This post serves two purposes: First, it allows me to post something for you to read since my blogging has been non-existent in the past week, considering my relocation. (Blogging should become more frequent this week.) Second, this post allows me to engage in shameless self-promotion as I was interviewed for the article by Mary Jacobs of the UM Reporter.
The link to the story is here.
3 comments:
Alan, I am sure we can talk about this in person, but as a young UMC clergy I can't say that it is a bad idea. Everyone needs accountability, especially online. Failure for the church to enagage social media is a failure to engage the media the BOM included! I am planning a sermon series this fall on social media... Probably calling it "the Facebook Chronicles." I will have to get your feedback.
Curt,
Thanks for your thoughts. I am in complete agreement with you concerning accountability, but I am not sure this is the best way to go about it. And yes, the church must engage social media, but is creating this kind of atmosphere with our candidates the right way to go about it?
And, yes, since we live close to each other now, I would enjoy having a face-to-face conversation.
Who is monitoring the monitors? Can anyone really expect ordination candidates to “talk back” to their superiors on the boards and share what they really think of this kind of monitoring? No, and it’s disingenuous to pretend that that kind of honest evaluation is available. All clergy, not just candidates, should employ ethical behavior and our General Rules in their use of written and spoken language. But using that as an excuse to police orthodoxy is just untrue to our tradition of think and let think. Blogs and other media can be a great place to share, debate, discuss, and conference over theological and other matters. Incidentally, I notice that The Reporter blog does not allow comments on any of their articles. Allowing them would probably enhance their online readership and participation
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