Is internet campus the right name for what we are seeking to do at Resurrection?
I have been leading a strategic project team for 2009 around the following goal:
In 2009, we’ll expand our connection with online worshipers, launch a pilot “house church” using the live web stream and explore opportunities for launching additional campuses in Kansas City and beyond.
I will become internet campus pastor on July 1, with the above goal being my primary job description. I am not sure that the word “internet” is the best descriptor for a network that would include online worshippers and micro churches (house churches) that would physically meet. So here is what I have been pondering in my mind:
Resurrection Network Campus (Pastor)
Network could refer to internet, but it could also refer to a network of physical groups that meet to worship, grow, give and serve.
What’s in a name? What do you suggest?
Rev. Andrew Conard 
10 replies on “Internet Campus – What’s in a name?”
I like “Resurrection Network Campus”. Kind of like Wesley’s Lay Ministry Network which combines video/internet/personal interaction. Blessings on you in this new venture!
Dan – Cool. Glad you like it. Thanks for the tip on the Wesley’s Lay Ministry Network. I was not fully aware of the way that they integrate video / internet / in person. Do you have any additional information?
Interesting.
I like “Resurrection Network Campus (Pastor)”
So, on a lighter note, how does one serve coffee and shake hands in a digital sanctuary? 😉
Jennifer – Hmm… Coffee and shaking hands does become a bit more difficult. Have thought about a chat window as sort of a gathering space. Thoughts?
I agree that “Internet Campus” is lacking, however I have no good suggestion. What I do know is that the concept you describe is fabulous. I have travelled a lot and tried to find a church in many places where there is none. English-speaking Christians around the world need a little help gathering and worshipping, and this will be an excellent tool. I am excited to see what God has in store for the project.
This is helpful for understanding the internet campus idea. It sounds like it really isn’t about an online experience but about networking house churches. Very interesting. For what it counts, I also vote for the Resurrection Network Campus Pastor.
Andrew,
I think you’ll be great in this role! A couple of thoughts, take them or leave them…
My experience with building relationship in a distributed manner online tells me that words make a HUGE difference. How you describe your internet campus can make or break it, at least in the sense of putting up walls or keeping things open for people to check you out.
With that said, I would try to stay away from words like Internet and Technology (or any variation, thereof). Internet is obvious. If they find you online… they’re on the Internet. Technology is a very cold word and is a bit opposite what you will be trying to do – build relationship and break through assumptions and barriers.
While these aren’t the best descriptors, the ones that come to mind for me are:
web campus
collaborative campus
open campus
ko
Kevin – Thanks for your encouragement and your wisdom on words. I really like your suggestions – particularly open and collaborative. These may just come in to use. Thanks for your guidance!
‘we iz ur church on teh interwebs’
gold. 🙂
I don’t know that I have any great ideas for a name, but as I was on Flickr I noticed that their front page says this:
Share Your Photos
Watch the World
The great thing about places like that is that you have an opportunity to come together around something that is important to everyone in it, and by doing so you learn, can share and even create new relationships.
anyway, maybe that’s useful, maybe not.
deviantmonk – gold. indeed. 🙂
That is a useful thought. It will be interesting to see if a site can be created that does not just have to do with a live stream of worship or activity around worship. Great idea!