Critical Friend

Can I be your “critical friend”?

In the book, Mediating Religion: Conversations in Media, Culture and Religion, Heidi Campbell (“Approaches to Religious Research in Computer-mediated Communication”) describes a “critical friend” thus:

religious leaders who affirm the opportunities provided by the Internet while also being cautious and careful about the possible negative repercussions.

Wow! That was a mouthful. What does she really mean? Does your website reflect what you believe? Who is writing theological material? Has your site become too consumeristic in selling seminars, books, tapes, t-shirts, etc.? Do you look more like Barnes and Nobel than a house of worship?

The Internet is a significant means of communication. Don’t let statements such as this frighten you from this technology. It’s by far the most effective communicator for those 25 years-old and under. A two-year old study calculates at least 70% of the people in North America use the Internet. Hedi Campbell's comment is avowing why I ask church clients to write their own text for their website. This is your voice, not mine. Just make sure that Johnny-June, your local volunteer, who’s running your site or sending copy to a web designer either KNOWS the church theology and mission OR has trusted authority OR runs what he/she wrote by someone who does (maybe the pastor?)

I tend to believe this “critical friend” should also advise you about tech trends. Do you really need animation or video? Do you need someone blogging on a regular basis? (If so, refer back to the paragraph before this). Would creating a group on Facebook be an advantage? Do we hop on Twitter? The answer may be yes in all cases because each one is a source your viewership WILL USE or it could be -- maybe, or no.

Know the audience/congregation you reach. Know the audience/congregation you want to reach. Know or learn the vehicle to get their attention. Then, know what you’re saying reflects what you mean. If you need a friend?....I'm here.