Back in the late nineties a group of Christians wanted to build a dotcom company, exclusively for Christians.  They went out all across America and found people who were working in technology and business.  They formulated a viable business plan, cast their vision to investors, and began fund raising.

Their financial campaign yielded over 40 million dollars.  Needless to say, they had a “hallelujah party!”

They began operations – full speed ahead.  They worked hard, hoping to reach financial profitability soon.  They did “everything” right; or at least they thought they did.  After all, they were a Christian company, right?

Despite all their efforts, the company “bellied-up.”   As to what caused their demise, everyone had their opinions.  Whatever the case, this was a tragedy for all the people.  Disillusioned and disappointed, people scattered to the wind.  Other dotcoms came in and scraped up pieces of the company, including their technology.

I recently had a chance to talk with one of the leaders of that failed dotcom.  He is an extremely gifted person with great passion for God and his family.  Fortunately, he now works for a successful company that provides software for non-profit organizations involved in social services and ministry.  He told me that many lessons were learned from his previous dotcom experience.

Just recently we had a chance to learn a "big lesson!"  A wealthy investor, known throughout our community, approached us with an attractive offer.  He liked what we were doing and wanted to bring in other investors.  He offered us 5 million dollars.  We all had to take a moment, catch our breath, and think about the possibilities.

If you want to excel at building ministry, learn the value of carpentry.

Perhaps the best example of this, is my prayer a number of years ago.  I was a new Christian and very passionate about serving the Lord.  My prayer back then will most likely be the title or a chapter in my biography:  “I prayed to be more like Jesus, and He made me a carpenter.”

I spent the whole weekend writing the language of "cooperation".

I am a lot like Col. John "Hannibal" Smith of the hit TV series, the A-Team.  There was always a part in the show when Col. Smith would utter this phrase, "I love it when a plan comes together!"

This simple phrase best describes my philosophy of work.  "Plan your work and work your plan" is one of my mottos.  Some people might find this quite boring, but I don’t.  Actually I get great pleasure in it.

Larry (one of my ministry partners) said to me the other day, “Why don’t we start an online revolution in Christian ministry?”  

Larry has been talking with ministry leaders across the U.S. about internet technology, and its potential use for worldwide ministry.  He has talked with seasoned veterans in ministry who are quite passionate about new technology. 

Most of these guys work in strategic positions in large Christian non-profit organizations.  Some are pastors; others are speakers at major conventions.  The point is that these guys recognize the needs of the Church and the apparent challenges that face leadership.

They are strong advocates of change, progress, and growth.  They are also practitioners of effective models in ministry.  They believe that an unprecedented opportunity awaits churches and ministries who are ready to embrace new technology and harness its power.

This is especially true of internet technology.  All of the ministry leaders that Larry has talked with have emphasized the importance of using the internet for reaching people for Christ.

Greg (another one of my ministry partners) was telling me the other day that he has encountered a lot of people turning to the internet, looking for fellowship and community.  Some of our research suggests that over 100 million Christians are now turning to the internet for social networking.

Do I see online community replacing face-to-face community?  Absolutely not.  But I am seeing new ways for people to connect and build relationships using the internet.  It makes a lot of sense; especially for young people who are growing up in a techno-savvy culture.

Whether we like it or not, the internet is here to stay!  So, why not take full advantage of its rapid growth, enormous popularity, and economical cost.  Let’s harness its power of communication and influence.  Let’s start an online revolution in Christian ministry that young people can rally behind and effect change in the lives of their peers.

History has proven that God has used innovative tools (like the printing press) in sparking spiritual awakening, renewal, and revival.  I believe He is now using the internet for new paradigms in ministry applications.  He is using it for prayer mobilization and evangelism.

The online revolution that I am talking about is a “back-to-the-basics” organic approach in reaching out and touching people’s lives with a message of hope – the good news about Jesus Christ.  We have the technology to do this, and quite well, through online community development.

So, let’s start an online revolution in Christian ministry.  We might even find ourselves tapping into a powerful “revolutionary tool” that God has ordained worthy and very effective for ministry usage, worldwide. 

Perhaps the internet (instead of television as previously suggested) will be the instrument in God’s hands to reach the globe for Christ and usher in His Second Coming.

“Oikos is a superior interface than most web apps out there today.”

This according to IT guys at a philanthropic agency that builds web apps for huge non-profit ministries.  We are in collaboration with some guys who are “bridging the gap” between large donors and prospective ministries.  We are not able to release the name of these guys until all the details are worked out.

In our conversation today with these guys we found common purpose and mission.  We want to provide “tools” that the Body of Christ can use to build relationships, collaborate, and make a broader impact on the Christian landscape.  It is nice to hear from seasoned business leaders that your software has enormous value.

This was something our developers enjoyed hearing today.  They have been working for over 9 months to build a web app that’s simple to use for individuals; yet has extraordinary features that big organizations can use as well.  Our hope is that the Church, which is often behind in technology, will grasp soon than later what successful businesses already understand about global internet technology.

Internet technology is the way of the future. 

I read a bumper sticker today that said, “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.”  Pray with us that the Church will learn to embrace change and use it to energize progress and growth.  The future of the next generation of young people will depend upon this.

Whether Oikos, or something like it, is the “tool” for next generational ministries, internet web apps for social networking are extremely popular and here to stay.  They will fast become the norm; rather than the exception to the rule. 

Build something so remarkable that people are able to make “great remarks” about it!

Prayer Pipeline is a new way for people and prayer to "connect." 

Taking full advantage of the internet, we are building PrayerPipeline.net, the most “inclusive” prayer community on the planet.

We believe in the power of prayer in transforming people’s lives.  We also believe in the power of the internet in reaching out and touching the lives of millions of people all over the world.  Now, with so many people integrating their online world with everyday living, we wanted to provide a simple and easy way for people and prayer to “connect.”

But by no means is the Prayer Pipeline supposed to be a direct connection to God.  It’s simply designed as a connection to a “community of praying people.”  Since the beginning, the Church has and will always be a community of people who pray for each other.

For whatever reason, God has chosen us to help transform people lives and our world through prayer.  We are told in scripture that our earnest prayers will have powerful results (James 5:16).

Not only is prayer essential for our everyday health and well-being, it’s an indispensable weapon against strongholds that seek to invade our lives.  The Apostle Paul said, “Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out (Eph 6:18, MSG).”

The Prayer Pipeline gives ordinary people an extraordinary way to ask for prayer. This interactive prayer community gives people with serious needs a chance to connect with people very serious about prayer.

Anyone anywhere can take full advantage of the Prayer Pipeline. 

If you are lonely with no one to turn to for prayerful support, the Prayer Pipeline is for you.  If you are desperate to break destructive strongholds in your life, prayer ministers will be able to hear your cry and “stand in the gap” for you through intercessory prayer. 

And when your prayers are answered, you can then post the wonderful news for other people to see.  This will bring much hope and inspiration to other people lives.

Another feature of the Prayer Pipeline is its ability to network intercessors and build intercessory coalitions around the world.  Whether it’s necessary to focus on local community needs, an area-wide strategic concern, or nationwide focus, the Prayer Pipeline will send out a “call” for intercessory prayer that people everywhere can hear.

Check out the new Prayer Pipeline at www.prayerpipeline.net

According to CNN, the Military has designated MySpace, YouTube, and 11 other internet sites as “off limits” for soldiers.

This recent action comes amidst concerns by the Defense Department over security issues and technological limits.  While this action may benefit the Defense Department, it also cuts off thousands of soldiers from communicating with family and friends using MySpace.   

The Pentagon said no more using military’s computer systems for socializing and trading video.

Yes, soldiers overseas on the battlefield can still keep in touch with family and friends using email, but that’s not the same as being able to blog, journal, and share video and photos.  Using the internet for social networking is “mainstream” in the lives of young people. 

This is the norm.  Millions of young people are integrating their online world into everyday living.  Cut off their online world, and you cut off a part of their lives.

Fortunately, there are other social networking sites available for military personnel.  We at Simon Solutions want military families to know that we are here to help!

Check Oikos out at TryOikos.com

When we say “we’re here to help,” we’re not kidding.

We simply ask that you keep us in your prayers. We want to help those who have vision for internet ministry as a tool for advancing the Kingdom of God.

For the last number of days I have been reminded by the Lord that each day is a new day with new opportunities. 

I like the way Petersen’s translates Matt. 6:34 in The Message, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

When I finally let these words of wisdom settle in my heart, my whole life got healthier.  My relationships improved.  My stress level went way down.  My attitude got better; and guess what?  I was much happier!

What is it about the word "change" that scares people to death?

Pick up any Christian magazine today and most of the articles have something to say about the need for change.  The problem for me is that I hear a lot of people talk about it, but see little done about it.

The truth be known, change is really good for us.  So, why be scared of something that makes us better, wiser, and more healthier?