Thursday, May 24, 2007

500 and counting


I just realized that I have crossed the 500 post marker. . . .that's got to be worth something. From my own experience, Life Together, has been a wonderful and expressive discipline, an outlet for thoughts and musings beyond which can be expressed on Sunday mornings. Hopefully, its let you see some other dimensions of who I am, what I value and what God is doing in my life and in our family.

I love what I do. I hope that's evident. I often feel overwhelmed by what I do. I feel so very blessed to pastor this great church in this great community. I've said it often privately, but not publically, "I'm the luckiest (blessed!) guy in the country to be called to such an exciting and thriving place of ministry." I'm fired up about what God is doing in us and through us. I see an exciting future ahead, full of impact, potential and blessing, as we trust the Lord together.

Enough of my reflective blubbering. . . how about some feedback from you?

  1. What has been the value or impact of Life Together for you?
  2. What difference do you think the medium of blogging is making in the world?
  3. Has Life Together made any difference in your life or in our life together at Grace?
  4. What are some subjects you'd like to see me tackle here at Life Together?
  5. Do you think Life Together (blogging!) is worth my time and effort as your pastor?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Life Together has given me an opportunity to better understand the Christian world view and how it is understood and lived out by real people. It has also provided some good conversation topics when on church grounds.

Since only a handful of people seem to contribute comments and maybe 50% of the people I do discuss it with are readers, it is hard to say if the effort has been worthwhile. I suppose it depends on how much time you are spending.

erika said...

Yes, it's been great! The church is big, and this allows you to speak about things you wouldn't mention on a Sunday morning. I'm sure there are a lot more readers of your blog than those who comment. This is also a great way for new visitors to get a sense of who you are.

erika said...

I got so hung up on the last comment, I forgot to answer the other I feel passionately about. This site is so helpful for me to feel connected when I have a young baby at home, and someone is sick, and you literally can't get to church for weeks. Now, I can track with the sermons, and stay up to date with what is going on. I've loved your book recommendations and thought provoking questions. So, for what it's worth, there's my opinion.

Anonymous said...

Tim,
I think the web log concept is a vital one and very worth your time! Having a presence on the web is so very important for believers and especially to have a place to show our life together to the many who read and don't take the time to post.
The various discussions that you have started are allowing people an avenue for topics that may be overlooked in other times and places together.
Thank you for risking for the sake of the gospel, here on the web and in your daily life!

Anonymous said...

Yes, very well worth your time to write, even if there are 0 comments. I agree with Erika and Lisa. I think many people read it, but don't reply. With the "trashy" things on the internet, this is a GREAT way to spend your time. This gives a fresh outlook, with clear and concise information on issues relevant to Christian life. I love to hear what is going on in your family's life - it keeps us connected in a way we wouldn't be able to know you. Thank you so much for your efforts and your real life open relationship with your congregation!

Jeannett said...

I think you'd be shocked at how many people are regular readers of your blog (you don't know how many times people have said...Oh! YOURE Jeannett Gibson?!...I always read your comments on the blog!)...and these people have never commented. I think it's definately worth your time, keep it up!

Kate said...

I love reading this blog for several reasons. To name a few: 1. It helps me get to know you better. Just listening to you up front doesn't quite cut it. Somehow I get a better feel of who you are by reading your blog and I think thats important as you're my pastor. 2. It makes me feel connected to our church a little better, kinda like behind the scenes info (although this is open to anyone and everyone...) :) 3. You have great book suggestions and community info.
Thanks for taking the time to blog and I've been enjoying it. Hope you continue

Suzette said...

In addition to what everyone else has said, the list of church blogs, member blog's and other sites of interest has been really enjoyable. Thanks for continuing to expand on these.

Anonymous said...

I would have to agree with Kate on all of her points. Since I am not able at this time to attend a growth group, the blog also gives me others insights to the sermons and other topics.

Brianna Heldt said...

i think life together is great, i think it was the first blog i ever read ("what's a blog?" i asked.) as geeky as this sounds, i honestly think blogging is a great way to connect with people, esp. those you wouldn't normally be able to (personally it has been a neat way for me to connect with other parents of Ethiopian children.)

on life together i tend to enjoy the more "controversial" subjects, not only because they get my friend andy out of the woodwork :), but because those tend to really get people talking and thinking. a subject i'd be interested in reading your thoughts on sometime would be the emergent church--i'm currently reading "a generous orthodoxy" by mclaren.