first!

Calm down Todd, you’re doing a fine job. The very nature of a blog invites people to rant and rave.  There are a few commentors who nitpick every post.  These are some people with serious issues and the dreaded illness of cynicismitis.

I have posted pros and cons on a variety of issues.  In every case I think of, someone came back and conned my pro and pro’d my con.  I choose to ignore the knee-jerkers, flame throwers, and the ad-hominem attackers.

I have found your site to be exactly what you have envisioned.  Provocative.  I wish I had time to comment on every post, but alas I just don’t have the time.

If I was asked for advice and I had 2 cents worth, I’d tell you to not respond to the constant critic.  Monitor the blog, censor whomever is breaking the rules, post an occasional warning or disclaimer and let the chips fall where they may.

I’ve got MMIW as a favorite.  I visit it twice every day.  First thing in the morning and just before I leave the jobsite. It’s a pretty good little blog.  Keep it going and don’t back off of the provocative stuff. I don’t always agree, but it helps me to see how the other side of an issue is seen by some.

Todd,
Don’t quit now!! I appreciate this blog.  One of the things you want in a blog is to be provacative, If everyone agrees then it isn’t doing what it was designed for.  Sometimes I find myself disagreeing just because everyone is agreeing.  It is necesary to look at both side of an issue, and examine the possible problems or negatives also.  I don’t like to see the same people rant about the same things every day, but I do want to hear some opposing views.

Thanks, Bert…

That’s one of the reasons I get frustrated though… because I hear time and time again, that the people I’m hoping to reach through this blog DO go away because of all the arguing over things that are off-topic.  So if I let it go, I lose my audience as well (and then end up with just the ones who get us off-topic left!).  :(

It’s just a balancing act.  One I do better with somedays than others. 

I like the sound of a massage.  Never had one (a professional one, at least).  Maybe we could start a ‘massage fund’.  Hey, that could be a post!  Who could be against that?!

(smile)

Todd

... that’s probably the same kind of thing Dan was talking about for the people he wanted to see in their church… hmmm?

Todd;
I have 25 years of pastoral experience under my belt and the scars to prove it. The article about not sending more Christians was totally on-target. The trend in our “evangelical churches” to keep re-slicing the pie and capturing other people’s “market shares” does not add one whit to the kingdom. The bold church, the faithful church does care for and nurture believers, but does not cater to whims and fad in order to keep consumer Christians happy. The target of our ministry must be those who do not know Jesus Christ. Hang in there. Keep up the bold thoughts!
Peace

Todd,
Maybe too many professional Christian are grabbing up space in this blog. Todd...it is awesome and I truly believe God Himself is saying, “That’s what I’m talkin about!” It’s easy to stay in the Christian Ghetto (Roaring Lambs) and take offense with those who would spur us to action...actually fulfilling the mission of the Church to seek, save, and send. Far too many take too long of a pause after the “save” part and become pew dwellers and committee chairs. Also remember that an itchy scab is a sign of healing.

You go buddy! I’m here for ya!

Todd,

I compeletly understand how you feel. With that said, I will openly admit that my words don’t really help much here. However, this experience of helping others is a painful and very rewarding journey. Your controversial topics are accomplishing your goals for this website. I’m afraid that the critic is always louder than the supporter. However, we must learn to ignore the critic and expose our hearts to vunerability. Never let your genuine desire to help all who come in contact with your life to over shadow the ones you have helped but have been silent. I’ve read your posting yesterday and although I didn’t agree with the individuals entire methodology I certainly didn’t fail to see your point. I believe with all my heart that if we will yield what He has called us to we will accomplish his purpose and our deepest desire to serve His Kingdom. Of all the most important bit of advise I could give here I would say, “Don’t let your discouragement overtake your hearts desire.” I realize this is probably just a bad day and things got a bit overwhelming but be encouraged that you are not carrying these things alone. People are praying for you and your ministry. Remember, No weapon formed against you shall prosper. That includes discouragement. Hang in there. Besides when we’re not fightin’, arguin’, and debatin’ we(God’s people) know when our brother needs some encouragement. So let me speak for all who appreciate and understand your purpose, “Hang in there!” God’s got your back and so do we.

Hey Todd,

I have a rule in communicating with people in our church.  I will not email or text message or any other type of written communication on any subject that I can tell may have emotional attachments. (Ex> I won’t argue about any subject)

Without eye contact, body language, and emotion that is communicated through verbal communication, people read with their own slant and emotion and see what they want to see. 

Sometimes I read a comment to a post and I think, “What post did this person read?” I have started blogging to try and improve my writing and thinking skills and to have another place to disciple others, but I know that I will often be misunderstood and misread. 

When we make a writing mistake we call it a typo.  We need a word for when people misunderstand what we are trying to commmunicate with our writing.  One word.  Then we won’t spend so much stress, time, and energy trying to recommunicate.

God bless and I enjoy your Web ministry.
Royal

Perhaps not allowing comments would be one solution. I’m sure that isn’t what you ultimately want, but I am someone who often won’t read the comments because I get sick of the same tired complaints. I get sick of people making things personal or taking things personal when they aren’t meant that way. I don’t think it will stop anytime soon so I guess you need to decide if receiving good comments/questions is worth putting up with all of the other junk.

Todd ,
I think this type of blog is very much needed.It hits the core of what we need in the christian household of faith.If we are to stand up and except the title of christian then we are saying that we also are excepting the responsibilities that come along with it.We need to seek out the lost and feed them the milk of the word uintil they alone can switch over to the meat and so they can follow in this manor.If we dont do speak the word,then who?The ministry of reconciliation was given to us.Stand up and take your place christians.Stop needing others to feed you milk and feed others[Im talking to ones who have been in the family of God for awhile now.The harvest is ripe .
Todd Im proud to call you my brother

Todd,
We all love you and your efforts to be the best that you can be. I have visited this site since you have had less than forty members and I think you are doing a great job. Don’t get discouraged! Just dish the dis and have the courage! I appreciate the diversity of views and find it interesting that the body of Christ still functions with so many diversities and opinions and yet can say, see how we love one another. Lorrie

Hi Todd,
I’ve never written in, since I’m not the most tech-saavy person, but today, I felt I had to.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog every time it arrives in my email box - I do find I’m challenged, caused to ponder things I might never have thought of before, and your spirit in posting the challenges.
So, please continue, “let the chips fall” and count me in!

Todd,
I did not include any verses in my previous response but Eph. 429-32 is a great one for this subject.  Verse 29 says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs...”.  The word for unwholesome carries with it the concept of rotten, not good.  Words that we share that tear someone down are wrong.  In v.31, Paul says don’t slander.  The concept of slander there means don’t say something to tear someone down even if its true about the person.  When we do, the result is found in v.30, it “grieves” the Holy Spirit.  I think much of the negative, bitter comments on these blogs must really grieve God. Oh we justify them as protecting the faith and just being Biblical.  God says thats just being self-righteous, your comments are actually unwholesome and certtainly unneeded.