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| Notes from town hall w/MyChurch CEO Joe Suh |
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Last Friday (9/11) at lunchtime, Joe Suh, CEO of MyChurch, set up a town hall (conference call) and invited ANY MyChurch users interested in hearing about and discussing the current and future direction of MyChurch.org, as well as any other issues on our minds involving the site. How could anyone pass up a chance like that? Has the CEO of MySpace, or Facebook, or any of the other social networking giants ever done this? I don’t think so! So I took him up on it, and I took notes!
Below are some of the notes I took. (If you want all of them, simply message me your email address and I’ll gladly send it.) My purpose in posting this is to inform other users who are as concerned as I have been recently over all the changes to the site. So here you go, hopefully you find this positive and informative!
Explanation for the increasing focus on local congregations
- The MyChurch “mission” has become clearer (to Joe) over the past year…focus on local churches, extend church community through the week (Mon-Sat)
Despite some appearances, Joe believes MyChurch is headed in right direction
- Seeing ever increasing content on church pages (MyChurch designed as a tool for churches, therefore this is a positive sign)
- More video/audio content posted recently by churches, plus comments being posted to that content
Q: Is MyChurch straying from its success supporting global community by increasing the focuse on local community?
- Yes and no
- Some recent changes have made global fellowship through blogging more difficult, but prayers are being pushed/emphasized in the place of blogs
- Prayers seen as more encouraging and uplifting, a better way to connect people spiritually
Q: Is blogging being deemphasized on MyChurch, and if so, why?
- Blogging has been deemphasized in favor of other means to facilitate church communities
- Prominence of “debate and argue” blogs, with critical, judgmental, disparaging comments is very discouraging; ill-mannered voices on the site seem disproportionately visible
- Nasty comments, divisive blogs discourage new pastors, churches from joining MyChurch
- The blogs have often become a platform for putting our sinful nature on display, have tended to bring out the worst in people
- Joe found the continuous bickering depressing, to the point it was actually demotivating him from pursuing MyChurch (imagine creating something for good, only to see it used for evil)
- Blogs will still to be featured on the Explore tab, but no longer highlighted or given as much prominence/emphasis as before
- No other significant changes to blogging on MyChurch are planned as of now
Q: Any feedback on the change to real names?
- Yes, local pastors like the change a lot
- Pastors want to know the real names of members, get to know who’s who in their church
Q: Any feedback on the site redesign, memos, etc.?
- Yes, most feedback has been either neutral or negative
- Users from Facebook (and there are many) are finding their way around and getting plugged in more quickly given the similarities between Facebook and MyChurch, whereas before (when the site was totally different than Facebook) there was a big learning curve
- Memos (status updates) are not a high priority at the moment, but are still on the roadmap (for the future)
Regarding the "feed"
- Continued desire to give more people a voice (on the site, in the feed), increase diversity of content (rather than overwhelm feed with content from a vocal/”popular”few)
And a general note: Joe and Carol were very warm and friendly over the phone. Joe sought feedback widely, and really seemed to listen to my ideas with interest. And though I may not have agreed with all of Joe's reasoning, I definitely understand now why he is doing things a certain way. Joe also suggested that he might do another town hall in the future. I plan to participate again, and hope a lot of you will too!
.....Joe and Carol, I appreciate your interest in communicating with us and listening to our ideas and concerns, as well as the gracious gift of your time. Thank you!!
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| To add a comment to "Notes from town hall w/MyChurch CEO Joe Suh" |
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| September 15, 2009 |
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Thank you for taking the time to write this out dear Mike and you know my email adress so could you please mail me the full thing for I am quiet interested in it. I would like to state that the memo's (status) should become a higher priority, because I am not to sure if you've noticed it, but I have that the prayers have become a place for memo's and it is hard to tell the difference between the two of them. Some changes I like, but some I don't. I have shared that in my blog, which may or may not have resulted in a blocking, I have shared my views and I will not state anymore into this. -Megan |
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| September 15, 2009 |
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I appreciate your note taking and your participation. I would be interested in the fuller notes and you have my email addy. I think your notes here are reflective of what I understood were the changes prior to the conference call. It is good to have my conclusions confirmed and to have a little bit better understanding of the "whys" of the changes. I applaud the decision to try and get wider participation in the site, just not sure if prayers are the way to do it but I do love prayer! |
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| September 15, 2009 |
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Thanks for the update Mike. I admire Joe and Carol for wanting to retain the Spirit of Christ and finding a creative means to cut off the devisiveness that has turned so many away. Maybe allowing blogs back on the church page where they can be moderated by their own ministry would be something to think about in the future. Just a thought. :) |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Hi Mike.
First of all: Blogging has been deemphasized in favor of other means to facilitate church communities.
I agree in part, as some use it as a platform to air their "views" shall we say that should not be viewed. On the other-hand, blogging is a tool to reach out to people, whereby prayer (if I read on correctly) does not connect instantly on a one-to-one basis, which doesn't mean I'm de-emphasizing prayer. So it would help if by way of responding to a blog, people actually say something instead of "we'll pray about it for you", and once prayed about - what was the response (the answer) to that prayer. In short, it shows people that they care.
Secondly. Pastors want to know the real names of members, get to know who’s who in their church.
If Pastors communicated with their "members" once in a while - they'd know who they were. With the church I was connected to, nobody made contact. Correction. The Pastor made contact by form of the friends list - and I added them accordingly, but they've never made contact otherwise. And for the record. Those who have made contact with me - know me.
Thirdly. More video/audio content posted recently by churches, plus comments being posted to that content.
A video from the man himself (Joe) would be appreciated. Call it a newsletter via "Mychurch" video. In that way - people can hear what's been said - instead of misinterpreting what's been said, and putting it into their language instead of Joe's language. I call it "damage limitation" - as a lot of things were taken out of context in his response to people (hence their responses to what he said being deleted). Example: he meant it one way, they took it another. If people heard it from the man himself and the way in-which it was said, a lot of things could be avoided, as I heard that Joe is MUCH BETTER communicating verbally than he is in written form.
Forthly. Prayers seen as more encouraging and uplifting, a better way to connect people spiritually.
I go back to my blog comment above - and I agree in part. Prayers could be seen as more encouraging and uplifting to some people, but there could be a disconnection between people other than through prayer. Example: I am a very practical person, and other than through prayer (if they so wish) I interact with them as much as I can by supporting them. Example again: I email them, I talk to them over instant messaging etc., and sometimes even over the telephone - as sometimes things can be said over the telephone that cannot be communicated over by way of a blog. In that way - they know there's an actual person on the end of it, not just a person who communicates through blogs. Example: you can see the face, you can read their blogs, but you don't know the person themselves behind it. Final example. Other than through blog comments, do you know me Mike?
FINALLY. You knew I'd respond to this, and I agree with what God is doing through people on this site. But to limit people's ability to connect with people in real terms (my personal opinion) is a backward step, as I saw the blog that was written in 2007 when MC was first taking off, something to do with the Christian version of Myspace? I also read what it says before people log in. Example: something to do with believers as well as non-believers getting their feet wet. Personal opinion again? Unless connected to a church, it limits it to believers only - although non-believers can connect by connecting to a church through stealth mode, but that would be deceitful, wouldn't it?
As regards to memo's (status update), it all depends on what people use them for. So although I agree it may be on the agenda, it could be considered not to be a high priority - although many people have requested it to be brought back. Question. For what purpose? And finally, finally. I did agree to participate on the conference call, but there's a lot of stuff that's going on in my life that people don't know about, therefore I had to withdraw. The other reason I withdrew was because it would be people listening to Joe - and what Joe wants to do, therefore everybody else just sits back and listens. In a nutshell, its Joe's site - and he can do whatever he wants with it. But let it be never mixed up with what God wants to do, as there seems to be a confusion between the two - as people are trying desperately to see what God is doing through this site, but roadblocks keep being put in the way as to how they do it. Example again. I do it one way, other people do it another, and there's no confusion between the two. Confusion sets in when people wake up, log on - and its all changed. For better or for worse - remains to be seen, as one person (who maybe reading this) feels as if they're name has had an "x" put right through it as not being important, and on a personal basis (my opinion only) I feel like a peice of dog pooh on the end of somebody's shoe that could be easily gotten rid of. With the response that was made to myself, it shouted out "thank you for what you've done, but as a non-contributer (payer) that contributes in the only way they can because of financial restrictions - its not recognised." Question. How many financially contribute - compared to those that contribute by other means? Because financial-wise I can fully understand where Joe is coming from. In short. No money, not site. But in the majority of cases - contribution-wise, what makes up "Mychurch." Payers - or non-payers? Example: individuals compared to churches? because it seems only one is being fully recognised and appreciated. On the other-hand, the other is appreciated - but is not being fully recognised. In a nutshell, its both that make up "Mychurch." And by the way, God recognises what's in people's hearts. Here ends my response - which I may come back to later. Like I said Mike - you knew I'd respond, and I hope this has not come across to you as a criticism (or a complaint) for what's being done on "Mychurch." People aired their concerns - not complaints, but what they wrote was wiped straight off the map. So it goes back to a video message rather than a written one - on what is happening on "Mychurch". He's made it available to others, so could he consider using that same tool for himself? That way - people can hear it from the man himself. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| I forgot to mention. Blogs will still to be featured on the Explore tab, but no longer highlighted or given as much prominence/emphasis as before. I agree - with all the reasons Joe has mentioned prior to that. That's why there needs to be moderator's to make sure that it doesn't happen. Until Birdie Courtright mentioned it above, I didn't know it had disappeared. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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I can't join in the conference in the middle of the day but applaud bringing this to light for us....big hugs.
I am going to ride the waves and hang on. I have so much to love about this. I connect more with the blogs. Who needs a devotional book these days? lol, I come here for it more and more.
I don't agree with every blogger and am still responsible to look up in the Word and compare but that is fine, they didn't take it away.
Life is good. and ....God is WAY Good!
love ya brother Mike, hugely. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Mike, thanks my brother. I was out of town last Friday but did know about the call. Thanks for the feedback from it. I now know the direction MC is trying to go in. Life would be real hard if it wasn't for the prayers and encouragement I (we) get from this site (MC). I thank Joe, Carol and anyone else involved in this ministry. They are doing a fine job. Be blessed my friends. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks Mike you are a star! I was X and still feel Xcommunicated slightly but at least understand the WHYs a little more. Love Stu |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks Mike. You are more than a blessing. You are a gift to the mychurch community. Let me say "ditto" to Higher Ground. Blessings, y'all. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh YES YES YES YES YES AND OMGosh YES!!!!!! I am only half way through reading and am VERY pleased to hear it. Thank you Joe for listening to our Lord. He has given you a clear picture of what will take care of some of the issues here. *does a little dance* My heart just broke for those using this site INSTEAD of Church. This will give the encouraging push to find a local Body. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Prayer should be first on the agenda. Prayer should be the heartbeat of every christain. However I think the blogs are important too. People reach out in many different ways, some are better expressing themselves when they can write how they feel, whats going on their live, the hurts, heart aches, burdens and so forth. To me, when I'm struggeling. I write.
I haven't said anything because I feel like it doesn't what I think anyway.
I feel like a number, not a person.
I have chosen to stay for now because their are actually some who have encouraged me so much when I felt like giving up. I'm the kind of person that if I say I'm leavin, I leave. I don't threaten, I leave.
Sometimes people won't go to church, for whatever reason, some I know of because of being wounded in the so called church, therefore they reach out to who they can, like this site. We all have choices. This is just another one |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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I also appreciate your note taking and your participation, Mike Thank u & God Bless |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| Thank you so much for sharing what was stated in the conference call. I have noticed much more response to prayer requests than previously; which is great. God bless you & your family, Mike. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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I am still rather impressed that the site CEO would spend time us, going out of his way to communicate his interpretation of God's call, and even soliciting ideas and opinions. And from those who use the site for free, too! Crystal, I would hope you would base your perception of the value of this site not on how you feel treated by the website, but on how you feel treated by the lovely people who USE the website to interact and respond to you. The website is a tool. We the people (users) are the ones connecting w/one another. Stevie, thanks for taking the time to share those thoughts. I'll try to respond later to specifics as I find the time. Your input really means a lot to me. Ruth, great point. We NEED flesh and blood face-to-face contact. A hug, and handshake, just don't translate well over the internet. And nothing substitutes for looking someone in the eye! Stu, your brothers and sisters would NEVER excommunicate you! It occurs to me, that a social networking website is nothing more than a window through which we look, in order to "see" folks we can't otherwise be with. The better the features of the site, the clearer the window. IMO, the MyChurch window is pretty clear. At times, a bit too clear, as I can see people I would not normally choose to be with, folks who are regularly antagonistic, argumentative, judgmental, etc. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| sorry if it sounded that way, but I no longer go by my feelings, emotions can lead us in the wrong direction. I do value this website and my friends, I just don't agree with EVERYONE. Like I said, I have met some wonderful people on here and I wouldn't trade their friendship for anything. I hope they feel the same way about me, I'm just an honest person and I am getting better at voicing my opinion. But thats all it is, my opinion. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks Mike for sharing. Been nice getting to know you and others. God Bless Mychurch, but I can tell you as a pastor I would have little use for this format as it stands now. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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I am just now getting around and checking out the new format. I really like it! I love the emphasis on prayer. I got a little lost when so many of my friends prayed for the same prayer, but on the whole I love the new feed! I think the new home page is beautiful! God bless you everyone and I pray you can see all the new changes through God's eye's. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thank you Mike. I am also more interested in connecting through blogs in the current format. I have gone back to follow prayer requests and am only allowed to write over what I have previously said. This is confusing in the way that it reads. Blogs have an order of time that prayer requests do not allow at this point. Follow up is vital and not being able to read in a time formatted display is too confusing, and the person requesting the prayer could become confused also. This is not very functional. In retrospect, blogs have been used here for prayer since I joined and none went unnoticed from my recollection. I am thankful for Joe's consideration of our input and again, I will stick around because of the fellowship. Love always in Christ Jesus. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Jules, I love your orange input! I hear what you're saying...there's something to be said about prayer blogs, too. Todd, I would be willing to bet the CEO would especially like to hear your input as a local pastor. Crystal, no worries, your comment didn't sound bad. I'm sure the changes to the site are a distraction to us all from time to time. I just pray we don't forget about the people God has blessed us with here when the technical changes start getting frustrating. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| can't forget my friends, I was chatting with two early this morning, good o Mr. Bee and Mrs. Juanita. They make me smile |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks Mike for the update |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks Lil Brother for the update. It was very informative... |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks Mike for taking notes to share with us . I don't have any major complaints
just that the grey matter sometimes gets tested with the changes and it's a known saying change is as good as a holiday. I will agree with Joe that some of the comments a while back were very off puting, and did think that if a "baby" christian read them what would they think would they want to go on in their walk ??/ |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Mike, thank you for taking the time to relate some of what was stated by Joe in the conference call.
I and many others have taken our valuable time to post blogs and beautiful poetry (for free), in the hope that it will bless others. I have discerned that many have come to this site burdened by hurts from religion, relationships, people they met in churches, etc., and are in need of the communication that blogs brings to express themselves. These people are very hurt and from time to time will express themselves in a burst of anger or sarcasm. We who are Spiritual should love these people back into the kingdom, not delete or block them or chastise them publicly, because it only brings grief to the Holy Spirit. Love covers a multitude of sins and love will always win out. I believed with all of my heart that many was sent here by the Holy Spirit (from other sites) to be encouraged to walk that straight and narrow path. Blogs are a sure way of communicating with each other and I for one totally enjoy it as I am sure others have also. I believe that myself and many others have grown Spiritually through this form of communication. This is keeping it real.
As for the prayer requests, I have found in the past and still do, that many will say (I am praying) and if the one who request prayers do not know this person how can they agree according to the (Word)? G-d ONLY watches over His Word to perform it to completion. I would hope that we both have the same faith, because then the prayers would not work. There is biblical protocal for everything on this planet. G-d states through His Word how He want His kingdom to come and His will to be done and then and only then blessings will come in people's lives.
I will continue to pray that this site will be used as a tool to draw everyone, so that we all can communicate (through blogs) with each other and grow in the knowledge of Biblical truth by digging into the written Word, and finally come in one accord through the Word of G-d so that blessings can be shed abroad and for the love we have for one another (they) will know that we are disciples of Jesus' Christ.
With Sincere love for all
Your sister in Christ
Marcia
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| Amen Marcia! |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| exactly Marcia |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| And I agree too Marcia. Blogs are just as important than prayer requests are, but blogs come second in the pecking order. Mind you, that's just another personal opinion. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks for sharing all this with us Mike!
Blessings In Him... :o)
Herman |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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| I was never given the info on the conference call even though I left my email just as Joe said. My impression is there are some he is willing to listen to and some he is not. I am one he apparently isn't intrested in hearing from. That's too bad. I have heard from a lot of people that will not be back and know why. I also read the blog about facebook users being able to login from there to be here. Was the intention to copy facebook the reason in hopes of attracting them? Who will monitor those users? Why would we be here if it is only going to be like facebook (minus the chat, games, updates, memo's they have and mychurch doesn't anymore, or blogs which the main reason I am on myChurch anyway)? My church members are never on myChurch anymore. They are all on facebook. My friends I've met here are on facebook, also. With more options and instant chat there, and of course, less blogs or profiles available to meet new friends here, seems like a disaster to me. The treatment is something of a mystery to me, also. Get told how to leave your information to be contacted about the conference call ( to some like a 3 yo.) and not be given the info at all is like having an alibi saying I "invited" but not really. I have made some respectful comments but have never gotton one response from Joe or myChurch members. Ever. Even though I spoke directly to them, I was (am) ignored. That's ok with me as I have gotten God's approval for what I do and I do not put myself on a high horse looking down on other people. Mike, you know I first was using my real name here but when the 'Mule' came along, we had fun. If that is wrong, I gotta ask myself,"Am I in the right place?" I do not have the priviledge to know all that Joe has to do or his team. I'm sure it is a lot and am quite certain some have missued the site. Lumping everyone in the same pile as to be unuseful or divisive is wrong, too. That is where the church moderators should come into play. The local churches can follow their members to help with the blog comments and take some pressure off the myChurch staff, couldn't they? Still, with the addition of unmonitored users, who will they answer to or will they even show up? There are more features on fb and nothing to add here. Why come? As for a lot of us, why stay? I'm not leaving unless they ask me to. Being open and honest is the way I do things, so if I'm offending anyone for asking or saying what I do, I'm just asking what others have wondered but just leave without even bothering. This, of all sites, should be Truthful. Amen? Thanks for your efforts, Mike. You really care. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Thanks for taking the time to take the notes and post this. Your heart for this ministry is evident. (I've also sent you a message with my email for the addtional notes). I'll reserve further comment until I've read the rest of the notes. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Anthony, no one is discouraging use of the name The Talking Mule. You be the Mule if you wanna be! And yes, we've had fun with it. We need more fun names! Thanks Maureen, and I will send you the full notes! |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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thanks Mike for posting your notes, I would be interested in reading more if you would be willing to send me a copy. I have tried to get local folks from my home church to use this sight, but with little success. Maybe I should try again. I know many of them have joined facebook, maybe I can get them to migrate over here. |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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Great note taking Mike! |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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Mike what would we do without you. :) Thanks for the update...
I have no real complaints, it's all sumer one thing or another has kept me off here, and coming back to try to find things... it's different, but I ask for help and I and try finding my way around... Mychuch, still has all my friends on here... I can't wait to get back to fellowship with them... Things are slowing down, and it won't be long. God bless you and your family... I hope all is well... :) |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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| Thanks for the update, from Africa you are loud and clear i bless the Lord |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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Hi Mike. Its interesting your response to Brother Todd's comment - compared to all the others who commented - who use blogs as their main tool for communicating (myself being one of them). Maybe this was an oversight, maybe it wasn't, but as we say over here, there is a down-scaling (a less emphasis being put on) in the form of blogs, but an up-scaling - putting more emphasis on, prayer. Looking at both sides of the fence - they are both just as important, but it seems one (being blogs) is less important than the other. There are three areas which people should consider. They are as follows:
What Joe is doing.
What people are doing on MC through the website.
What God is doing through the website - using people or individuals to do it through.
Taking the last one as an example, taking-out paying members who contribute to this site financially, it is individuals that make up the main structure. And taking up Talking Mule's comment about treating people like 3 year-old's is not a very good example as set out by the CEO himself - as two examples come to mind: telling one person to follow instructions as to how to send their email address, but telling another they can message him to send theirs privately. THAT is double-standards. And as for the update at the end of the CEO's blog about changes - which led to the conference meeting being set up? That changed to my knowledge - three times. So I am concentrating on those three main areas as mentioned above. What Joe is doing, what people are doing through the website, and what God is doing through people - through the website. So it will be interesting seeing your thoughts on the matter as to people who use blogs as their main form of contact. And I raise my eyebrows as to one comment that was made in my last blog - that is was the best blog I'd ever written. I used a song as the main form of contact, but only used about 50 words of my own in relation to that song. So that's why I mentioned something about a newsletter in the form of a video to get the message across from the man himself.
Relating back to that song. More words, thoughts and feelings can be gained by people seeing it - than ever a written language can say, that when written by the man himself - led to the explosion, and things were said that shouldn't have been said - as written language cannot express it. And from a personal point of view, what was written went down like a lead balloon, myself being one such recipient, others only being alluded to. So Talking Mule's comment (along with others alluding to the same thing about blogs) needs some serious thought, as we use blogs as our main form of contact. And for the record. For all the reasons Joe has mentioned about - I agree with, example being: Prominence of “debate and argue” blogs, with critical, judgmental, disparaging comments is very discouraging; ill-mannered voices on the site seem disproportionately visibleNasty comments, divisive blogs discourage new pastors, churches from joining MyChurch.The blogs have often become a platform for putting our sinful nature on display, have tended to bring out the worst in people.
On all those issues - I fully support. So on that I have no arguement with. My only reservation (not arguement) being - putting everything into the same pot - therefore de-emphasizing blogs in favour of prayer. I repeat - both are important, and that's where moderators need to step in to make sure that does not happen. Without exception, people should be God centred, purpose driven and people empowering. So if people can't be at least one of those three - go and say it somewhere else, because there's people here that are doing what God has placed in their heart. It will be interesting to see your response Mike as to all those who have responded likewise to myself in their response to you - and what was said in the conference meeting. Do they have a voice? Or are they not being listened to? Without sounding offensive (and I mean that), people either go with the flow - or take a hike and go somewhere else. Read Joe's last update to understand what I mean (that's if he hasn't deleted it and changed it to something else). Here ends my response.
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| September 17, 2009 |
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Mike, I believe you have Joe's ear because he mentioned you by name as having your email and speaks to you. If you believe my comments have Any validity to them, can you package them up in your own words and try to get some answers to my concern? What would be phenomenal is to have some chat rooms, monitered of course. A forum where we could just chit chat. Blogs wouldn't be needed that way and the social aspect would be better than facebook. Why do we want to be worldly anyway? I still wonder who would be the moderator for the facebook traffic anyway? Does it matter as long as mc gets the traffic? I think it matters 'who' is here, not just that they are here. We have a common thread, Jesus. |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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Excellent comments....appreciate your input (again) Stevie! AND Mule! I look forward to responding, prob tonight though. Busy today at work, prob gonna work through lunch. (Went to bed early last night...fairly exhausted...didn't get to answer all the emails and blog comments I wanted to...) Marilyn, we look forward to your fellowship again! Glenn, notes sent. Thanks for your uplifting voice! (Mule, I stole your email address from the Joe's blog, sending you the notes too.) I've sent the notes to all who asked (I THINK). If you asked and I missed you, please comment here OR message me. (and SORRY for missing you!) God bless,
~mike |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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Mule, I looked back at Joe's blog, where the invite to the conference call was posted. I saw this.... ME: "Joe, I would be happy to message the info about the conference call to anyone who is skittish (skiddish, scittish,??) about posting their email address." JOE: "Thanks Mike. Sent you the logistics to send out to folks requesting an invite." I fear Joe misunderstood my post, and thought I was volunteering to send the logistic info to everyone wanting to attend. My intent was only to reach out to only those like Terry and Stevie who didn't want to post their email addresses publicly. This would explain why you didn't hear from Joe. (And therefore, I BEG your forgiveness!!) I did have a slight suspicion that this might be the case, which also explains why I messaged you the day before the town hall, letting you know I had the info in case you didn't hear from Joe. (All a misunderstanding, for which I again apologize!) |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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| Lol Mike! So it was your fault that we were the only ones who showed up for the meeting! Too funny! (You know I'm just messing with you Bro!) |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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| Beg, Mike. I mean, do some serious groveling!! Anyway, you were there. That's cool (LOL by the way is happening here). Share the chit chat room idea with the folks, no. Make that, Good folks at MC with rooms for topics to study, learn, history, prophecy, Christian views on the news,or just local yaking. It would be phenomenal. |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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Mule, lol. I don't have sway. Man, you've given me too much power! lol.. I was at the conference call. A couple weeks earlier we spoke briefly on the phone, he had a couple specific questions. Before that, we'd spoken once in like 2 yrs. If I get a chance, I'll mention chat rooms. But I think memos are more likely to be implemented. (I wanted to write so much more....but Laura wouldn't stop talking. lol .. She had good things to say, but now I'm too tired to write. Will post a blog, then bedtime! Hope to come back to this tomorrow.) |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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| Thanks Mike for the link, and people are saying just that. As for de-emphasizing blogs in favour of prayer for those people who use blogs as their main form of communication? Like I said above (and for all the reasons Joe mentioned in the conference call) I agree, and that's why there needs to be moderators to make sure it doesn't happen. And what about future video newsletter's from the man himself instead of in written form? And nicking Talking Mule's idea on "Christian views on the news" and adapting it. "Joe's views on the news of what's happening on Mychurch" - hence video newsletter. :o) <---- Take note. A smiley face. |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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| Is that Stevie smiling??? |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
Thank you for posting this information.
I appreciate knowing all of this, and just have to say as a plain old user, I've always been behind everything MyChurch.org has done.
I will continue to blog and pray as usual.
I love you guys!
Joey |
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| September 17, 2009 |
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| this place is and always has been a joke. Its like a ostrich looking for more sand to stick its head in.It does not deal in the reality of the cold cold world people live in. Real answers and truth are avoided for people pleasing |
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| September 18, 2009 |
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GraceAlone ?
I am all about truth myself, and if I am hoodwinked, I am enjoying it.
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| September 18, 2009 |
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| When I post a blog, it is by being lead by the Holy Spirit. That ain't no joke. When someone responds out of anguish, they fell but those words helped them get up, that ain't no joke. I may not agree with somethings on here, but do not think God is not helping some people and encouraging others. Lifting up one another is the believers responsibility to one each other. I believe we can be uplifting, encouraging, truthful, and educating in love, with peace and harmony. To grow and mature, if you will. It starts with love and understanding. I pray for those in the 'dark' to see the light. I pray for those in the 'light' to be patient, as we were once in the 'dark'. Amen? |
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| September 18, 2009 |
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| Seperate somethings into some things in previous comment...sounds better that way and makes sense. |
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| September 18, 2009 |
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Hey Mule...No one is always lead of the Holy Spirit and the ones that claim they are...the twilight zone music starts playing. Half of what goes on in the mess known as the organized church is only a few hundred years old . Examples...the doctrine on the rapture is only 200 years old. Tithing has only been taught in America for 126 years and was rejected as part of the church by the reformers and rightfully so. Its a business just as this place is.
People on here try and warn people about evil politicians such as Obama which do effect our lives and some cock and bull story about do not judge. The bible calls us to jusge righteously. No one would raise their kids without discernement which is judging. |
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| September 18, 2009 |
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Mule, thanks for praying for the leading of the Spirit before posting. I believe your prayers are answered. |
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| September 18, 2009 |
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| sorry Mike...this place is run in a pathetic way. As I have said before, Facebook is much healthier and honest |
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| September 18, 2009 |
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I had a young family member add me to her Facebook list. Recently she took a test to describe herself in a very ungodly way and others I knew tagged it as "so and so likes this".
I felt defiled seeing it and knowing these folks. I deleted my Facebook account. My pastor likes it and uses it as a witnessing tool. I have not been able to find the same satisfaction.
I find honesty on here, sometimes raw honesty and while it isn't always agreeable, it isn't unhealthy, in my opinion. GraceAlone. this isn't my blog but I dont' know what is gained by putting this site down as you have. I know you love the Lord and I am asking this as respectfully as I can. Why are you here? To ask that we all demand changes? To challenge our way of thinking or to ask folks to leave? Just trying to understand. I left Facebook when it didn't fit my way of life and others have left here when it didn't fit theirs.
I have been careful in my walk to walk as a peacemaker as much as possible. I have placed prayers here and have been so blessed to have friends pray over them and KNOW they did.
I am super blessed with the teachings. My friend, Preston, has taught me or pointed me back to love messages. Joyce Meyer just came out with a new book about the love message. It has revolutionized my life lately.
You are probably a deeper bible scholar than I am. I am a simple woman who loves the Lord and His people and desparately want to protect peace. So trust me when I ask, I am asking as a peacemaker. What is your purpose for your negative comment about mychurch? Forgive me if I offend. I really would like to know and only ask publically as you have commented publically.
I am off to bed but hope to hear from you and will check messages tomorrow.
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| October 01, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
Thank you. I was wondering what happened w/the conference call, and appreciate being filled in. |
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| October 01, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
I support Joe's vision even when it doesn't support my needs. Blogs are valuable to build a community of interest. The challenge here is that they can't be monitored effectively because people are very passionate about their beliefs. By dampening that passion, we end up choosing one doctrine over another which defeats the whole idea of a community of believers. It is indeed a tough challenge. |
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| October 01, 2009 |
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Balanced comments, Voice. Thanks, it's important to hear that. You bet, Lara. Glad you found em. |
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