Tuesday, June 07, 2005
can you be my virtual pastor
I like your courage
fueled by the web
but can I?
really?
can I be a virtual pastor
when I can’t see you
I can’t read your body language
know whether your arms are crossed or open
know whether your eyes shift as you talk
can I be a virtual pastor
in the midst of life and family and work
phones and memos and deadlines
but can I?
really?
dedicated to no-one in particular,
so please don’t take it personally
Posted by steve at 11:15 PM
Church on the internet. Yes, it raises some interesting questions. I have been a member of an e-mail group for a few years now, and we debate this once in awhile. Do you have to be able to give a real hug to connect, or will a virtual one suffice? Greet the brothers with a holy kiss, sent through the computer. I know that I have received great support….
I think it’s up to the individual what they get out of a virtual relationship of any kind. If I disclose completely, my real issues can be addressed…if I hide, only give part of myself, what I receive from my e-friends won’t really bless me. It’s up to me.
Are you willing to pastor a bunch of people who are ultimately responsible for their own relationship with God? ^_^ Sounds sweet to me.
Comment by Paula — June 8, 2005 @ 5:56 am
The blogs are certainly adding depth of feeling and friendship to those who participate I would think a virtual Pastor would be a good thing too …..
……for a start no collection needed, no building repairs, no heating, no extra leadership, no debate over music and much more. Just everyday life ministered to. Yes, go for it Steve.
Comment by Elizabeth — June 8, 2005 @ 10:51 am
you are ‘a’ pastor, not ‘the’ pastor
your congregation is who you touch, wherever you connect with them, whenever that happens.The barriers are no less across a room as across a planet to The Spirit of God.Yet,you are only one person and it is up to you to discerne where The Spirit is focusing your attention and not to be distracted.
Comment by Vance — June 8, 2005 @ 4:32 pm
Yes, physical presence can help
but it can also get in the way
I wonder if sometimes a virtual communication can be ‘heard’ because our physical presence isn’t drowning out the message?
Comment by Caroline — June 11, 2005 @ 2:23 am