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Discussion on Windfarm Physical presence - Discuss here
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I am surprised at the small amount of discussion about the Nashville Windfarm initiative.
So I will jump in with some questions.
I do not wish to come off as being “negative”, lacking the urge to expand our horizons, being not supportive of our community, etc. I have grown tremendously through DAB; I have been challenged as a result of DAB; I have received a new approach to life as a result of being in God’s word daily with DAB. I have donated to the Human Trafficking initiative.
I align myself with DAB.
I recognize DAB advances by fits and starts. For each succesful venture attempted by DAB, we have also had less than successful ventures (eg. the Columbia tour, DAB Chinese translation). This happens.
However, I do not see where the Nashville Windfarm initiative has come from and where it is to go. I may have missed the starting discussion and debate about this initiative, although I thought I had been somewhat aware of most dialogue occurring in the forums. So I present this to allow for greater discussion and clarification on this topic.
First, why? Why is a Physical presence of any sort a necessary thing for this virtual world-wide community? What does DAB move into, by moving into a Physical presence in Nashville, or any other city? In a world of limited resources how does DAB, by spending these resources on a Physical presence, contribute to the Kingdom’s advancement more effectively than spending these same resources elsewhere?
I see spending resources on a new language initiative. I see virtual courses being offered to our community. Indeed, I have directly benefited from such courses in the past. I admit confusion, as I don’t see where a Physical presence takes us.
Pull me along. Help me see where this starts and where it goes.
In love and respect,
David
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rustcp 02/15/2010 19:27 |
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thumbtooth
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02/15/2010 21:14 |
David,
Good job on starting a discussion. I always like to know more, but I'm curious on the other side of the coin. NOTE: I have no knowledge or additional information, but I will talk how I see things.
On the issue of money, there isn't a shortage of things to put money towards, and I understand this point. As I understand, this is a separate "collection pot". You can specifically donate to this cause (which leads me to believe all other "regular" donations go to the causes and ventures of which you mention DAB is involved). It's still money, but it is given with the understanding or faith in the direction. At my local church, I am unable to designate how I wish my money to be spent, I yield to the church leaders. So here there is more freedom of choice for me.
I am excited by this announcement of the physical Windfarm. I am biased because I live within a drivable distance (5 hours) from Nashville. I think it would be awesome to have gathering events. This is more of a short term vision, I think this is meant to be a "blueprint" that will be repeated over and over. Brian has talked about the Chattanooga Windfarm, that would be located in an existing church (as I understand). I could see this happening at my church, I pray it does. But if it ever does, it will be because we are replicating what has been done in Nashville and Chattanooga. DAB has the power to unite different denominations through the spoken Word. And it is doing that right now in our virtual community. It would be amazing to have my whole church journey through the bible together with DAB. Before DAB, I was not a bible reader more than what was at church or occasionally open mine at home, but ... (and I don't think I was the exception). Now, listening, I've never opened read and referenced in my Bible more than I do now.
I have told all who listen in my church about DAB, but I am finding it a difficult "sell". This has nothing to do with DAB, it's the idea and the commitment and the "epic-ness" of it. Some just think well I have a Bible and I should read it rather than listen, but then they don't do either. Honestly, 14 months ago, if someone mentioned DAB to me, most likely I would have said thanks and gone on. It wasn't until I was looking, that I found it (or it found me). I think if my church "endorsed" or partnered with DAB, many more would check it out and take the journey. I'm not sure what all comes into play with one ministry partnering/endorsing another ministry plays out (and those involved may not either). But I know a track record in Chattanooga will shed light on how this occurs.
So a couple bible stories pop in my head. We are hearing right now in Exodus about the Tabernacle, the Ark, and all the shiny accessories. All these to honor and house the Word. Also reminded of the story of the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50). These aren't meant to be direct comparisons but they came to mind.
Again, glad you started this thread. I look forward to learning more about this. I have only been with DAB a bit over a year, but I love how it pushes boundaries and technology. I do think this is vision driven, and I have enjoyed the fruits. I'm excited for what is "next".
-Brodie
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Brian Hardin
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02/16/2010 09:09 |
Hi David,
I'll have to give you the short answer because I'm sitting in an airport. First, the one thing that we stuck our knecks out on and weren't able to complete was Columbia. Unfortunately there just weren't enough people that wanted to go so we backed off realizing that to do missions trips would take a significant amount of additional planning. I believe people should go on missions trips not just for the good that gets done through them but for the incredible widening of a person's heart and mind when one realizes how vast the diverse the body of Christ actually is. Traveling into another culture and seeing their experience of Christ simply explodes the box and the assiciated pride that comes with thinking we have a corner on anything.
The Mandarin translation hasn't ceased at all. It's been somewhat delayed due to obstacles well beyond our control. The New Testament is complete. The Old Testament is not yet fully done.
As for the WindFarm, it sounds like you've been around a while and if so, you've watched the WindFarm turn from a discussion to a reality and this is the next logical place of growth because at this point Daily Audio Bible community people are not only desiring actual contact with each other they are arranging for it. For example there will be a great meet up in London in a few days where on their own they will strategize on more effective ways to engage their own communities with the Bible. The Daily Audio Bible isn't some exclusive club. All believers should be experiencing Scripture every day but for what ever reason the DAB strikes a nerve when a believer knows that they are experiencing Scripture with others wrapped around the world.
What became apparent in 08 with the birth of the WindFarm was what we were learning from Scripture that being that we couldn't just feast on the Word and not do anything about it. We had to live it out and there is no way to live an effective Chrsitian life without the Word of God and without a living, breathing relationship with God (prayer,) and without community. This is what is modeled in the Bible.
It seems clear that with or without physical WindFarms these three things exist. The WindFarm initiative is to simply provide context. What I believe we're ultimately sorting out is how to provide a context for believers to experience the Bible, walk with God and walk with each other. There's no way to attempt to look for the common denominators that create this other than to create it and observe it. That's the point.
Our virtual community is never going to go away because quite frankly it's hard schedule a lunch with a friend that lives across an ocean and have the physical interaction that accompanies something like that. At least not yet. We need each other and we need each other strong, full of the word of God and full of Jesus. We're jjust trying to figure out how to best provide knowledge and resources for making this happen whether it be in your living room once a week, as a part of your church experience or any number of other great ideas that will materialize. It's just got to start somewhere.
As for spending resources, everything belongs to God. We can never forget that everything on this planet is His. The Kingdom of God around the world is incredibly well resources and we each have a measure of God's resources that we steward. As I've said from the day the Daily Audio Bible began, I believe the Holy Spirit will draw those resources for His bidding. If this is not your vision or your passion then you are allocated to something else for His Glory. That's wonderful. It takes us all. If you don't sense a kinship with this particular move then you absolutely should not support it other than that we must all pray for God's clarity and guidance for each other in all things.
Hope that helps.
Blessings
Brian
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Craig from Illinois
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02/16/2010 09:47 |
At the point when Brian, in today's Vision Cast, describes the demographics of suburan Nashville, a metaphor came to my mind...
I see the Windfarm coffee house as the lungs of the body. The lungs take in the "God breathed Life" and attaches it to the red blood (covered believers in Jesus Christ). The blood leaves the lungs and carries the LIFE all over the entire body. Thereby, God breathes His Life on all the parts of the body.
I was uplifted with the idea that the demographic of "traveling artists" may take what they experience at the Windfarm coffe house and have it influence their sphere of authority.
PS: Brodie - your experience with telling others about the DAB is my experience too. I'm in total agreement with that whole paragraph! I am "clipping and saving" your words for my journal.
PSS: Thanks Brian for recording the Vision Cast in a timely manner.
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Michael Williams
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03/09/2010 20:09 |
First, I'd like to say hello to Brian and the community. I've been listening to the podcasts for about a year and a half and I can not possibly thank you enough. It has truly been life changing.
What made me want to post now was to say a few words in support of the Windfarm physical gathering place. Until I heard Brian's more in depth explanation, I didn't quite understand the direction. I just trusted that this was where God was leading Brian and that was good enough for me. After the explanation, I have a much better understanding and I think is a great idea. The thought that keeps coming to my mind is that the one location would do more than serve the area. It could be an inspiration and a model for others like it. It might even catch the attention of the news media and reach out to remind people or encourage people to be part of God's kingdom. One of the effects the podcast has had on me is that I am more open about and better able to articulate my faith. I have found that there are others that think about it but for whatever reason had been reluctant to bring up God at all. The Physical location could be yet another way for people who have been away from Church for a long time to take a step towards becoming part of or returning to God.
Thank you all for being here,
Mike
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