christians and the social newtorking website Twitter, I can’t resist but post the below as it made me :)

Cardinal Sean Brady, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland has suggested that believers embrace Twitter for prayer.

The Cardinal, speaking at Mass in Country Mayo on Sunday, said that it was a good way to send people prayers.

He said, “Make someone the gift of a prayer through text, twitter or e-mail every day,” reports the BBC.

“I ask young people in particular to think of sending their friends and family an occasional twitter or text to say that you have prayed for them.”

Cardinal Brady’s sermon was delivered to mark the centenary celebration of the life of Father Patrick Peyton, who was also called “the Rosary priest”.

Cardinal Brady claimed that Father Peyton had a “great gift” for communication and would have been a prolific texter and Twitterer had the technology been available in his day.

The Cardinal urged people to start up prayer groups using modern technology such as Twitter. He said, “Such a sea of prayer is sure to strengthen our sense of solidarity with one another and remind us those who receive them that others really do care.”

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EchurchWebsites on Twitter

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

echurchwebsites_twitter1

OK I couldn’t help myself, eChurchWebsites is on Twitter
I kept toying with the idea as I know that Twitter is currently the fastest growing social networking website in the world. I also know that Twitter has been utilised for Christian evangelism, (please have a look at my blog post on this subject) but can’t really imagine folks wanting to follow me on Twitter!
Well eChurchWebsites is on Twitter now and I will try to keep it up to date and of course it gives me a good opportunity to learn the benefits of Twitter for the Christian community and the Gospel of Jesus.
Do contact me if you want an online presence to communicate the Gospel and of course do follow me on Twitter as I could do with the encouragement!

Blessings Webmaster

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Christian Evangelism Using Twitter to Reach the World for Jesus

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

twitter

I keep toying with the idea of setting up a twitter account. Even though the Internet is my business I am not big on social networking, not because I don’t like it or agree with it, I simply don’t seem to have the time!

My Wifey really enjoys social networking and spends time talking with friends and family on Facebook.

In truth I can’t really imagine folks actually being interested to sign up to follow my fascinating life on Twitter :)

I am aware however that social networking is being utilised by Christians to evangelise the Gospel and of course should a Christian want to utilise these tools I would be happy to get involved.

Below is an extract that I found online that talks about Christian evangelism and social networking, specifically with Twitter:-

If you are a Christian, and are open to learning a new way to reach people, you will greatly enjoy this information. I would argue that Jesus Christ was the greatest networker in history. I truly believe that if he were walking the earth today, he would include the Internet in his plans to share his message of redemption. As Christians, we tend to be the last group of individuals to take advantage of new technologies. While the Internet is certainly used for evil purposes, it can also be used for good. Just as believers use the technology of radio and television to share our faith, we should consider the Internet the newest and most powerful means to deliver our message.

A few short months ago, I had not even heard of Twitter. Furthermore, upon hearing of it, I didn’t like the name, assuming that those who participated in such nonsense were undoubtedly twits!

It finally dawned on me that Twitter, if utilized properly, could me a marvelous medium by which to share the love of Christ with people around the World!

Please join me in sharing Christ with the World one “Tweet” at a time.

Social Networking? You may be saying to yourself, “I don’t get Social Networking. I know it is surging in popularity, especially with young people, but should I pay attention to it?”
J.A. Barnes coined the term “Social Networking” to describe patterns of relationships within society in 1954. Social networks have subsequently been used by sociologists and social psychologists to study ways in which society functions and interacts.

Anthropologist Robin Dunbar theorized that in order for a social structure to remain cohesive and active it must maintain at least 150 members. Today, Social Networking websites have emerged to tighten this relationship and further develop a web of social ties.

The number of members of Social Networking websites today far exceed Dunbar’s 150. Myspace alone, for example, has 168,112,249 members with more joining every day.

I urge you – don’t pass up this opportunity to reach the world for Christ! The secular-world is employing this phenomenon to its great benefit. Why not the Church?

Too often, we Christians conclude that we need to avoid, like the plague, any practice with which we are either unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Where would be today if our Church Fathers refused to do that which they found uncomfortable?

As Christians, we often feel a burning-desire within us to do something to reach the world with the blessed hope that is within us. However, we frequently struggle, thinking, “What can I, a single individual, do to reach those to whom I’ve been called? Furthermore, to whom am I called?”

I contend that one of the most phenomenal opportunities to do just that has come about! That opportunity is Social Networking. The most popular and fastest-growing social networking sites in the world is Twitter!

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