President's Post
May 2018
The Church and Social Media
The little bit of time I had to go on Facebook to stay connected with my friends was extremely valuable and fun for me. I enjoyed seeing pictures of my friends and their families, I loved hearing about how everyone was doing. It certainly helped my prayer life as I saw so many go through tough diagnosis and difficult times. My life has always been about people. My ministry was built on relationships with people. When you pastor, you give your heart to people and when you leave, you leave a little bit of your heart behind. To be able hear, see, and communicate with my friends after I’ve moved away really enriched my life.
But something happened and I made a decision. I chose to deactivated my Facebook account. I’ll share with you why. I was at work when my granddaughter called me and asked if that was me who was communicating with her on Facebook. I told her no, I was not on Facebook at all. I had been hacked, that was clear. What was said to my granddaughter by someone who had private information on me that was medically sensitive, shocked me. It was obvious to me that very personal information of mine was sold or given to an unknown entity who pretended to be me. Again, I was one who really enjoyed Social Media because in my life, people matter. But I felt violated, I felt like this isn’t what I signed up for with Facebook. I just wanted to be in contact with my friends.
We tend to say things on Social Media to one another that we would never say to someone’s face. We have difficulty with decisions Administration makes and we talk to the world, but not to Administration. We say things that hurt people, that show our cruelty and lack of care and we walk away with an attitude, “There! I sure told them!!” No, you didn’t, you just told the world all about yourself. All of this is unchristian and really beneath us as Seventh-day Adventist.
“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly – mere infants in
Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed,
you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quar-
reling among you are you not worldly?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
I'm translating this text in my U.P slang so I'm talking to myself now, (but you can listen in) “GET OFF THE MILK, DAVE, YOU CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER! I WANT YOU TO BE A REPRESENTATIVE OF ME BUT YOU NEED TO GROW UP!!”
What happened to desiring Christlikeness? What happened to the Fruits of the Spirit showing up in our lives daily? What happened to defining our belief’s with how we love? What’s happened to me?
I'm working through two issues with Social Media right now. My heart is broken over each one. The take away from this President’s Post is please if you are on Social Media, be careful and smart in what you post and share.
Other News
I visited Tuscaloosa last month and listened to Pastor Randy Mills preach about health. What a great Sabbath we spent together.
I enjoyed attending the grand opening of a new church plant in West Hattiesburg, MS. Pastor Jim Stewart has a great core group that seemed to be working well together.
I was at the Academy Church for the Spring Concert by the students. I know I’ve said this last month, but WOW! I was so proud of our young people and those who teach them.
Until next month,
Dave
Upcoming Events
Bass Memorial Camp Meeting 2018
For more information and registration, please visit the link below:
Wednesday, May 23, 2018, 07:00 PM
Bass Memorial Academy, U.S. 11, Lumberton, MS, USA
Meet Larry Sendelbach
Meet the Biggers
Meet the Folkenburgs
PROMOCIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
Lodging Update
President's Office
Email: admin@gscsda.org
Website: gscsda.org
Location: 10633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, USA
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