Christian conferring via twitter

Good morning God,

Today begins the main business work of the British Methodist Conference. It is a heavy agenda, both literally and metaphorically, so there will be the usual need to ensure that the business is 'done'. It's a fine line that the business committee has to draw, determining how much time to allocate to each particular topic without inadvertently stifling debate. The problem is exacerbated however by the fact that reports, even highly significant reports, are seldom debated, nor are they really discussed unless they are highly controversial. Many reports, particularly those dealing with governance and finance are increasingly complex and written in 'technical' rather than theological or scriptural language with the result that few feel qualified to unpack them for general consumption.

But some reports can and do attract comment, and I have no doubt that we will hear much praise and comment about the reports being presented today. But are such 'comments' all that remains of Christian Conferring?
What of the challenge and choice that forms a part of every good conversation, the opportunity to be led to think differently as a result of deeper engagement with the issue at hand? Comments are hardly the same as a well reasoned argument for or against a particular recommendation.

Of course it is possible for someone to speak to the recommendation rather than the content of a report. But this seldom happens in practice.

For years, the surest means of provoking Conference to confer about the consequences of a particular recommendation, rather than simply accept it at face value was to bring a notice of motion. Often it was only through the speeches of the proposer and seconder that Conference was alerted to the fact that there might be a strong argument against what was being recommended. Moreover, whether it was won or lost, a notice of motion still served to remind Conference that its task was not to 'rubber stamp' the work of whoever has written the report, but to CHOOSE whether or not the recommendations arising from it should form the basis of the Church's future polity, practice or doctrine.

There is an alternative means now however of achieving the same effect. Parallel conversations, using the best of modern multimedia and social networking can also provoke some members of Conference to confer. The twitter stream #methconf for example, carries not just a summary report of conversations, but often critiques and contributes to what is being said. In 140 characters it focuses attention on a possible reply to a conversation, and can serve to alert people to an alternative perspective.

Social networking also makes Conference much more inclusive. It is possible for Methodists who are not members of Conference to both follow and contribute to the wider debate for example, through listening to the live stream and making their own comments via twitter or facebook.

I know some are sceptical, but for my part God, I have no doubt that if used wisely and graciously, social media can and does have a real part to play in enabling Christian conferring to take place at Conference.

As @revdrange, I look forward to following the tweets.

Still more ways to talk of God

Good morning God,

I've been thinking about the many ways in which we humans can communicate and talk about you. From hugs and small acts of service, conversation face to face over coffee or tea, or in seminaries, plenaries, workshops, or in Church through sermons, hymns, talks and prayers etc through to magazines, newsletters, journals, books, face-book updates, tweets, blogs and txts - you seem to make sure that there's no shortage of opportunities for us to talk about and even with you God.

In spite of all these opportunities, I've noticed its still not easy for people to find a way to open up the conversation so that you can be included in. Even those of us who do like to talk about you and to you God are still inclined to use a favourite punch-line or quote from a book (maybe even a good book!) or a scene from film as a starter.

This is where the digital revolution really comes into its own. I just love some of the ways in which the new electronic revolution has changed our language about you.

One of my favourites is this tweet posted to @God on the ten commandments

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.
2. dnt wrshp pix/idols
3. no omg's
4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)
5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool
6. dnt kill ppl
7. :-X only w/ m8
8. dnt steal
9. dnt lie re: bf
10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.
M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.
ttyl, JHWH.
ps. wwjd?

I dont know what tickles me the most here, the language or the interpretation - but if it persuades a new generation to look again at an alternative way to live - I'm all for it.

The entire Bible has been translated into SMS format by the Bible Society in Australia. The latest version of the Bible enables 31,171 verses in the abbreviated text style to be sent direct to mobile phones. The verses are available free of charge on the internet.

The text versions include, verses such as “In da Bginnin God cre8d da heavens & da earth, & da earth was barren, wit no 4m of life” and "We luv coz God luvd us 1st".

Another deliberate attempt to re-think language is happening on the Women in Theology group on Facebook where, as a means of trying to combat academic-speak about God, women are encouraged to do their theology using words of only one syllable

Pamela Luxon wrote:

God is in us
God is with us
God loves us
We are His
No ill can touch us
When we know these facts are true

Ok, ok, it's not quite what you will find in the mind-body-spirit section of the Saturday Times, but it does get the point across.

All these things persuade me that talking about you really isn't difficult to do - and can actually be fun - and who knows God, perhaps when the whole world is blogging or gossiping, txting or writing, browsing or conversing about you, we might find more laughter, lightness and love in the world.