Network Mugs Come to Synod
Synod which starts on Saturday, will include a humorous side-story - a story about a mug.
The story starts with a contest offered by The Network - a recently formed initiative linking Christian Reformed congregations, members and leaders.
People were invited to "just say hi" on The Network. Of those who did, one person would win a mug. But complications arose.
The winner of the mug giveaway attends Crossroads CRC in San Marcos, Calif., where Rev. Mark Vermaire is pastor. But Vermaire is also president of the CRC’s Board of Trustees, which led some to suspect "insider trading." The outcome was a lengthy discussion thread (66 posts and 1,800 visits so far). You can see the whole discussion here.
As interest grew, the contest was expanded to all churches to see who could get the most members registered on The Network. Crossroads CRC is winning that challenge as well - with 25 members on The Network as of Thursday (view their list of members). So it looks like they might win another mug.
“The winning church will be announced on the opening day of synod,” says Tim Postuma, web manager for the CRC. So far, Crossroads is in the lead. “But if you're a little late, don't worry," Postuma says. "We'll be giving away more prizes down the road.”
The Network is a place for church members to connect online about ministry – and, as it is turning out, to have some fun along the way.
The site was created to help churches have conversations with each other about the nuts and bolts of ministry -- from being a deacon, to teaching Sunday school, GEMS, church websites, youth ministry, small groups, and more. The site currently has nearly 50 ministry roles and topics.
The Network website continues to grow. Every week, thousands of people across the CRC are reading articles, blog postings, and discussing the “nuts and bolts” of church ministry.
This week, The Network announced the launch of their newest network for Small Groups. There was already a discussion forum for small groups, but now it's got a guide -- Ruth Kelder -- who will be regularly blogging, posting articles, and more.
Kelder is part of the Christian Reformed Church Home Missions Mission Leadership team for the Central US region and has been committed to helping churches determine what a small group ministry that disciples people into mission might look like for them.
“My years of congregational ministry alongside my husband, Peter, has developed in me a heart for developing Christ-based, relational ministries that bring people into a growing relationship with Jesus,” she says in her user profile.
As for the mug contest, Crossroads CRC has demonstrated some enthusiasm and team spirit. "They're having fun with it and it shows", says Postuma. "We're waiting for another church to take up the challenge, rally their congregation, and steal the prize from them."
Using the "My Church" link at the top of every page, any registered user can see others from their church using The Network. Read this post for more details about the contest and how you can see how your church stacks up against Crossroads CRC.
