by Clarence E. Stowers | Aug 19, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Current Affairs, Leadership, Technology, Vision, Web/Tech
My generation experienced the election of the first African-American President, the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, Desert Storm, Iraq War, historic government bailouts, the passing of healthcare reform, and the greatest economic downturn since The Great Depression. However, in my opinion, the greatest shifts we will experience in our lifetime are happening now!
According to next generation thought leader Blake Mallen, “most new online technologies have one root intention: to make it simpler for people to communicate and collaborate.” Of all the tools and websites created to connect people, Facebook seems to be the most popular starting place for many. With more than 500 million users (that’s right – 500 MILLION AND GROWING), we all have at our fingertips the tools to find, friend, and engage with people. Imagine how churches can use this platform to expand the Kingdom of God!
Consider this:
To reach 50 million users, it took:
- Radio – 38 years
- TV – 13 years
- Internet – 4 years
- iPod – 3 years
FACEBOOK ADDED 100 MILLION USERS IN LESS THAN 9 MONTHS
Source: United Nations Cyber School Bus Document/Mashable
Additionally, according to a Grunwald Associates National Study, “at the end of 2010 Generation Y will outnumber baby boomers…96% of them have joined a social network.”
QUESTIONS:
Considering this social trend, how will the church respond and leverage social media to help expand the Kingdom of God?
How will business owners leverage social media to market their goods and services?
How are you leveraging social media?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 20, 2009 | Decisions, Other Stuff, Web/Tech, Weblogs
I’m back…
First, I want to thank my web/blog designers Chris and Erin for designing an incredible site. Thank you Chris for masterfully handling the coding and hacking. Also, thanks Erin for the design work – especially the color selection. My web designers, Chris and Erin of Arcane Palette Creative Design, spent the last two weeks porting my blog from TypePad (my previous blogging platform) to WordPress. This has been a big project-much bigger than I expected. Oh, I only wished I had started with WordPress when I began blogging two years ago. You’ll notice several changes:
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 30, 2009 | Apple/Mac, Computers, Technology, Web/Tech
One of my facebook friends asked me to convince her why she should buy a Mac. Her question inspired me to share my experiences with you.
Ok, here we go:
You know you’ve been thinking about it. Everyone is doing it. Who wouldn’t when they look at their ugly black Dell compared to one of the macbooks? Of course Macs look good, however, I’m sure you want reasons other than “they’re the finest looking computers out yonder.” Let me first give my testimony. I used (“PCs”) for 18 years. Then when Apple came out with OS X, I was a little intrigued, although that didn’t stop my jeering. After watching it develop, I caved in and purchased an MacBook & an iMac G5. Now I wouldn’t switch back for money or fame. I sometimes forget the horror people go through with their computers—although I am jolted back into reality when a friend calls with problems, and is fixed after running Ad-Aware or some other utility. Defragers, disk doctors and utilities, registry repairers, virus protection, spy/adware removers, and more all need to be bought and run frequently. It isn’t worth time, money, or stress.
(Ooooo…looks so sweet…you know you want it)
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 8, 2008 | Google, Relationships, Tools, Web/Tech
Just for the fun of it, I’ve added Google Friend Connect gadget on my site.
Will you be my new friend? Come and join the gathering.
See who else
will join the party. Leave your comment on the wall. And be one of the
first folks to try out Google’s new foray into social networking.
What do you think? Has Google made a significant contribution with this new tool?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 18, 2008 | Preaching, Religion, Web/Tech, Worship
The"text me" project is your chance to get biblical answers to burning questions, concerns and hot issues in our culture. Over the next few months, I will preach on the 10 Hottest Topics that address spiritual, ethical or controversial issues facing Christians today. And guess what, you get to choose the topic!
All you have to do is submit your topic for selection via text message at (773-358 0356) or on our website by April 25, 2008. Your submission, along with others, will be posted on our website.
Members, guests, family and friends will cast their votes for the top 20 Hot Topics. The selected 20 Hot Topics will be posted on the website beginning April 27th. Beginning May 4th – May 10th, members, guests, family and friends will vote for the final 10 Hot Topic Sermons that I’ll preach on.
GUESS WHAT, IT GETS EVEN BETTER…
When the Top 10 Topics are confirmed, at the end each message you can (are you ready for this) text me a question relevant to the topic. For better or worse, I’ll answer the question ON THE SPOT!
That’s right, DURING WORSHIP you will be able to use your cell phone, BlackBerry, iPhone, PDA during worship and "text" me your question…TALK ABOUT INNOVATION…
I know you’re interested and would like to know more about the series and the official voting rules.
I can’t wait to hear your feedback!!!
